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Retro Gold 3 Carat Cocktail Ring Natural Diamonds Sapphire and Pearl, circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold 3 Carat Cocktail Ring set with Natural Diamonds, Sapphire & 10.5mm Pearl
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 2.40 Carat Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow & White Gold Cocktail Ring set with 2.40 Carats Natural Cabochon Ruby & Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Pair of 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold Rub-Over Diamond Stacking Rings
Located in London, GB
We're in love with this pair of simple but elegant diamond and 18 carat gold stacking rings. Two
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Gold 1.15 Carat Natural Marquise Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold 2 Carat Natural Marquise Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1960. Included
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Platinum Diamond Retro Ring - 950 Transitional 1.20ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .50ct Cut: Transitional Color: H Clarity: VS2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Aquamarine Diamond Ring - 950 Oval 1.49ctw Bypass
Located in Greensboro, NC
Information Natural Aquamarine Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.44ct Cut: Oval Natural Diamonds Carat(s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Diamond Wedding Band - Round Brilliant .50ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F - G Clarity: VS1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Ring - 10k 2.00
Located in Greensboro, NC
10k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Diameter: 5.6mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): (2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire Diamond Ring 950 Round 2.25ctw Blossom Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.35ct Cut: Round Stone Note: weighed Natural Diamonds Carat(s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Platinum Diamond Retro Engagement Ring - 950 Rd .66ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .50ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H Clarity: I1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring - 14k Princess .50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Princess Color: J - K Clarity: VS2 - SI1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Garnet Diamond Ring - 10k Oval 1.46ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Garnet Carat(s): 1.40ct Cut: Oval Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .06ctw Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k .10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .10ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H - I
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Tanzanite Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 1.68ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamonds Carat(s): .16ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Total Carats: 1.68ctw
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Platinum Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring - 950 European Single .62ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .62ctw Cut: European Single Color: H - I
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Diamond Retro Engagement Ring - 950 Transitional .54ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .50ct Cut: Transitional Color: F Clarity: VS1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Garnet Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 2.94ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Square Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .24ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H - I Clarity: SI1 - I1 Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K 2Tone Toi et Moi 1.31 Carats Kite and Emerald Cut Diamond Bezel Set Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A contemporary take on the romantic toi et moi ("you and me") style, this elegant diamond ring
Category

2010s Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Yellow Gold Amethyst Diamond Ring 14k Oval 1.95ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Amethyst Carat(s): 1.75ct Cut: Oval Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw Cut: Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Ring 14k Marquise 1.20
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .30ct Cut: Marquise Color: E Clarity: VS2 Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary 1.80ct Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
: Modern, Pre-owned Size: M 1/2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Five-Stone Wedding Band - 950 Single .15ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .15ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring - 10k Marquise 1.00ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .10ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: SI2 - I1 Total Carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Tourmaline Diamond Engagement Ring - Oval 1.89ctw Pink
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stamps: Plat, maker's mark Condition: Pre-Owned Condition Note: Some of the girdles on the diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring 18k Oval .70ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .60ct Cut: Oval Natural Diamonds Carat(s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Tanzanite Diamond Ring - 10k Marquise 1.16ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
): .16ct Cut: Marquise Natural Diamonds Carat(s): (1) small Cut: Single Total Carats: 1.16ct Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Aquamarine Diamond Ring 14k Pear 1.48ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Aquamarine Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.30ct Cut: Pear Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Aquamarine Diamond Ring - Round 1.43ctw Etched Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .40ctw Cut: Princess & Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Oval .84ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .60ct Cut: Oval Natural Diamonds Carat(s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Tanzanite Diamond Ring 14k Marquise .66ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
): 0.50ct Cut: Marquise Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 0.16ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: I1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 5.06ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Note: opaque Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .30ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: J - K Clarity: I1 - I2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .70ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .70ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H - I Clarity: I2 Total Carats: .70ctw
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring 10k Oval 1.30ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .10ctw Cut: Single Color: J - K Clarity: SI2 - I1 Total Carats: 1.30ctw Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Garnet Diamond Ring - 10k Cushion Checkerboard 1.10ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Garnet Carat(s): 1.10ct Cut: Cushion Checkerboard Natural Diamonds Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring - 18k Round Brilliant 1.25ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .75ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: I1 Stone Note
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Band - 14k Baguette .50ctw Wedding Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Baguette Color: H - I Clarity: SI2 - I1 Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Men s Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.10ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Aquamarine Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Cushion 2.63ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Aquamarine Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 2.09ct Cut: Cushion Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - 900 Round .77ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .57ct Cut: Round Color: Blue Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Band 14k Round Brilliant .50ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Champagne Clarity: I1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Akoya Pearl Diamond Ring - 14k .30ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Akoya Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .30ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Crossover Band - 14k Baguette .50ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Baguette Color: F - G Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Total Carats: .50ctw
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Tanzanite Diamond Ring - 14k Oval .62ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamonds Carat(s): .12ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H - I Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Total Carats: .62ctw Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Cartier ‘C Heart’ Diamond Ring with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
18 carat white gold and is a size K 1/2. This piece can not be resized. This ring would make a great
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. 3mm Diamond Channel Band - 950 Round .54ctw Wedding Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamonds Carat(s): .54ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: E - F Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Total Carats: .54ctw Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond

Platinum Akoya Pearl Diamond Ring - Round Brilliant .34ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Information Akoya Pearl Color: White Size: 9.2mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .34ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Oval 1.28ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.10ct Cut: Oval Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Citrine Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Oval 3.71ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Citrines Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .46ctw Cut: Square Natural Diamond Carat(s): (2) small Cut: Single
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Kunzite Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 5.99ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
): 1/2" (12.1mm) Rise Above Finger: 3/8" (9.1mm) Weight: 6.0 Grams Stamps: 14k Condition: Pre-Owned
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 10.31ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
become very oval in shape. Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .56ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
marks, 2 Condition: Pre-Owned
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Tanzanite Diamond Ring - 14k Trillion 1.44ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Purple Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .04ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: SI2 - I1 Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Tanzanite Diamond Ring - 18k Trillion 3.17ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Color: Purple Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .60ctw Cut: Baguette & Round Brilliant Color: F - G Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Amethyst Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 1.85ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamonds Carat(s): .10ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: VS2 - SI1 Total Carats: 1.85ctw Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary 0.80ct Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
, Pre-owned Size: N 1/2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring Wedding Band - 14k Round .20ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 14k Yellow Gold 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .14ct Cut: Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Pear 1.15ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .70ct Cut: Pear Natural Diamonds Carat(s
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Pre Owned 2 Carat Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact pre owned 2 carat diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, white gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 1273 vintage editions and 634 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a pre owned 2 carat diamond ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A pre owned 2 carat diamond ring from Tiffany Co., Cartier and David Yurman — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also mixed cut and uncut versions for sale. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a pre owned 2 carat diamond ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Pre Owned 2 Carat Diamond Ring?

The price for a pre owned 2 carat diamond ring starts at $110 and tops out at $279,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $1,619.

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.