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18K Gold 5 CT Natural Diamond and Emerald Antique Art Deco Style Engagement Ring
Located in Orlando, Florida
18K Gold 5 CT Natural Diamond and Emerald Antique Art Deco Style Engagement Ring A stunning ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Calibre Cut Ruby Platinum and Yellow Gold Bar Pin
Located in Aurora, Ontario
are accented by 3 larger old mine cut diamonds and 20 rose cut diamonds. There are 20 rose cut
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Magnificent Victorian Green Enamel Diamond Ruby Rare Snake Bracelet
Located in Napoli, IT
circular motif with a further Diamond tail like running through the body Diamonds are all old mine cut with
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Certified 1.12ct Natural Vivid Pink Sapphire Unheated Gemstone Ring Gemstone
Located in Makola, LK
earth-mined stones, and most of the stones are from our mines located in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). If you
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Loose Gemstones

Materials

Pink Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
cut (old mine) diamonds 0.70ct. Mix of old mine and rose cut diamonds in an 18 carat yellow gold with
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Haute Victorian Gem-Set Pendant Chain
Located in Wimberley, TX
of approximately 2.35 carats to a surround of twelve (12) old mine and cushion cut diamonds to a ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Natural Pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
cut (old mine) diamonds 0.70ct. Mix of old mine and rose cut diamonds in an 18 carat yellow gold with
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

1.69 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Ruby Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
center is a magnificent, fiery and impressively large 1.64ct old mine cut diamond with excellent VS1
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Style Rubies Old Mine Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
natural, earth-mined stones. The rubies are cut and set with exceptional craftsmanship, as each stone is
Category

2010s Italian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Retro Ruby and Old Mine Diamond 14k Ring
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
timeless treasure. The ring is set with old mine and round cut diamonds that weigh approximately 0.50ct
Category

20th Century Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Inspired 0.53 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique Inspired Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one old mine cut
Category

2010s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 2.25 Carats Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
crafted in platinum, the ring showcases the mesmerizing combination of old mine-cut diamonds and vibrant
Category

1990s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Estate Vintage Antique Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Cut Art Deco Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For sale is a gorgeous estate Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring! Showcasing one (1) Old
Category

20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Style 1.44 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cut French cut rubies and you have this gorgeous engagement ring with endless sparkle. The old mine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Style 1.44 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cut French cut rubies and you have this gorgeous engagement ring with endless sparkle. The old mine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian Ruby Ring Old Mine Cut Diamond Halo 14 Karat Gold Antique Engagement
Located in New York, NY
stunning beauty. The ruby is surrounded by a halo of 8 sparkling antique Old Mine Cut Diamonds. This is the
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique 18 Karat White Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique 18 Karat Old Mine Cut Natural Diamond & Ruby Filigree Cocktail Ring Size 5.5 Metal: 18k
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Retro French Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby 18K Rose Gold Platinum Tank Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Retro French Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby 18K Rose Gold Platinum Tank Ring. Featuring one old mine
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 3.65 CTW Burmese Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond Navette Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boston, MA
A victorian period No Heat Burmese ruby and old mine cut diamond navette form ring. Centered by
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Ruby Target Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Gold Center Diamond: Carat Weight: 0.86 Cut: Old Mine Color: S-Z Clarity: I2 Additional Gemstones: 19
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
hoop ring. Bright red rubies are set in gold and on either side of it as old mine cut diamonds set in
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

0.86 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Engagement Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Hand crafted in 18k gold Art Deco inspired ring features a sparkling and large .86 Old Mine cut
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
highly desirable rich red hue and is surrounded by a cluster of chunky old cut white diamonds. The ring
Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Platinum

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

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.64 Carats Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color. Flanked by two old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carat total. I color with I1
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Old Cushion Cut Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Exquisite Art Deco reproduction engagement ring set with an old mine cushion cut diamond weighing
Category

1990s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian Platinum 18 Karat Gold Old Euro and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous antique ring with old mine and old euro cut diamonds with a ruby as the center stone
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Low profile calibre cut ruby and old european cut diamond ring with rounded shank. Main Stone
Category

Mid-20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Burma Ruby Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
gorgeous engagement ring features a Burma no heat ruby in the center surrounded by old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Victorian Fancy Yellow Old Mine / Rose Cut Diamond Ruby 18K Gold Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
carat VS1 clarity fancy yellow old mine center stone. This fancy yellow old mine engagement ring is
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Snake Ring. This beautiful ring is
Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Victorian diamond and ruby ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. This ring features three old mine cut
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Horseshoe Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Horseshoe Ring. This
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Ring. This gorgeous ring is
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
classic band is crafted in 18k yellow gold. The ring holds two old mine cut diamonds and a natural ruby in
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique Certified Natural Unheated Ruby Old Mine Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
large Sparkling Old mine cut diamond weighing 2.50 ct. all together, graded G/H color Vs2. Circa 1940
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Flush Set Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Flush Set Ring. This
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring. This incredible
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Old Mine Diamond Ruby Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
features an Old Mine cut center diamond weighing approximately .35 carats, and another 14 Old Mine cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Burmese Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Vertically-set pairs of old cut diamonds alternate with three oval-shaped Burmese rubies in this
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Snake Ring with a Mine Cut Diamond Burma Rubies, c. 1890, American
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique serpent ring with a mine cut diamond mounted in his head and 2 small vivid red unheated
Category

Antique 19th Century American Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Art Deco 1.12 Carat Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
cocktail ring. From the dazzling, romantic, old mine cut diamond, to the accented ruby "eyes" this shield
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Victorian wedding band is crafted in 18K yellow gold and has old mine cut diamonds and rubies on the top
Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 2.70 Carats Ruby Old Mine Diamond 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster ring centers an oval cut ruby weighing approximately 0.70 carat. Eye clean with vivid red
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Old Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum 950 with Emeralds and Rubies
Located in Lucerne, CH
A fantastic tricolor antique diamond ring. The unusual octagonal outline certainly gives it an Art
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum

Antique 5-Stone Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1880
Located in London, GB
Beautiful hand carved Late Victorian 5 stone ring set with three old mine cushion cut diamonds and
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Cut Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Cut Diamond Ruby Ring. This beautiful
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 14k Gold Platinum GIA Old Mine Pear Diamond Ruby Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
in excellent condition. It features an old mine pear cut diamond (RARE) center that displays so much
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Retro Old Cut Diamonds and Synthetic Rubies Tank Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
an old cut diamonds weighing around 0.50ct and is also adorned with 18 old cut diamond in the centre
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Ruby Old Mine Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color Prong set in a platinum-topped head with a halo surround of prong set old mine cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 2.00 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
edge before this ensemble is made complete by a single old mine cut diamond at each corner of the face
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Victorian Rosy Gold AGL No Heat Ruby GIA Old Mine Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - H Color - VS2 Clarity - 0.57ctw (exact) ** See Certification Details
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian English 18k Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Wide Snake Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. The head of the snake features a chunky old mine cut diamond on its
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

French Art Deco 2.00 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
edge before this ensemble is made complete by a single old mine cut diamond at each corner of the face
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

French Art Deco 2.00 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
edge before this ensemble is made complete by a single old mine cut diamond at each corner of the face
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 12K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 12K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 14K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 14K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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