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Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Halo Ring, 18k Round Brilliant 1.30 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Yellow Gold Stone Information: Genuine Tahitian Pearl Diameter: 12mm Natural Diamonds Total Carats
Category

20th Century Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold South Seas Pearl Diamond Vintage Halo Ring, 18k Baguette 1.34 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 12.0 Grams Stamps: 18k, Maker's Mark Condition: Pre-Owned Condition Note: Professionally cleaned
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.31 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond Ring and Wedding Band 14 Karat Gold GIA Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
up 2 sizes for a $60 fee per size or down 1 size for a $60 fee. Once a ring is re-sized, we guarantee
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

.18 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond and Opal Inlay Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Men s
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 10 1/2 - 10 3/4. Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone
Category

20th Century Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rose Gold Blue Zircon and Diamond Halo Ring, 14 Karat Round Cut 2.96 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 8 1/2 - 8 3/4, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $30 fee. Once a ring is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Zircon, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

1.31 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond Ring and Wedding Band 14 Karat Gold GIA Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
up 2 sizes for a $60 fee per size or down 1 size for a $60 fee. Once a ring is re-sized, we guarantee
Category

20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. 18 Karat Gold Swirl Semi Bezel Set Diamond Band Ring .50 Carat
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. 4 mm wide 3.3g / 2.1 dwt Excellent pre owned condition. Just polished by our jeweler.
Category

20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Atlas Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Open Work Band Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
, this wonderful ring by luxury house, Tiffany & Co. from their iconic 'Atlas' Collection, will make a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Ever Us Diamond Ring White Gold 14 Karat Round Brilliant 1.64 Carat Two-Stone
By Ever Us
Located in Greensboro, NC
, S Condition: Pre-Owned Condition Note: Professionally Cleaned and Polished
Category

20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. 18 Karat Gold Swirl Semi Bezel Set Diamond Band Ring .50 Carat
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. 4 mm wide 3.3g / 2.1 dwt Excellent pre owned condition. Just polished by our jewler. Will be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

4.18 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond and Sapphire Ring 18k Gold Halo GIA Very Good
Located in Greensboro, NC
. The ring’s cathedral-style shoulders and bridge are graced by a stunning array of diamond accents, a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

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

Oval Cabochon Cut Turquoise and Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Halo .11 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 6, but it can be re-sized up or down 2 sizes for a $30 fee. Once a ring is re
Category

20th Century Chinese Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

.29 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Art Deco Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 8 3/4, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $25 fee or down 2 sizes for a
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Torrini Italian Diamonds Flower Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Owned - Excellent METAL: 18k yellow gold GEM STONE: Diamonds 2 carats DESIGN ERA: Contemporary RING
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Shimansky Diamond Solitaire Gold Ring
By Shimansky
Located in Napoli, NA
. CONDITION: Pre-Owned - Excellent METAL: 18k yellow Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 0.80 total carats DESIGN ERA
Category

2010s Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Platinum Diamond Ring - 950 Emerald Cut 2.16ctw GIA Engagement
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamond Carat(s): 1.38ct Cut: Emerald Color: L Clarity: VS1 Certified by: GIA Report Number: 2215057445
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Platinum Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
-Owned - Excellent METAL: Platinum GEM STONE: Diamond 1.90 total carats RING SIZE: US 7 7 1/2 - IT 15
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Estate Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A beautiful sapphire and diamond ring, set with an oval cut Ceylon Sapphire, weighing approx. 3.50
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1987 American Eagle $5 Coin Ring, 14k and 22 Karat Gold Diamond Halo .30 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 8, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $25 fee or down 2 sizes for a $20
Category

20th Century Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 22k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
diamonds and two trillon diamonds framing the 0.30 ct natural sapphire. Circa 1930 CONDITION: Pre-Owned
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1900s Opal Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
adorned by 0.30 carats Rose cut diamonds. Circa 1900' CONDITION: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k Gold
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Opal, Diamond

Tiffany Co. Diamond Solitaire Ring with Diamond Shoulders
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
This stunning Tiffany & Co ring boasts a centre diamond weighing 0.54 carat. It is simply dazzling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

IGI Certified Platinum European Cut Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
ring is set in platinum Center diamond is .76 carats Front of ring is approx. 10 mm in diameter Back
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

IGI Certified Platinum European Cut Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
ring is set in platinum Center diamond is .76 carats Front of ring is approx. 10 mm in diameter Back
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring - Cushion 5.37ctw Paraiba Type
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamonds Carat(s): .48ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 - SI1 Total Carats: 5.37ctw Style
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Estate Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
GEM STONE: Ceylon Sapphire 12,24 carats, Diamond 4,50 total carats RING SIZE: US 7 - IT 14 - FR 54
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1.7ct Natural Unheated Lavender Sapphire and Diamond Pave Band Platinum Ring
Located in Osprey, FL
: Center sapphire is 1.7ct; diamonds 0.55ctw ♥ Ring size: US 6.5 (Free resizing up or down 2 sizes) ♥
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Cartier Trinity Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Braintree, GB
weight : approx 0.96 ct Condition: Ring is pre-owned, no damage, excellent condition, please see
Category

