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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

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

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co Etoile Diamond Eternity Band Yellow Gold18k Plat950 .22ctw Ring 6.5
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .22ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: E - F Clarity: VS1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Quilted Pavé Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Van Cleef & Arpels, a quilted gold ring inset with shimmering pavé set diamonds ♦ Designer
Category

Vintage 1980s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14k White Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 0.69TCW
Located in Victoria, BC
, polish, and proportions. Side Diamonds: 2 round brilliant cut diamonds, each approximately 0.145 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Platinum Soleste Half Circle Round Diamond Band Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.19 carats. Designed for understated elegance, the diamonds are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Modern Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This pre-owned yellow gold wedding band is adorned on top with 9
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

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

14k White Gold Princess Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in Victoria, BC
Vancouver appraiser Estela Pelegrin. Ring is in very good ready to wear pre owned condition. Purchase
Category

Early 2000s American Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Maui Divers Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Plumeria Flower Ring Yellow Gold 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diameter: 6.5mm Natural Diamond Carat: .03ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I Clarity: I1 Style: Solitaire
Category

20th Century Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970 GIA 2.18ct Natural ROUND Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
by GIA Diamond report and an appraisal for $19,000.00 The ring is pre-owned, very good condition
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Bulgari Serpenti Rose Gold Full Diamond and Rubellite Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Bulgari's Serpenti collection, thier rose gold and full pavé diamond snake ring set with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

14 Karat White and Rose Gold Diamond Butterfly Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K White and Rose Gold Diamond Butterfly Ring Size 5 This sparkly elegant butterfly
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. Burma Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
: 18 karat and platinum ♦ Oval Heated Burma Ruby=1.02 carats ♦ 2 Diamonds=.23 ♦ Circa 1990 ♦ Size 6
Category

1990s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co. 1.93ct Victoria Alternating Diamond Full Eternity Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
Clarity: VVS1+2 Metal: Platinum Age: Modern, Pre-owned Size: L
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring, 14k Oval Cut 2.34ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 8mm x 6.1mm Natural Diamonds Carats: .64ctw Cut: Baguette Color: J - K Clarity: SI2 - I1
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring, 14k Mine Cut .25ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamond Carat: .25ct Cut: Mine Color: H Clarity: I1 Style
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

White Gold Aquamarine Diamond Ring - 14k Square Cut .79ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 5.9mm (square) Natural Diamonds Carats: .04ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I - J Clarity: SI2
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Bypass Ring, 14k Marquise Cut .45ctw Engagement
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 14k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamond Solitaire Carat: .20ct Cut: Marquise Color
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Two-Tone Princess and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Total Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: Modern, Pre-owned Size: M / 6 1/2
Category

1990s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Platinum Ladies Cluster Ring with Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
: Approx 0.20 ct Condition : Ring is pre-owned, minor wear and tear from general usage, no damage
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Tiffany Co Diamond Starburst Ring Sz 7 Platinum Cluster Signed Jewelry
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Tiffany & Co starburst ring crafted in 950 platinum (circa 2000s). Round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

.75ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Ring, 14k Yellow Gold Men s Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 10 1/2, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $35 fee or down 2 sizes for a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Hermes Chaine d Ancre Enchainee 18kt. gold ring with diamonds
By Hermès
Located in Braintree, GB
Ring size: Diameter x height: 2 x 0.7 cm Total weight: 4 grams Diamonds - Cut: Round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Halo Ring, 14k Emerald Cut 1.05ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6.2mm x 4.9mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .35ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: K - L Clarity
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond V Band, 10k Single Cut .12ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .12ctw Cut: Single Color: H - I Clarity: SI2 - I1 Center Opening at
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring, 14k Oval Cut .63ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Blue Size: 5.6mm X 3.9mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .08ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Color: G
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Diamond Ring - 10k Oval Cut 1.14ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Purplish Red Size: 7mm x 5mm Natural Diamonds Carats: .14ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring 10k Round Brilliant Baguette .50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
) Ring size: 8 1/2 Stamps: 10k Condition: Pre-Owned Professionally cleaned, polished, and tested to
Category

