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1900s Ruby, Old Mine Cut Diamond and Gold Ring
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Wonderful 18K yellow gold, diamond and ruby ring. Alternating Old Mine Cut diamonds and French cut
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Early 20th Century Natural Burma Ruby Old Mine Cut Halo Cocktail Ring 18k Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
gorgeous center stone is surrounded by an incredible halo of 10 natural old mine cut diamonds and two
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Coktail Shuttle Ring Yellow Gold 18K Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Sapphire
Located in Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana
blade format. With beautiful old mine cut diamonds. G-H color and vs1-SI1 clarity. 9 Old mine cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 18k Gold Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Star Set Ring, circa 1896
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
mine cut diamond and flanked by two oval cut pinkish rubies. The scroll work to the head and shank of
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian .80 Carat Burmese Ruby 1.20 Carat Old Mine Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
/worn Gems: 1 cushion cut natural Burma ruby of approx .80 Ct (6.19 x4.67 mm.) - 2 old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style Engagement .98 Old Mine Cushion Cut Diamond Rubies Platinum Ring
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This is a beautiful art deco style engagement ring set with a .98 carat old mine cushion cut
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Double Head Snake Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
This super vintage 9k yellow brushed gold old cut diamond and ruby ring is beautifully crafted in
Category

Vintage 1970s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold

2.30 ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Alligator Ring Oxidized Sterling Silver, 14KT Gold
Located in New York, NY
2.30 ct Old Mine Cut (Polki Diamond) Diamond and 0.08 ct Ruby Eyes Alligator Ring set in Oxidized
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Essex, GB
. Accompanied by an independent jewellery report from IGR (#30307248). Cut – Cushion cut rubies and old mine
Category

Early 20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Ruby Carved Trilogy Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A delightful Victorian ruby and diamond ring. Centred by a 1.15 carat (approx.) old mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.75 Carat Old Cut and Ruby Trilogy Ring
Located in Essex, GB
shank. Accompanied by an independent jewellery report. Cut – Old mine cut diamond in the centre, with
Category

Early 20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco 2.30 Ct Natural No Heat Siam Ruby 1.0 Ct Old Mine Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
untreated natural Siam ruby of approx 2.30 Ct (9.53 x 8.04 mm.) - 2 old mine cut diamonds totalling approx
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

18 K Gold Snake Ring Old Mine Diamond 1.50 Carat Ruby Cabochion Cocktail Ring
Located in Milano, IT
Ring in snake shape, 18 K gold with numerous old mine brilliant cut diamonds and small cabochion
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
diamond navette ring is a Victorian classic; set with fourteen old mine cut diamond and centred with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
old cut rubies and old mine cut diamonds. Colour – The diamonds are F to I. Clarity – All the stones
Category

Early 20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold

Victorian 10.00 Carat Cabochon Ruby 1.70 Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
ruby, most likely Afghan in origin. Surrounded by 17 very bright, sparkly and substantial old mine cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Old Cut Diamond and Cabochon Ruby Trilogy Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
. Beautiful and unique. Accompanied by an independent jewellery report. Cut – Old mine cut diamond and round
Category

Mid-20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.75 Carat Old Cut Ruby Platinum Trilogy Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
shank. Accompanied by an independent jewellery report. Cut – Old mine cut diamond in the centre, with
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Natural Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Trilogy Crossover Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
– Oval mixed cut ruby with old mine cut diamonds either side and eight-cut diamonds in the shoulders
Category

Mid-20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
Set with old-mine-cut diamond weighing ca. 1,0 ct., brilliant-cut diamond weighing ca. 0,60 ct. and
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 1.95 Carat Natural Ruby and 1.60 Carat Old Cut Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Essex, GB
like to see a copy of the report. Cut – Cushion cut ruby and old mine cut diamonds. Colour – The
Category

Early 20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Austin, TX
Victorian emerald cut ruby and old mine cut diamond ring. Rubies set in gold and diamonds set in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Early 20th Century Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Essex, GB
-shaped shank. Accompanied by an independent jewellery report. Cut – Oval cut ruby and old mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Platinum Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
of H-VS2 quality that weigh 0.30ctw. • 28 Old mine cut diamonds of H-VS2 quality that weigh 0.25ctw
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Opal, Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
approximately 6mm by 4mm indispersed with 6 old cut rubies of approximately 1.5mm in diameter with a total
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 5 Stone Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Ring
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This is a beautiful antique late Victorian ring set with 3 old mine cut diamonds and 2 rubies. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Marguerite diamond ruby ring in 18-karat white gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Marguerite diamond ruby ring in 18-karat white gold. The ring features a central significant old
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring in 0.85ct Ruby
Located in Kendal, GB
twinkling old mine cut diamonds nestled in between, approx. 0.05ct each (0.20ct total). Ruby is the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Estate 18 Karat Gold Ruby GIA Certified and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Composition: 18K gold and platinum Stones: • 1 natural oval cut Ruby that weighs 0.86ctw. • 14 Old
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Enticing 18 Karat Gold and Silver Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This one of a kind ring is centered with a natural oval cut Burma ruby that weighs 1.02ctw
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring 1.15ct Ruby
Located in Kendal, GB
cushion cut ruby at its heart complete with two gem certifications that verify the stone is natural and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Retro Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Swirl Volute Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in Aurora, Ontario
synthetic rubies (8) 1 single cut, 7 old mine cut diamonds: 0.25ctw clarity: Si1-Si2 colour: I-J current
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Magnificent cocktail ring, with one square ideal cut diamond, of L si1, 1.20 carat And 95 old
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Synthetic Ruby 21 Karat Gold Bombé Ring
Located in Aurora, Ontario
appraiser. 1 old european cut synthetic ruby: 6.50mm 14 old mine cut synthetic rubies 21 karat yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Ruby, Yellow Gold