2010s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Gold Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k Gold and Silver GEM STONE: Diamond 0.50 total carats RING SIZE: US 5
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Tiffany Co. 1.25ct Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
Clarity: VS2 Designer: Tiffany & Co. Metal: Platinum Age: Modern, Pre-owned Size: I 1/2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
0.70 carat - Diamond 0,80 total carats RING SIZE: US 5.5 - IT 11 - FR 51 - UK L-1/2, Resizable on
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Platinum Diamond Art Deco Ring - Old Cut Marquise 2.56ctw GIA Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
- 1930s Metal Content: Platinum Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): 2.40ct Cut: Old Cut Marquise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Sapphire Diamond Pearls Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
, weight approx. 2 carat, and surrounded by Sapphire, round Brilliant cut Diamonds and south sea micro
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Platinum Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a beautiful PLATINUM Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring. This estate ring features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Unisex Platinum Ring with Diamonds, 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
: VS1 Colour : E/F Condition : Ring is pre-owned, has surface wear throughout from general usage, no
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Diamond Coiled Snake Engraved Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
skin. A CONDITION: Pre-Owned - Excellent 10/10 METAL: 18k Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 1.20 ct. RING SIZE
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Lucida Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
: Platinum Age: Modern, Pre-owned Size: J 1/2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

White Gold Diamond Vintage Three-Stone Ring, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .75 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Condition: Pre-Owned Condition Note: Professionally Cleaned and Polished Tested to guarantee metal
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
with approx. 0.50 carat of Old Mine cut Diamonds graded H/I color Vs1 clarity framed in three white
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Art Deco Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
with approx. 0.50 carat of Old Mine cut Diamonds graded H/I color Vs1 clarity framed in three white
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Retro Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
carats F-G color SI. CONDITION: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 18k White and Yellow Gold GEM STONE
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
carat yellow gold claws securing the the emerald with a contrasting flair, this pre-owned ring is signed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Schlumberger Eternity Ring with Diamonds
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: Modern, Pre-owned Designer: Tiffany & Co. Size: M 1/2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Diamond Pearl Gold Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
: Pre-owned - Excellent METAL: 12k Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 0.50 total carats, Pearl RING SIZE: US 5/6
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Tiffany Co. Classic Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
Timeless in design and classically Tiffany & Co, this diamond solitaire ring features a 0.52 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Natural Oxblood Aka Coral Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
surrounded by 1.20 carat of sparkling pear and round brilliant cut Diamonds graded F/G Vs. Dimensions: Coral
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

1987 American Eagle $5 Coin Ring, 14k and 22k Yellow Gold Diamond Halo .30 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 8, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $25 fee or down 2 sizes for a $20
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, 22k Gold

Retro Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Platinum Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
of round brilliant-cut diamonds graded G/H color vs/vvs clarity. Circa 1950 CONDITION: Pre-owned
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cartier Twin Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bethesda, MD
♦ Designer: Cartier ♦ Metal:Platinum ♦ Gem stone: 16 Diamonds=.25 carats ♦ Gem stone: 2 Sapphires
Category

1990s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

IGI Certified Platinum Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
natural sapphires. Moderately included This ring is also set with 2 European Cut diamonds at approx. .55
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

De Beers 2.50ct Diamond Moving Star Ring
By De Beers
Located in London, GB
: Modern, Pre-owned Size: L 1/2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Platinum Solitaire Round Diamond Engagement Ring .70 I VS1
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned Tiffany & Co. solitaire engagement ring finely crafted in a 6 prong platinum mounting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Ring, 10k Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 10k White Gold Stone Information: Genuine Onyx Color: Black Natural Diamonds Carat(s): (One small
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

10.75ctw Oval Cut Peridot Diamond Ring - 14k Yellow Gold Halo Size 9
Located in Greensboro, NC
white diamond halo. This ring is a size 9, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $50 fee or down 2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

IGI Certified Platinum Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
natural sapphires. Moderately included This ring is also set with 2 European Cut diamonds at approx. .55
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

18k White Gold Canadian Diamond Engagement Ring 0.95TCW
Located in Victoria, BC
Pelegrin. Ring is in very good ready to wear pre owned condition. Purchase includes original appraisal
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Bvlgari Cabochon Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Braintree, GB
Colour : E/F Condition: Ring is pre-owned, minor general usage wear, no damage, great overall condition
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.