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GIA Ruby NO HEAT Sapphire Diamond Antique Platinum Earrings 18K Mine 7.78 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
Earth-mined Sapphires--Approx. .88 Carats 20 Sparkling Old European & Mine Cut Antique Diamonds are VS
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Chandelier Earrings

Materials

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

18K Emerald Colombian Diamond Pendant Vintage GIA Cert Victorian VS Old Mine!
Located in Sylvania, GA
DIAMONDS. 1.01 CARATS RICH GREEN EMERALD, CROWNED WITH 1.73 CARATS FINE WHITE SPARKLING ANTIQUE OLD MINE
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
. Square shaped rubies possessing a lovely pinky red hue ascend the piece with a single old cut diamond at
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

18K Diamond Tahitian Pearl GIA Antique Pendant VS Old Mine Necklace 7.02 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
PENDANT & CHAIN & BOX! Rare Shimmering Old Mine Cut Diamonds. 7.02 Carats Of Fine Big Old European
Category

Antique 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian 18kt Gold Platinum Necklace with Diamonds and synthetic Ruby
Located in Aventura, FL
synthetic ruby of approximately 3.50 carats at its center, surrounded by a sparkling array of 19 old mine
Category

1990s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian 18kt / Platinum Diamond, Calibrated Ruby + Natural Pearl Necklace
Located in Narberth, PA
Old Mine Cut diamond held in an open-backed bezel. Matching chain and a spring ring marked "AU750
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Mixed Metal

Antique Ruby, Diamond, Pearl Luckenbooth Heart Crown Circle Brooch, Circa 1910
Located in London, GB
rubies and the other set with old-cut diamonds, in grain settings, surmounted with a coronet, set with
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Ruby, Diamond, Silver And Gold Drop Earrings, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
rubies and, with a ring of old mine-cut and rose-cut diamonds below, with a cluster in the centre, with
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Vintage Dangle Earrings Ruby solid 21K Gold / 2.6 g
Located in SE
A pair of shining dangles with briolette cut pink Rubies and faceted parts in solid 21K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Asian Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 22k Gold

Antique Russian Locket Pendant natural Ruby Demantoid solid 56(14K) Gold / 10gr
Located in SE
. Measures 45mm (with bail) x 27 mm x 8mm deep. Weight : 10 grams All stones of old European Diamond cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Russian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Negilgee Necklace
Located in London, GB
features an infinity motif at the centre adorned with rich pinky red rubies and a row of old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage Earrings Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold /5.3 gr
Located in SE
each earring, there are 12 natural Rubies of gradual sizes, 11 princess cuts, and one triangular cut
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold

Egyptian Revival Scarab Brooch 1ctw Ruby 1ctw Emeralds 0.56 ctw Diamonds /7.6gr
Located in SE
2.5 mm / ca.0.13 ct each. Total weight of Rubies here: ca. 1.8ct Largest old diamond cut Emerald Ø
Category

Vintage 1950s Egyptian Egyptian Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver, Gold-filled

Antique Egyptian Scarab Brooch Ruby Sapphire Diamonds Citrine Garnet Gilt Silver
Located in SE
ctw 15 natural Burma Rubies of variable tints of Red, all oval cut. 28 rose cut natural Diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Egyptian Egyptian Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Citrine, Garnet, Sapphire, Gold-filled, Silver

Imperial Russian 84 Silver Bangle Bracelet natural 2ct Sapphire Ruby Enamel/34gr
Located in SE
surrounded with 12 baguette cut Rubies 2.25 mm x 2 mm /0.045 ct / ca 0.45 ctw. Ornamental divided Black
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Enamel

Antique Ruby and Diamond Mourning Hand Brooch
Located in London, GB
matching rubies and a padlock chain bracelet just below before five rows of graduating old mine-cut white
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

1930 Russian Earrings Rubies 3.3 ctw Ural Demantoid solid 14K Rose Gold / 5.4 gr
Located in SE
cut Russian Demantoid Garnet stones and lab made Rubies. Each earring is marked with Soviet Union's
Category

