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Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring .66ct Ripley Howland Original 1890 s Antique Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from 1890's-1900's Ruby Diamond .66ct Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold

1941 Nordic Ring 0.2ct Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US6.25 / 1gr
Located in SE
Swedish ring with band in solid 18K Orange toned Yellow Gold decorated with old European cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1942 Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US 7 / 2 gr
Located in SE
Ruby oval cut 11 mm x 7 mm x 4.6 mm deep / ca. 3ct. Swedish hallmarks, 18K , date code Q8 / hand
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Gemstone 14k Yellow Gold Acrostic “Regard” Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
amethyst weighing approximately 0.10 carat, and one old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.05 carat
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring 0.36ct natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7 / 1.65 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Ruby and Diamonds Ring made ca. 1920s - 1930s. Fragmented Swedish hallmarks, 18K, metal
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1.18 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ruby Retro Ring, 14k Gold Palladium Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
(accents) Cuts: Round Brilliant (solitaire); Old Mine & Single (accents) Solitaire’s Carat: 0.40ct Accents
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Unisex Men Ring natural 1ct Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 8.5 / 8gr.
Located in SE
A Ring in solid Yellow 18K Yellow Gold with oval cut natural Ruby stone, Red with tint of Pink
Category

20th Century European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø8.75US/2.5gr
Located in SE
German Halo Ring from ca .1920s -1930s with natural Ruby and 16 rose cut Diamonds. Crown in White
Category

Vintage 1910s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Ring natural 1.55ct Ruby 1ctw Diamonds 56/ 14K Gold ØUS7/5.8g
Located in SE
Old Russian Halo ring in 14K Rose Gold and Silver with natural Ruby and Diamonds of old rose cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

18K Ruby Diamond Ring Vintage Unheated GIA Certified VS Fine Huge 13.68 Carats!
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents....LUXURY. BREATHTAKING GIANT RUBY! RARE GIA CERTIFIED VINTAGE
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1960 Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 7 US / 2.6 gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring with princess cut Ruby 4 mm x 4 mm x 2 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct accented with four 4
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sitting at the centre of this three stone beauty is a stunning 70pt Ruby and has an old mine cut
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

18K Ruby Diamond Ring Vintage Unheated GIA Certified VS Fine Huge 12.96 Carats!
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents...LUXURY. BREATHTAKING GIANT RUBY! RARE GIA CERTIFIED VINTAGE
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Platinum Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Miami, FL
with one natural earth mined weighing approximately 0.55 ct old mine cut diamond, I in color and VS2
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.70 Carat SI Ruby 0.65 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
: - 1 ruby (cushion cut, 0.70ct, slpR 6/4, SI) - 2 diamonds (old mine cut, TW 0.65ct, RW-W, VS-SI
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Russian Imperial Halo Ring 1.85ct Diamond Rubies 56 14K Gold Ø US7.5 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Rubies set in miniature Silver clusters, all also hand cut, measuring 3 mm x 1.5 mm / 0.025 ct each
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Silver, 14k Gold

Antique Ring Natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø US6 / 1.9gr
Located in SE
Fine cluster Ruby Ring made between ca.1900 -1930s. Combination of Gold, Platinum Ruby and Diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1901 Nordic Ring 0.7 ct natural Red Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS5.75 /2.05 gr
Located in SE
Ring for every day in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural Red Ruby of oval diamond cut 5.5
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Theodore B. Starr Victorian Burma Ruby and Diamond 3-Stone Ring
By Theodore B. Starr
Located in Narberth, PA
the center is a luscious no heat Burmese ruby framed by two sparkling old Mine Cut diamonds on either
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k Gold Silver 2.9ctw GIA Burma No Heat Ruby Oval 3 Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
across its top in which are each surrounded by an incredible old transitional cut diamond halo. One of
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1940 Nordic 4 stones Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US 7.75 / 1.8g
Located in SE
Platinum featuring two Red Rubies (likely lab-made) cut princess 5 x 5 mm / ca. 0. 7 ct each and two rose
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Star Set Pinky Ring
Located in London, GB
approximately 0.07ct, wonderfully flanked on either side by an old mine cut diamond, all securely held in place
Category

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

Materials

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

Shreve, Crump Low 5.25 Carat Oval Burma Ruby and Diamond 3-Stone Platinum Ring
By Shreve, Crump Low
Located in Boston, MA
ring consisting of one oval cut Burma ruby weighing 5.45 carats with AGL certificate No. CS44053, the
Category

2010s American Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

1916 Nordic Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25US /1.25gr
Located in SE
used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

ART DECO 1925 Fabulous Snake Ring In Platinum And 6.47 Ctw Diamonds Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
, with 4 French calibre cuts of natural vivid red rubies, with a weight of about 0.24 carats. Birthstone
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Fine Alexandrite and Diamond Cluster Ring, ca. 1890s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
reminds of an old-mine cut diamond and is also surrounded by a cluster of old-cut diamonds. It has a very
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Alexandrite, Diamond, Gold

C1860 18K Victorian Five Stone "ADORE" Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
spelled out romantic words in gemstones, were immensely popular. The gemstones on our ring are old mine
Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Emerald Diamond Vintage Ring Platinum GIA Certified AA Fine Antique 9.16 Carats!
Located in Sylvania, GA
-Mined Semi-Transparent Emerald...Approx: 7.65 Carats! 30 Round & Baguette Cut Diamonds Grade VS-SI F-G
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1949 Ring natural 3ct Rubellite solid 18K Gold Size Ø8 US / 3.1 gr
Located in SE
A ring with band in solid 18K Yellow Gold and oval cut natural Rubellite 10 mm x 7.5 mm x 4 mm deep
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Rubelite, 18k Gold

