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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

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

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

Tiffany Co. .64Ctw Sapphire Diamond Ring - 950 Platinum Embrace Wedding Band
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
white diamonds. This designer ring originally retails for $4675 but it is being offered here for a much
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Cigar Band Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
are 2 princess cut diamonds one on each side totaling 0.20 carats. The top and bottom of the ring have
Category

Late 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring - 10k Round Brilliant Cut Engagement Promise
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamond Carat: .02ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: I1
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Halo Bypass Ring - 10k Marquise Cut .42ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Marquise Color: Blue Size: 6.3mm x 3.2mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .02ctw Cut: Single Color: I - J
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Floral Halo Ring, 10k Round .42ctw Engagement
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Blue Natural Diamond Carat: .07ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: L Clarity: SI2 Style
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Estate Antique Platinum Diamond Ruby and Onyx Art Deco Style Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
diamonds weighing a combined total of approximately 0.85 carats. The ring features milgraining and openwork
Category

20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum

20ctw Single Cut Diamond Ring, 10k Yellow Gold Tiered Cluster Bypass
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 6 1/2, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $25 fee or down 2 sizes for a
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Amethyst Diamond Flower Cluster Ring, 14k Pear Cut 2.36ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Purple Natural Diamond Carat: .01ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: I1 Total Carats
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, Yellow Gold

Antique Vintage Estate Platinum Art Deco Quartz, Diamond and Onyx Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For sale is an exquisite Platinum Art Deco Diamond, Onyx and Rock Crystal Quartz Ring! Featuring
Category

20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Quartz, Platinum

Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Round .18ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
mark, 2 Condition: Pre-Owned Professionally cleaned, polished, and tested to guarantee metal
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Smoky Quartz Diamond Halo Ring, 10k Round Checkerboard 3.44ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 10.1mm Natural Diamonds Carats: .14ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: I1 -I2 Total Carats: 3.44ctw
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring, 14k Round .50ctw Floral Snowflake
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .50ctw Cut: Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Ladies Platinum Ring with Natural Emerald and Diamonds, France, 1920s
Located in Braintree, GB
Weight: 5 g Ring Size : 2.4 x 2 x 1 cm Emerald - Cut : Emerald Size : Approx 3 Carats Treatment
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band, 10k Round Brilliant Cut .10ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .10ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I - J Clarity
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, 10k Round Brilliant Baguette Cut .50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .50ctw Cuts: Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Halo Bypass Ring, 10k Marquise Cut .24ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Green Size: 4.9mm x 2.5mm Natural Diamonds Carats: .02ctw Cut: Single Color: I - J Clarity: SI2 - I1
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, 10k Round Brilliant .25ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 10k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .25ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring, 14k Oval Cut 1.65ctw Floral
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 7.2mm x 5.2mm Natural Diamonds Carats: .50ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I - J Clarity: I1 - I2 Total
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Cartier Solitaire 1895 Diamond Engagement Ring, Platinum 950 Round 1.03ct GIA
By Cartier
Located in Greensboro, NC
Collection: Solitaire 1895 Metal Content: 950 Platinum Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat: 1.03ct Cut
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Frosted Blue Topaz Diamond Cube Ring Vintage 18k Gold Jewelry Satin Finish
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish pre-owned frosted blue topaz cube cocktail ring, crafted in 18 karat white gold. Frosted
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Halo Bypass Ring, 10k Single Cut Flower
Located in Greensboro, NC
& 10k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .05ctw Cut: Single Color: H - I
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Ladies Ring with Natural Aquamarine and Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
: 0.40 carats Clarity : VS1 Colour : G/H Condition : Ring is pre-owned, has some wear and tear, no
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Ladies Ring with Large Natural Columbian Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
: Ring is pre-owned, minor wear from general usage, no damage, excellent and pleasant overall condition
Category

1990s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Ring Size 4.75 This gorgeous sapphire and diamond
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Swiss Blue Topaz Diamond Ring, 14k Emerald Cut 2.50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Swiss Blue Size: 8.1mm X 6.1mm Natural Diamonds Carats: .10ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: K - L
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Ring, 14k Marquise Cut Contoured V-Shape
Located in Greensboro, NC
/32" (5.2mm) Weight: 2.9 Grams Stamps: 14k (worn), maker's mark, © Condition: Pre-Owned
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Victorian 15 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Ring with Emeralds and Diamonds, 1880s
Located in Braintree, GB
Approx total weight in carats : 0.70 carats Clarity : SL1 Colour : H Condition : Ring is pre-owned, has
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold

Yellow Gold London Blue Topaz Diamond Ring, 14k Emerald Cut 11.32ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Blue Size: 14.1mm x 12mm Natural Diamonds Carats: .54ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H - I Clarity
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold

Estate GIA certified Fancy Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For sale is a gorgeous GIA certified fancy yellow diamond engagement ring! It is crafted out of 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

White Gold Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .51ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: Natural Diamond Solitaire Carat: .24ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H Clarity: VS1 Diameter: 4mm
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Platinum Diamond Art Deco Wedding Band, 900 Single Cut .16ctw Vintage Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 900 Platinum Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .16ctw Cut: Single
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Men s Wedding Band - 10k Round Brilliant Cut .25ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .25ctw Cut: Round Brilliant
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Five-Stone Bypass Ring - 10k Round Brilliant Cut .15ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .15ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: J - K
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Wedding Band, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .33ctw Stackable Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .33ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: SI1 Style
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Yellow Gold Malachite and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Cabochon Cut Women s
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information: Genuine Malachite Cut: Cabochon Color: Green Natural Diamond Carat: .04ct Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Enhancer Wedding Band 14k Marquise Round .26ctw Guard Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .26ctw Cuts: Marquise & Round Brilliant Color: I
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 15 Karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, England, 1860s
Located in Braintree, GB
: Natural Condition : Ring is antique & pre-owned, has some minor wear and tear from general usage, no
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, England, 1880s
Located in Braintree, GB
: Ring is pre-owned, has some surface and age wear on the ring band and minor age wear, no damage, great
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, 14k Round Brilliant Cut .35ctw Nugget Texture
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: .35ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Halo Men s Ring, 10k Round Brilliant Cut 1.05ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: 1.05ctw Cut: Round
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 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.