20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

White Gold Amethyst Diamond Halo Ring, 14k Cushion Cut 4.36ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 10.1mm (square) Natural Diamonds Carats: .28ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, White Gold

Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Bypass Ring, 14k Cabochon Cut .60ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamonds Carats: .10ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H - I Clarity: SI2 - I1 Total Carats: .60ctw
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Men s Ring, 14k Square Cut .55ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Pinkish Red Size: 3.7mm (square) Natural Diamonds Carats: .15ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Diamond Ring, 10k Pear Cut 1.13ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 1.10ct Cut: Pear Color: Blue Natural Diamonds Carats: .03ctw Cut: Single Color: J - K Clarity
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, 10k Single Cut .10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .10ctw Cut: Single Color: I - J
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring, 10k Single Cut .10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .10ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co Diamond Halo Ring Sz 5.75 Platinum Round Engagement Signed Jewelry
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Pre-owned Tiffany & Co halo ring crafted in 950 platinum (circa 2000s). Center set round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

1.00ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Wedding Band - Platinum Anniversary Ring Size 6
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 6, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $50 fee. Once a ring is re-sized, we
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Brilliant Earth GIA Certified 18 Karat Gold Diamond Engagement Ring and Band
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Diamond is .43 carats and of VS2 clarity and E color Front of ring is 6mm in diameter Shank is approx. 2
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Bellarri Multi Gemstone Diamond Ring Estate 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Bellarri
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed pre owned Bellarri cocktail ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Centrally
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Cultured Pearl Diamond Wave Bypass Ring - 14k Crosshatch
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information: Genuine Cultured Pearl Diameter: 6.2mm Natural Diamonds Total Carats
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, White Gold

Platinum Estate Vintage Antique GIA Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Trapezoid Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
are four (4) Trapezoid diamonds, with various measurements, weighing 0.70 carats total. And two (2
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Floral Bypass Ring, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .21ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamond Solitaire Carat: .15ct Cut: Round
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

White Gold Citrine Diamond Ring, 14k Oval Cut 6.56ctw Flowers
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 12.9mm X 11.7mm Carat(s): 6.50ct Natural Diamonds Clarity: I2 - I3 Color: H - I Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Citrine, White Gold

Tiffany Co. .27Ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Embrace Wedding Band Platinum Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
size 4 1/2, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $40 fee. Once a ring is re-sized, we guarantee the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

18 Karat White Gold Ladies Ring with Natural Aquamarine and Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
Condition: Ring is pre-owned, has some wear from general usage, no damage, great overall condition. Please
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co. .96ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Bubbles Eternity Band Ring Platinum
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
/4 - 5 1/2. Metal Content: Guaranteed 950 Platinum as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band - 14k Round Brilliant Cut .15ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 14k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .15ctw Cut: Round Brilliant
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Halo Ring, 14k Oval Cut .35ctw Floral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Natural Diamonds Carats: .10ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: J - K Clarity: SI2 - I1 Total Carats
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring, 10k Round .50ctw Cathedral Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Floral Cluster Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise .86ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Color: Blue Natural Diamonds Carats: .08ctw Cut: Single Color: H - I Clarity: I1 - I2 Total
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Halo Bypass Ring - 10k Oval Cabochon .42ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Diamonds Carats: .12ctw Cut: Single Color: I - J Clarity: I2 - I3 Total Carats: .42ctw Style
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Swirl Bypass Ring, 14k Round Cut .16ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 2.7mm Natural Diamonds Carats: .03ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: J - K Clarity: VS1 - VS2
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Flower Cluster Bypass Ring, 14k Marquise 2.41ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Cut: Marquise Color: Blue Natural Diamonds Carats: .05ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I - J
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .30ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
of 14k white gold, this ring showcases a radiant diamond solitaire held in a classic four-prong
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White 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.