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Antique Gold Platinum AGL Burma No Heat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Diamonds - Old Mine & Old European Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Color - 0.80ctw (approx.) Total
Category

Antique 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1914 Halo Ring Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ruby and Diamonds Ring once created 111 years ago on the territory of The Grand Duchy of
Category

Vintage 1910s Finnish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 3.37gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Vintage Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand-made in Italy ca. 1960s - 1970s. Italian hallmarks
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Burmese Ruby And Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
blood color flanked with old mine cut diamonds estimate weight 1 carat H color white excellent spark
Category

Antique Early 1900s Cocktail Rings

Vintage Ring natural 7ctw Ruby Diamonds solid 9K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 4.4gr
Located in SE
Vintage cluster / cocktail Ring decorated with natural Rubies and Diamonds. Likely European, ca
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold

Victorian 18k Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Flush Mount Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
complemented by two flush set old mine cut diamonds. The diamonds display G/H color and SI1-SI2 clarity, and
Category

Antique 1880s North American Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 2.32 CTW Ruby Diamond 18K Two-Tone Gold Antique Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
throughout with old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.54 carats total J in color with VS2 to SI1
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified .3 Carat Natural Red Ruby Diamond Gold Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
certified natural and no heat. Two nice old mine cut diamonds. Handmade Victorian ring 1 Oval 4.62 x 3.43 x
Category

Antique 1890s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Ring Diamond Burma Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Navette Sz 6 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
karat yellow gold. Three Burma rubies total an estimated 0.90 carats. Old mine cut diamonds total an
Category

Late 20th Century American Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Victorian Style Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
one sparkling white old mine-cut diamond in the center of 0.32 carats weight. Artsy and delicately
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Revival Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1920 Art Deco 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 2.50 CTW in Diamonds Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
20 old mine diamonds totaling 1.10 carats in H color and VS clarity, plus 18 vibrant rubies weighing
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

3.52 Carat Antique Cushion Unheated Burma Ruby and Diamond 3-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Boston, MA
This red cushion cut cut ruby is custom set in an antique one-of-kind diamond and platinum ring
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Ring 16ct natural Ruby solid 14K Gold Ø 5.5US / 8.1 gr
Located in SE
Rubies cut cabochon. Total weight of the stones ca 16ctw. Eight stones of similar pinkish Red color ,one
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 0.8ct Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 9gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring with three stones in solid 18K Yellow Gold. This design reminds old Roman / Byzantine
Category

Vintage 1960s European Greek Revival Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1920 Estonian Ring 0.8 ct Ruby Diamonds 56/14K Gold ØUS7.75 / 4.3gr
Located in SE
Old Estonian cluster natural Ruby and Diamonds Ring made between 1919 -1924. This ring show well
Category

Vintage 1920s Estonian Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Ring natural 0.4 ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6US/ 2.7 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold band with braided shoulders holding old diamond cut natural Rose
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique German Halo Ring natural 0.7 ct Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø3.75US
Located in SE
Beautiful old German Halo Ring from ca. 1920s -1930s, with great stones and parts in solid 18K
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø 5 US/ 4.4gr
Located in SE
- Pink Ruby accented with 6 rose cut Diamonds. Hallmarked / tested 18K. European made ca. 1900 s - 1930s
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1918 Antique 3 stones Ring Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø US 8.75 / 3.1gr
Located in SE
Red Ruby ( lab made ) stone Ø 6.75 / ca. 1.25 and two old diamond cut diamonds in Platinum clusters
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

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

Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Antique Ring natural 1.4ct Ruby 1ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver ØUS 8 / 5.4g
Located in SE
Halo Propeller / Halo ring in 14K Rose Gold and Silver with natural Rubies Diamonds of old
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Silver, 14k Gold

Victorian Burma no heat ruby diamond 18k rose gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
antique old mine cut diamonds in a romantic 18k rose gold setting. Center stone: Cabochon cut ruby
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

KURT WAYNE Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 4.22 Ctw Vivid Rubies And Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric cocktail ring designed by Kurt Wayne (1909-1990). This magnificent gems-set ring was
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Snake Serpent Ring 0.45ct Natural Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US 8.5 /5.7gr
Located in SE
Antique Serpent Ring in solid 18K Orange Gold. Coiled body, head decorated with natural Ruby stone
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1.90 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Antique Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
set old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.70 carat total - J and M color with VS2 to SI2
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1924 Art Deco Nordic Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.5/1.5gr
Located in SE
inclusions and internal flaws. Old European diamond cut Diamonds Ø 1.75 mm / 0.025 ct each / color F, G /VS
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Pigeon s blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique 18th. cent Ring natural Ruby Diamonds 14K Rose Gold Silver Ø 8US / 4.4gr
Located in SE
Antique Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring. Likely 18th. century piece, French or German. No hallmarks
Category