CARTIER Paris 1970 Andre Vassort Ring In 18Kt Gold With 3.36 Ctw Diamonds Onyx
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A ring designed by Cartier. This is a gorgeous ring created in Paris France by the jewelry house
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Platinum Diamond Antique Brooch Raymond Yard Pendant VS Old Mine Huge 8.19 Cts!
Located in Sylvania, GA
SOLID PLATINUM DIAMOND VINTAGE BROOCH IN ORIGINAL CASE! Big Old Mine Cut Diamonds Covering This
Category

20th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond and Ruby Wreath Brooch, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This lovely art deco brooch features a ring of french cut rubies adorned with a diamond bow. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau Diamond Ruby Enamel 18 Karat Gold Ladybug Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring an old mine cut diamond with rose and single cut diamond accents With bright purplish-red table
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Charm Bracelets

Materials

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

Edwardian 14k/Platinum Mother of Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald Cufflinks
Located in Narberth, PA
small old mine cut diamond held within platinum scalloped bezel setting. The two remaining discs feature
Category

1990s Edwardian Cufflinks

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Renaissance Ruby Diamond Cross Pendant c1580
Located in Chicago, IL
top of the upper arm of the cross) is an old mine cut diamond. That stone is a later replacement of a
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Victorian Ruby Diamond Silver Gold Crescent Moon Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
with 21 luscious rubies along the outside and a row of 25 sparkling old Mine and Rose Cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Jerusalem Cross Crucifix Ruby solid 9K Gold /10.6 gr
Located in SE
step of any resizing but machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for
Category

Vintage 1930s European Medieval Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 9k Gold

Vintage Danish stud halo Earrings Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold / 2.52gr
Located in SE
decorated with 16 diamond cut Rubies and removable central studs with bezel set blue sapphires that can be
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Ruby .83cttw Earrings 14K Yellow Gold Original 1880 s-1890 s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Dangle Earrings Featuring Two Natural Round Cut Ruby Gemstone Centers Genuine Old Cut Diamonds in
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Egyptian Pendant Beetle Turqouise Sapphire Ruby Emerald 18K Gold /3.15gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1960s Egyptian Egyptian Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

1983 USSR Soviet Russian Earrings Ruby solid 14K 583 Rose Gold / 2.58 gr
Located in SE
A pair of Soviet studs in solid 14K Rose Gold decorated with claw set diamond cut lab made Red Ruby
Category

Vintage 1980s Russian Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

KURT WAYNE Articulated Crab Brooch In 14Kt Gold With Onyxes, Rubies Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
silver. Kurt Wayne passed away in 1990. Rubies: Mount in bezel settings, with 2 round cabochons cut of
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

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

Georgian 1830 Convertible Pendant Brooch in 19Kt Gold 5.54 Ctw Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gemstone rings. Popular cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut'. Locating
Category

Antique 1820s British George IV Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold, 22k Gold

1930 Heart Pendant Picture Locket 583 14K Gold / 5.2 gr
Located in SE
, Red, Rose Gold Stone cut: Old European Cut Stone: Ruby Style: Arts and Crafts, Renaissance Revival
Category

Vintage 1930s European Greek Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Spanish Colonial 1785 Dangle Earrings 17kt Gold Silver with Diamonds and Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
gemstone rings. Popular cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Note: All
Category

Antique 1780s Spanish Baroque Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

GIA Australian Opal Platinum Solid Diamond 14K Vintage Pendant Natural 17.91 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
Jewelry, Pearls, Fine Tahitian Pearls, Black Opals, Natural Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine Colombian
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Dangle Grapes Earrings solid 14K Yellow Gold / 16.5gr
Located in SE
causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all. So if you request
Category

Early 20th Century European Jugendstil Dangle Earrings

Materials

14k Gold

Antique Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
18k Antique Ring with cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 1.20 carats and old mine cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Unheated Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Gourgeous Edwardian ring with a beautiful GIA certified, old mine (Mogok) unheated Burma Ruby
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Platinum Antique Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Rubies Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Composition: Platinum • 1 old mine cut diamond I-VS1 0.60ctw. • 12 natural calibrated cut rubies
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Old Mine Cut ​Ruby Diamond Dress Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
Antique-style diamond and ruby dress ring, centering on a natural-colored old mine cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Austin, TX
Edwardian Old Mine Cut Oval Diamond with Burmese Ruby Surround. 14k rose gold and platinum bezel
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Platinum Estate Old Mine Cushion Diamond and French Cut Rubies Ring
Located in Miami, FL
calibrated French cut rubies 1.50ctw. • 4 old mine cut diamonds I-VS1 0.10ctw Ring size: 7 ¼ Ring face
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Original Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Old Mine Ruby Ring
Located in Miami, FL
• 24 old mine cut diamonds J-SI3 0.80ctw. Ring size: 7 Ring face diameter: 12mm Height: 6mm.¬ Total
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Estate Platinum Antique Mine Cut Diamonds and Rubies Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Composition: Platinum • 1 old mine cut diamond I-VS1 0.64ctw. • 16 natural calibrated cut rubies
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Handmade Platinum 1.50 Carat Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamonds Ring
Located in Miami, FL
of H-VS2 quality that weigh 0.20ctw. ·20 Old mine cut diamonds that weigh 0.40ctw. Ring size: 7
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Platinum

Deep Red Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond 1930s Art Deco Ring 18 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
rubies each measure 1.75 millimetres. The Old Mine Cut diamonds have an estimated total of 0.50 carats
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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