Vintage 1930s Russian Art Deco Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Halo stud Earrings 1ctw. natural Ruby 0.65ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold/3.9gr
Located in SE
-1960s. Each floret Ø 11mm x 6mm deep. Two claw set natural rosy Red Rubies old diamond cut Ø 5 mm / ca
Category

Vintage 1950s English Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1989 Soviet Union Ukraine Kiev Dangle Earrings Ruby solid 583 /14K Gold /2.13gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1980s Ukrainian Russian Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Butterfly Brooch Pin 2ct Ruby 1.5 ct Diamond 10K Gold Silver / 3.9gr.
Located in SE
rose cut Diamonds set in Silver , 10K Rose and Green Gold. One Ruby is of old table cut 7 mm x 5 mm
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century European Renaissance Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Silver

Vintage Earrings natural 0.5 ctw. Ruby 0.3 ctw. Diamonds 18K White Gold / 2.3gr
Located in SE
. Each Ruby is surrounded with 10 diamond cut Diamonds Ø 1.5 mm /0.015 ct each. Thus total diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Retro Ruby Diamond Gold Floral Bow Brooch Circa 1950
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
: Twenty one old mine cut, average material, estimated total weight 3.60cts Diamonds: Thirteen small pave
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Antique Hope Love Heart Locket Pendant 82 Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald 14K Gold
Located in SE
covers inside. All Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies and Emeralds are naturals, all 82 stones are hand - cuts
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

1916 Finish Earrings solid 18K Gold Ruby / 4.8 gr
Located in SE
A pair of Art Nouveau period 108 years old Gold earrings decorated with flowers ans rose cut Rubies
Category

Early 20th Century Finnish Art Nouveau Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

FRENCH Antique 18kt gold Stick Pin with Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
mine and rose cut diamonds, as well as vivid blue sapphires and rubies, lending vibrant color and
Category

Antique 1880s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...

Vintage stud Earrings natural Ruby Diamonds solid18K Gold /4.7 gr
Located in SE
. 0.28ct each. Total weight of Rubies: ca. 0.9ctw Two larger brilliant cut Diamonds x Ø 2 mm / 0.04 ct
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1978 Georgian Dangle Earrings Ruby 583 / 14K Rose Gold/3.62gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1970s Georgian Russian Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

18K Ruby Unheated AGL Diamond Necklace Pendant Vintage Natural Huge 14.58 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents...VINTAGE LUXURY. AGL CERTIFED 14.58 CARAT NO HEAT RUBY DIAMOND
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Art Deco Bracelet Wrist Watch
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
with .80 carats TW of Old Mine cut Rubies and .50 carats TW round faceted Diamonds. A Swiss made manual
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Diamond Pearl Ruby Earrings 14K Certified Huge French Georgian 1700s
Located in Sylvania, GA
Approx: 1.48 Carats 2 Tiny Rose Cut Natural Earth-Mined Red Rubies GIA Certification Official Document
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Unknown Georgian Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Vintage Earrings natural 1.35ctw Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 4.4gr
Located in SE
naturals. Each Sapphire is surrounded with 12 old European cut diamonds Ø 1,5 mm / ca. 0.02 ct. each. Thus
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

1960’s Gentleman s Gold and Gemstone Ring
Located in Toronto, ON
set with three old mine cut diamonds and a round brilliant cut diamond, total diamond weight
Category

Vintage 1960s More Jewelry

Materials

Beryl, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

1944 Pendant with natural 4ct. Ruby solid 18K Yellow Gold / 3.8gr
Located in SE
step of any resizing but machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Arts and Crafts Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Rubies Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.63 gr
Located in SE
. 1960s -1970s. Two bezel set oval cut natural rosy Red Rubies 4 x 3 mm / ca. 03 ct each, both
Category

Vintage 1960s English Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Rubies Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.7 gr
Located in SE
inclusions typical for naturals. Each Ruby is surrounded with 11 old brilliant cut diamonds Ø 1.25 mm
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Earrings Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald Tourmaline Pearl 18K Gold/10.3gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

