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1950s Sapphire and Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Princess cut simulated sapphire is set in a bezel frame. The bezel set diamond is bordered by a fine
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Brilliant Diamond Ring 0.85 ct TW VS Top Design Memoire Style Great Workmanship
Located in Viena, Viena
alternation of round and square, full-cut brilliants and princess diamonds set all around in the memoire style
Category

2010s German Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Anthalia Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
approximately 3.30 carats total of collection round brilliant cut diamonds, F color, VS clarity set in a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Colombian Emerald Diamond Half Hoop Ring in Platinum 18K White Gold, c1950 s
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
& excellent clarity totalling 0.80ct approx. Alternating with Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds of excellent
Category

Vintage 1950s Australian Retro Band Rings

Materials

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

Julius Cohen Blue Diamond Ring in 18 Kt Gold
By Julius Cohen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Color Blue Diamond and Princess Cut Diamond Ring in 18 Kt Gold This sweet band has 3 round
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Hand-Made Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds, Sapphire, Ruby
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
Hand-Made Ring with Diamonds Material 18K yellow Gold Stone Colors Sapphire, Ruby, Princess cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

BUCCELLATI Milano Baroque Ring In 18Kt Gold With Blue Sapphires Diamonds
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
blue sapphires. Sapphires: Mount in bezels settings, with 3 round faceted cut of natural vivid blue
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Renaissance Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Yello...

M. Lowe 18 Karat Princess Cut Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Berkeley, CA
This stunning but classic diamond ring could be an engagement/ wedding band all in one.The princess
Category

2010s American Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Etincelle de Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
From the iconic house of Cartier, this spectacular Etincelle de Cartier diamond wedding band is
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Five Stone Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
2.65 ct total weight Platinum 5 Five Stone Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Wedding / Anniversary
Category

2010s Italian Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

18k White Gold 2 4/5 Cttw Princess and Round Cut Banded Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This radiant pendant is adorned with over two carats of alternating round and princess cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold

Bellarri 18K Yellow Gold Princess Cut Pink Sapphire Diamond Engagement Band
By Bellarri
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer Ring/Band Stones- 12 Princess Cut Pink Sapphires 1.50 Carats, 30 Round Diamonds H-I Color SI1-SI2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.26 Carat Total Princess Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
princess cut diamonds that are invisibly channel set all the way around in a concave shape. Round brilliant
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

1 Carat Princess Cut Blue Diamond and Diamond Halo Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
you've been wanting. With ocean blue genuine diamonds cut in perfectly shaped princess cuts. The alluring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Neil Lane Princess Diamond 1 3/8 Carat Three-Stone Bridal Ring Band Set
By Neil Lane
Located in San Diego, CA
Color & Clarity: I - I1 Side Diamonds: 2 Princess Cut Diamonds 0.13 tcw Accent Diamonds: 88 Round
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Engagement Ring 1.70 Carat Round and Princess, Platinum 18 Karat
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Stunning quality engagement ring has a center round brilliant cut diamond in a 3-band style ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Mark Broumand 1.44 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
atop a unique twisted band micro pavé set with 0.40ct of round brilliant cut diamonds. The accent
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

"The Princess the Pear" Diamond Bypass Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
karat yellow gold, with a lustrous matte finish and sculpted band. The square is princess cut
Category

2010s American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Cabochon Sapphire 4.14 Carat Princess Diamonds 1.20 Carat 18 Karat Gold Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
carats of exquisite princess-cut diamonds. 18 Karat Gold: The ring's band is crafted from high-quality 18
Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.75 Carat Diamond Anniversary Band
Located in Webster, NY
gold. Diamond Cut: 42 Round Brilliant Cut, 1 Princess Cut, 28 Baguette Cut Average Diamond Color: G-I
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Fred Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring
By Fred
Located in Mayfair, London, London
comprises of princess cut diamonds in a tension setting all the way around the ring. The ring is a size UK K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.96ctw Round Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold Size 7
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamond - Carats - 1.46ct Cut - Round Brilliant Color - K Clarity
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1.10tcw 14K Pre-Colombian Emerald Diamond Band Cluster Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
: Emerald Shape: Oval/Princess Cut Total Carat Weight: 0.80-carats Clarity: Semi-Transparent Color: Green
Category

2010s American Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Pink Sapphire Diamond Band 18 Karat White Gold Alternative Wedding Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
carats. 36 round brilliant cut diamonds are estimated at 0.01 carats each and total an estimated 0.36
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.65ctw Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14k White Gold Size 10
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.30ctw Cut - Princess Color - J - K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.10 Carat Total Diamond and Sapphire Swirl Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
sparkle throughout. The center row of this piece features 5 Princess cut deep blue sapphire stones
Category

20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Double Heart Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold 1980s Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
, Countered by a heart with 19 Square Cut Diamond and 36 Round Cut Diamonds  with a total carat weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1.17 Carat Total Sapphire and Diamond Brick Link Buckle Bracelet 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
round single cut diamonds (G-H in color and VS2-SI1 in clarity), adding an extra level of glamour to the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960 Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 7 US / 2.6 gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring with princess cut Ruby 4 mm x 4 mm x 2 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct accented with four 4
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Fine Art Deco Hamilton 4.8 Carat Diamond Platinum Dress Watch
By Hamilton
Located in New York, NY
platinum and diamond bracelet band, high style X-form diamond details and substantial baguette and round
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Bridal Set Vera Wang Engagement &Wedding Ring in 18ct White Gold
By Vera Wang
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Vera Wang Diamond bridal set, engagement ring set with a mix of 0.80ct princess cut
Category