Antique 1770s European Baroque Revival Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Victorian 2.59 CTW Ruby Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Antique Clustered Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
purplish red in color - prong set with halo surround Comprised of prong set old mine and European cut
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Ring Ruby Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Rose White Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 3.5gr
Located in SE
together decorated with Rubies ,Sapphires and Diamonds . European, ca 1950s -1960s . All stones of old
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau diamond ring from around 1910.
Located in Chorzów, PL
and platinum elements. Set with 14 diamonds in an old cut with a total weight of approx. 1.35 ct (VS-P
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Belle Epoque 2.00 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold/Silver Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
approximately 2.00 carats stunning oval natural emerald, accented by an halo of sparkling old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Art Deco 2.63 CTW Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Vintage Wheat Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color and bead set - flanked by diamonds Old mine cut and weighing approximately 2.38 carats total H to
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1892 British Three Stones Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold / Ø US6 / 2gr
Located in SE
Yellow Gold and 3 pave set stones : 2 old diamond cut Diamonds( Ø 2.5 mm/0.08ct each ) and one old
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Retro Synthetic Ruby Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
weighing approximately .40 carat. The ruby is beautifully complemented by an old mine cut diamond weighing
Category

20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

GEORGIAN 1760 England Ring In 16Kt Gold Silver With Dutch Rose Cuts Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Collateral: This Georgian ring accompanied by
Category

Antique 1760s English George III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1964 Nordic Ring 0.3 ct Ruby 0.22ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 7.5 US/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Elegant Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with Platinum clusters holding oval cut natural Rose Red Ruby
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian Enamel Swallow Ring
Located in North Hollywood, CA
black enamel on 14K Yellow Gold and set with old mine cut and rose cut Diamonds. Cabochon Ruby set as
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

4.73 Carat Art Deco Style GIA Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
yellow diamond weighing 4.73 carats skillfully adorned with cabochon rubies and old mine cut diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Revival Engagement Rings

Materials

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

.50 Carat Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Details: Weight: .50ct Cut: Old Mine brilliant Color: H Clarity: SI Ruby Details: Weight: .20ct Cut: Old
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Multi-Gem Cluster Ring Diamonds Rubis Emeralds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
bright old mine diamonds, three deep-blue sapphires, three vivid emeralds, and two rich rubies. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

AUSTRIAN HUNGARIAN 1915 Enameled Beetle Watch Ring In 18Kt Gold Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
settings, with 20 old European rose cut diamonds, with a total weight of about 0.90 carats. Rubies: The
Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring 3 natural Sapphire Red Blue Yellow solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.25
Located in SE
old European cut Sapphires. Sapphire in Blue of medium intensity Ø 3.75 mm / ca 0.25 ct with color
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

GIA 2.25 Carat Sapphire Diamond Fleur de Lis Gold Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
natural no heat Sapphires in the shape of a Fleur de Lis, with 25 old mine and rose cut accent diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18kt gold multi - colour gemstone three - row band ring
Located in Braintree, GB
18kt gold 1.30 cts. Ruby, 1.28 ct. Sapphire, and 1.00 ct. Old Mine-Cut Diamond Ring. A beautifully
Category

Antique 1880s Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold

KURT WAYNE Geometric Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.71 Ctw Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric cocktail ring designed by Kurt Wayne (1909-1990). This very bold and unusual cocktail
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Hallmarked 1842 18K Five Gemstone "Adore" Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
, 18 carat and was made in the year 1842. It is a size 8 1/4- 8 ½. The gemstones are old mine cuts
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Old Mine 6.90 Carats Natural Loose Rubellite Tourmaline Africa Mine
Located in Peshawar, PK
color spectrum ranges from delicate rose pink to intense ruby red. One of the remarkable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Congolese Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones

Materials

Rubelite, Tourmaline

Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
0.2-carat old mine cut ruby at the center symbolizing love and passion. The intricate gold 18K setting
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Platinum Emerald Diamond Ring Vintage Certified Natural Fine VS 6.04 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine Colombian Emeralds, Sapphires, and Antique Aquamarines set in Solid 18k
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Antique Emerald Diamond Navette Ring 18K Gold - Victorian c.1880
Located in London, GB
encompassed by 14 old mine-cut diamonds (approx 0.45ct total) that glisten wonderfully under lighting. The
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Emerald Diamond Navette Cluster Ring - c.1880
Located in London, GB
presents one central 'emerald-cut' emerald encompassed by 14 old mine-cut diamonds (approx 0.45ct total
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18K Black Opal Australian Diamond Vintage Ring GIA Solid Rainbow Fine 7.08 CTS!
Located in Sylvania, GA
& DIAMOND VINTAGE 18K RING! FINE EARTH-MINED HUGE 7.08 CARAT AUSTRALIAN SOLID OPAL, WITH LOTS OF GORGEOUS
Category

20th Century Australian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. GIA Platinum Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring Unheated Ceylon 18.26 CTS
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Sylvania, GA
ABOUT 1 Carat Each Old Mine Diamonds 8.24 Carats.) Sparkling White Antique Natural Diamonds in
Category

Antique 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

English Georgian 1780 Ring in 14 Kt Gold and Silver with Diamonds and Turquoise
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Collateral: It is accompanied by a
Category

Antique 1780s English Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

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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.