1900s set Necklace Pendant natural 2ctw Ruby 2ctw Tourmaline Pearl Gilt Silver
Located in SE
Pearls. There are both round old European diamond cut and oval diamond cut stones. All stones have closed
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Renaissance Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, Tourmaline, Silver, Gold Plate

1985 Soviet Union Odessa Dangle Earrings Ruby solid 583 /14K Rose Gold /2.2gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1980s Ukrainian Russian Revival Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage European stud Earrings Sapphire Emerald Ruby solid 18K Gold / 6.1 gr
Located in SE
cut natural Blue Sapphires, Green Emeralds, and Red Rubies Ø x 2.5 mm each / ca. 0.1 ct each. Each
Category

Vintage 1970s European Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Necklace 21K Gold 7.8 ctw 12natural Blue Red Green Sapphires Rubies/5.1g
Located in SE
used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all
Category

20th Century European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Green Sapphire, 22k Gold

Antique Iberian Diamond Pendant/Brooch 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
, rose-cut, and old mine-cut diamonds - all together weighing approx. 2.80 carats. A superb, stunning
Category

Antique 1850s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Vintage Heart Locket Pendant natural Gems solid 18K / 3.7 gr
Located in SE
The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Vintage Austrian Charm Bracelet solid 14K/18K Gold 20 Charms / 19cm /23.5gr
Located in SE
step of any resizing but machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Retro Bangles

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Spinel, Ruby, Pearl, Chalcedony, Amethyst, 18k ...

GEORGIAN 1820 Blue And White Enameled Necklace In Sterling Silver With Marcasite
Located in Miami, FL
cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Collateral: This Georgian-period
Category

Antique 1820s English Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Marcasite, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Emerald Colombian Raymond Yard Diamond Pendant GIA Huge Vintage 12.09 Carats!
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in Sylvania, GA
SPARKLING BIG ANTIQUE OLD MINE & ROSE CUT DIAMONDS FROM 100 YEARS AGO...STUNNING RARE BIG .80 CARAT AND
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

GIA 18K Sapphire Diamond Earrings Vintage Certified Natural Dangle 8.58 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
Designer Jewelry, Pearls, Fine Tahitian Pearls, Black Opals, Natural Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine
Category

20th Century Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

GEORGIAN 1810 England Blue Enameled Pendant In Silver Gold Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Guilloche This term is used in fine jewelry to enhance the appearance
Category

Antique 1810s English George IV Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

GEORGIAN 1800 Antique Necklace Earrings Set In 18Kt Gold With 11.84 Ctw Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Collateral: This set is accompanied by the original
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Chain Necklaces

Materials

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

18k Colombian Emerald Diamond Vintage GIA Necklace Pendant Fine VS 34.72 Carats!
Located in Sylvania, GA
Antique Designer Jewelry, Pearls, Fine Tahitian Pearls, Black Opals, Natural Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds
Category

20th Century Colombian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

1956 USSR Soviet Baku Earrings solid 14K 583 Yellow Gold / 1.35 gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1950s Azerbaijani Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Georgian 1785 Antique Earrings in 15kt Gold and Enamel with 5.64 Ctw in Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Georgian gemstone rings. Popular cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut
Category

Antique 1780s English George IV Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

GIA Antique Australian Opal 14K Pendant Natural Vintage Necklace Solid Gold Fine
Located in Sylvania, GA
Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine Colombian Emeralds, Sapphires, and Antique Aquamarines set in Solid 18k
Category

Antique 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant / Brooch, 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
set with round old cut diamonds ain open back grain and rub over further adorned with round rose cut
Category

Antique 1860s Spanish Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Five-Stone Burmese Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
An impressive Victorian five stone ruby ring, consisting of five cushion-cut rubies graduating in
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian ruby and diamond ring, the oval shaped faceted ruby weighing 0.61 carats
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

A Regency Cannetille Gem-set Cross Brooch
Located in London, GB
weigh 0.9 carats, surrounded by eight rectangular-cut rubies and eight old mine-cut diamonds, the rubies
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1.03ct Old Mine Cut 1.15ct Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Atlanta, GA
This Art Deco ring features a stunning 1.03 carat Old Mine Cut diamond at its center, which is
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

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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.