2010s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Square Sapphire and Diamond Channel Set Eternity Ring 18K White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This beautiful eternity band ring features princess cut blue sapphires set in channel setting and
Category

Late 20th Century Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.10 Carat Blue Sapphire Square Cabochon and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
cabochon, 5.50 x 5.50mm, 1.10 carats Princess and round brilliant cut diamonds, .37 carats total Size 6
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Men s Diamond Ring 1 Carat circa 1950s Sleek and Sophisticated
Located in Northampton, MA
aesthetic of the period. The focal point is a single 1-carat brilliant-cut bright white eye-clean diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

14 Karat White Gold Blue and White Diamond Flip Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
. Bands are detailed with 16 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K white gold. Shank: 4 mm
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Estate Green Tourmaline and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Green Clarity: Transparent Accent Diamonds: 6 Round and 2 Princess Cuts ; 0.98 carats total; G Color
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 4 carat Color Change Alexandrite Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Green changing to Pinkish Purple Clarity: Transparent Accent Diamonds: 79 round brilliant cuts 2.50
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Alexandrite, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Verger Cie Vintage Bombé Diamond and Platinum Ring, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
, in a four claw setting, in the centre of an openwork, round brilliant-cut diamond set, flame like
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Oval Opal Diamond 4.30 Carat Cocktail Engagement Ring Cluster Statement
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Gemstones: 13 Round Brilliant Diamonds = 1.30 Carats Average I-J color, SI1-SI2 clarity Ring Size: 6.5
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIL Unheated Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring Vintage Certified 18K Huge 11.43 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
– 10.35 carats 54 Sparkling Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds are VS-SI Clear, F-G White - approx. 1.08 Carats
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Estate Vintage GIA 7.00ct Emerald Diamond Engagement Wedding 18KW Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Princess cut Diamonds and 46 Round Brilliant Diamonds, totaling to 1ct (0.99ct- the weight of the diamonds
Category

Early 2000s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

2.11ct Oval Cabochon Royal Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Men s Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
sapphire are 44 round cut diamonds weighing about 0.58ct and 16 princess cut blue sapphires weighing about
Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.75 / 2.31 gr
Located in SE
Platinum. Natural princess cut Emerald stone 3.5 mm x 3 mm / ca.0.2 ct accented two Diamonds of old
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Rolex Ladies Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Custom President Automatic Wristwatch
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
dial, black hands, date at 3 Bracelet: 18k yellow gold presidential band with princess cut sapphire and
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Imperial Russian Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 56 14K Gold Ø 6.5US / 1.62 gr
Located in SE
old diamond cut Diamonds arranged in fancy Eye-shaped pattern. Metal is solid 14K Rose Gold. Made in
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

1940 Nordic 4 stones Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US 7.75 / 1.8g
Located in SE
Platinum featuring two Red Rubies (likely lab-made) cut princess 5 x 5 mm / ca. 0. 7 ct each and two rose
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Full Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
A diamond full eternity ring, the princess-cut diamonds weighing 0.62 carats in total, all channel
Category

2010s British Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elizabeth Locke Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By Elizabeth Locke
Located in New York, NY
brilliant cut diamonds weighing an estimated 0.52 carats total. The band measures 8.5mm in width. Size 8 US
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.73 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Princess Cut Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Band
Located in Hamilton, AU
0.73 carats round brilliant cut diamonds and princess cut diamonds. We have named this vintage
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.00 Carat Princess Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Princess cut diamond Measuring 4.60 x 4.00 x 3.00 mm Approximate weight of 0.56ct. Graded in the setting
Category

2010s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.99 Carat Princess Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
By Butani
Located in Hong Kong, Kowloon
A beautiful everyday style ring, with two princess cut diamonds at the end (totaling 0.35 carats
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Princess Sapphire and Diamond Channel, 1.70 Carat, Wide Band Ring
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Princess Sapphire and Diamond Channel, 1.70 TCW, Wide Band Ring 11.50 mm wide ring features a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Band
Located in DALLAS, TX
Platinum band ring with 15 = 2.5mm / 1.8 carat total weight princess cut sapphires and 15= .9 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Circa 1950s 18 Carat Yellow White Gold Carre Cut Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Hamilton, AU
round and Carre cut diamonds shimmering in unison. We have named this charming vintage ring The Ember
Category

20th Century Modern Band Rings

Materials

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

BUCCELLATI Gold DIamond Band
By Buccellati
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
cut diamonds and 1 princess cut diamond having a total approximate weight of .35 carats. Handmade in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Sapphire and Platinum Eternity Band
Located in DALLAS, TX
Platinum eternity band with 15 - 2.5mm 1.8 carat total weight princess cut sapphires and 15 = .9
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Chanel Multi Shaped Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Chanel
Located in Vail, CO
Chanel diamond band ring, set with princess, marquise, round, pear and triangle shaped diamonds, in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Princess Cut Round Diamond Band For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact princess cut round diamond band you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, White Gold and 14k Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 4 vintage editions and 24 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a princess cut round diamond band from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic princess cut round diamond band over the years, but those made by TJD, DGI and Beyond Fine Jewelry are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a princess cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and baguette cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a princess cut round diamond band, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Princess Cut Round Diamond Band?

Prices for a princess cut round diamond band can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $545 and can go as high as $14,950, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,684.

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.