18 Carat Gold Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Marquise Ring
Located in Perth, AU
18ct gold ruby (0.50ct) and diamond (2.20ct) ladies dress ring. Old mine cut diamonds. Measures 1cm
Category

Antique 1870s British Belle Époque Engagement Rings

18 Carat Gold Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Marquise Ring
Located in Perth, AU
18ct gold ruby (0.50ct) and diamond (2.20ct) ladies dress ring. Old mine cut diamonds. Measures 1cm
Category

Antique 1870s British Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Victorian 1.55 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby .40 Carat Old Diamond Seven-Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Burmese Rubies and high grade old mine cut Diamond Beautiful example, finely hand carved 18 KT solid gold
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco 18ct Gold French Ruby and Diamond Tank Ring, Circa 1940
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
statement ring has a central bridge which connects either side of the shank and is set with 7 old cut
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond Gold Star Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 14ky gold ring setting old mine cut diamonds with ruby tips in a size 6.
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Platinum Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring features 2 round old mine cut diamonds weighing approx. 1.52 ct and 1 fine oval
Category

Vintage 1920s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Burmese Ruby Ring
Located in Southampton, NY
An early C20th platinum ring set with an oval pink Burmese Ruby at the center, with old mine cut
Category

French Engagement Rings

.76ct Diamond and Ruby Ring in Platinum
Located in Carmel, CA
This lovely ring features a .76 carat old mine cut center diamond (Estimated J color, VS1 clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Exquisite Victorian Diamond Ruby Rare Heart Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The main stone is an old mine cut Diamond of .45 Ct rated as H /VS sits proudly in a dedicated gold
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Important Ruby Diamond Antique Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
heat- Thai origin ruby of approx 1.70 Ct (7.72 mm. x 7.70 mm.) - 2 old mine cut diamonds totalling
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Exquisite Victorian Burma Ruby and Diamond Marquee Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
cut natural ruby of approx 1.60 Ct (7.76 mm. x 5.35 mm.) - 22 old mine cut diamonds totalling approx
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ladies Victorian Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
natural and has no signs of heating or any other treatments. The ruby is accented two 1.5 mm mine cut
Category

Antique 1850s American Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
brilliant old mine single cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carat total, set in 14K Yellow Gold
Category

20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Mid-Century 4.77ct Burma Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
4.77 carat no heat Burma ruby, bezel set within two waves of pavé old mine cut diamonds. It's crafted
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Spectacular Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Rare Victorian Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
/worn Gems: 5 oval faceted cut natural Burma rubies totalling approx 1.10 Ct – 20 old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Edwardian Burma Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Natural no heat Burmese Rubies and dazzling old mine cut Diamonds of the greatest purity Centre old mine
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Ruby Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Set with three circular-cut rubies between lines of baguette diamonds, old mine-cut diamond detail
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

French Belle Époque Untreated Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Middleton, WI
further 76 diamonds, a mix of old European mine cuts and Mazarin cuts. The diamonds add up to a total of
Category

Vintage 1910s French Belle Époque Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Southampton, NY
A silver on 15 karat yellow gold ring set with a burmese ruby at the center in a cluster of old
Category

English Cluster Rings

Early 20th Century Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Brisbane, AU
crossover shoulders. Each shoulder is grain set with five 1.4mm (0.01ct) to 1mm (0.005ct) old mine cut J/K
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Burma No Heat Ruby 2.10 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
heat) Burma ruby of approx .65 Ct (5.89 m. x 4.31 mm.) - 1 oval cushion cut old mine diamond of approx
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Stunning Edwardian Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring, 1910s
Located in Antwerp, BE
aligns from within a bulging square of 12 rubies with two old mine brilliant cut diamonds. With the
Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Authentic Victorian Era Ruby Diamond Gold Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
certificate stating that the stone is Unheated with Thai origin. A pair of Old Mine Cut diamonds flank either
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 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.