Princess Diana Ring
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2010s Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Neoclassical Cluster Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Modern Wedding Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Platinum
2010s American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Israeli Modern Bridal Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
2010s Israeli Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
White Diamond, White Gold, Platinum, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
2010s Dutch Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Rings
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Blue Topaz, Diamond, Gold
2010s Dutch Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Emerald, Diamond, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Swiss Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Garnet, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Morganite, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian Fashion Rings
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Wedding Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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Princess Diana Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Princess Diana Ring?
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 rings, vintage 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 rings, vintage 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The kind of sapphire in Princess Diana's engagement ring is a blue Ceylon sapphire. It has an oval cut and weighs 12 carats. A 14-karat white diamond halo surrounds the center stone. You'll find a range of sapphire gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Princess Diana's sapphire ring is worth more than $500,000 today. Prince Charles bought this ring for just $60,000 in the early 1980s.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 5, 2024Princess Diana actually wore more than one Cartier watch. The Princess of Wales's father, John Spencer, the 8th Earl Spencer, reportedly once gifted her a Cartier Louis Tank watch with an alligator leather strap. During the late 1990s, Diana frequently sported a yellow gold Tank Française. Prince Andrew received the watch after her death and presented it to his now-wife Meghan Markle. Also, she sometimes wore a Panthère de Cartier, a gift from Dodi Fayed. Shop a wide range of Cartier watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Thai princess harem ring refers to a type of ring modeled after the headpieces Thai dancers wore during traditional performances. The Thai princess ring features a cluster of gemstones that mimics the look of a crown. Shop a selection of authenticated vintage Thai princess rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021A princess cut diamond ring is a genre of the diamond cuts often used in engagement rings. Possessing the technical name square modified brilliant, these rings are peculiarly crafted into a square or a rectangle shape, giving it an exquisite look of an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides. Shop a range of antique and vintage princess cut diamond rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, princess-cut engagement rings can be good, depending on preferences and taste. Due to their brilliant cut, the rings show off the sparkle of a gemstone, and they're often economically priced because the cutting process creates less waste than what's expected with a round cut. Some people also like the way the appearance of the princess cut changes based on your viewing angle. From above, it looks like a square, while from the side, it has a pyramid shape. On 1stDibs, explore an assortment of princess-cut gemstone engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The term princess-cut engagement ring means an engagement ring with a central diamond that features a certain shape and facet arrangement. Specifically, a princess-cut gemstone has a square shape and a brilliant cut that gives it tremendous sparkle. With the most common facet pattern, a princess-cut gemstone has a total of 57 facets. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of princess-cut engagement rings.
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Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
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Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
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Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.