Sapphire and Diamond Rings
2010s Russian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Apatite, 14k Gold, Ye...
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Mid-20th Century English Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Sapphire
2010s Australian Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
2010s Band Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late 20th Century North American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Morganite, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapph...
1990s Edwardian Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Pink Sapphire, Platinum
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s European Cluster Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Unknown Retro Dome Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
2010s American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold,...
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Blue Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Garnet, Kunzite, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1990s American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Cluster Rings
Sapphire, White Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage 1940s French Retro Signet Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century American Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold
2010s American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose...
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Cluster Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century American Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, ...
Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
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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, 2022A sapphire wedding ring symbolizes honesty, sincerity and faithfulness. It is also believed to bring about good fortune to help keep the marriage strong and healthy. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Are sapphire diamonds real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, sapphire diamonds are not real diamonds. They are actually white or colorless sapphire gemstones. Diamonds are pure carbon, while sapphires are corundum minerals that contain aluminum oxide and trace elements. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of expertly vetted diamond gemstone jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Unless the sapphire is much bigger, a diamond is typically more expensive because it's rarer and harder.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The biggest reason why you should wear a sapphire ring is because you like the appearance of the gemstone. Sapphires come in a wide range of colors, from blue to clear to pink to yellow, so there are hues to suit a variety of tastes. In terms of durability, sapphires are one of the hardest gemstones, so they can be an excellent choice of stone if you want a ring that you can wear on a regular basis. Plus, some people assign symbolic meanings to sapphires, associating them with loyalty, wisdom, strength and kindness. Explore a diverse assortment of sapphire rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A white sapphire is any gem-quality corundum that is either white or colorless. With a few exceptions, a white sapphire looks remarkably similar to a diamond in terms of cut and color. Diamonds will always appear brighter and have more colorful flashes than sapphires. Both diamonds and sapphires are hard and will resist everyday scratches. On 1stDibs, find antique and vintage diamond jewelry and white sapphire jewelry today.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A sapphire engagement ring symbolizes faithfulness and sincerity. The stone itself can also symbolize wisdom, good fortune, virtue, and holiness. Find a collection of sapphire engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023What a sapphire wedding ring symbolizes varies depending on the person. Some people associate sapphires with loyalty and commitment. Others believe they represent wealth and power. In addition, sapphire is the birthstone for September, so it can represent being born during the ninth month of the year. It's also common not to assign any special symbolic meaning to a sapphire ring and to choose it as a wedding ring simply because of how it looks. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of sapphire wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023What sapphire symbolizes in a wedding ring is up to interpretation. Traditionally, sapphire has been associated with sincerity, honesty and fidelity. As a result, many people believe that sapphire wedding rings represent taking one's wedding vows seriously. Others think that sapphires mean good fortune or associate them with September birthdays, as the gemstone is the birthstone for that month. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of sapphire wedding rings.
- Is white sapphire a good ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, white sapphire can be a good ring. Many people love the appearance and sparkle of white sapphires and consider them an affordable alternative to diamonds. Sapphires also rate a 9 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, making them one of the most scratch- and breakage-resistant gemstones. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of white sapphire rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Vera Wang adds sapphires to her rings because the blue sapphire is a symbol of everlasting love. Adding this signature stone to her jewelry in the Love collection and other lines gives them an iconic look that’s instantly recognizable as Vera Wang. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Vera Wang jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, it's okay to have a sapphire engagement ring. Many people associate sapphires with commitment and romance, making them a meaningful gemstone for bridal jewelry. Famously, Prince William presented Kate Middleton with a 12-carat oval blue sapphire ring for their engagement. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of sapphire rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023Yes, sapphires are good for wedding rings. Sapphires come in a variety of colors, from clear to blue to yellow to pink, giving you a wide range of options from which to choose. Although they aren't as hard as diamonds, sapphires are durable and can resist scratching when cared for properly. Furthermore, many people associate sapphires with love and fidelity, making them symbolic choices for wedding rings. Explore a range of sapphire wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 14, 2023
Whether or not a sapphire ring is a good investment will depend upon a range of factors such as condition, rarity and more. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. (Kashmir is the birthplace of the most famous sapphires.) According to the Geological Institute of America, the stones from this mountainous region on the India-Pakistan border display a potent combination of a rich, intense blue color and a soft and velvety appearance.
Sapphires can be colorless, or white, although examples are very rare, since the corundum from which they are formed has to have been untouched by any other element. Non-blue colored sapphires are referred to as “fancy sapphires” and can be pink, purple, orange, yellow or green. The rarest, and the most valuable, fancy sapphire is the pinkish-orange padparadscha (from the Sinhalese word for “lotus blossom”).
Determining the value of any collectible depends upon a variety of aspects. In the case of assessing the value of an antique or vintage sapphire ring, as with other gems, the 4Cs are crucial. The 4Cs is the grading system established by the GIA to determine how precious stones are evaluated. The 4Cs are color, clarity, cut and carat weight. The most desirable cut is the one that shows to best advantage the particular stone’s individual combination of color, clarity, and brilliance.
At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor. Find a range of antique and vintage sapphire rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023No, it is not weird to have a sapphire engagement ring. Although many people think of diamonds as the go-to stones for engagement rings, others prefer alternatives. Sapphires are hard gems that resist scratching and cleavage, making them a durable choice for engagement jewelry. They also come in a variety of colors, like blue, clear, red and yellow, so there are options to suit many tastes. Many celebrities have worn sapphire engagement rings, including Kate Middleton, Elizabeth Taylor, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of sapphire engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023How long a sapphire ring will last depends largely on how well you care for it. If you remove your ring before performing activities that could cause it to become scratched, such as applying skin care products or working with household chemicals� a sapphire ring can last for many years. Regularly inspecting your ring to ensure that the setting is still tight is also important for ensuring that your ring stands the test of time. Find a collection of sapphire gemstone rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, not all rings or jewelry by Vera Wang include a blue sapphire, but all of the engagement rings in the Love collection do have a blue sapphire, and many other items in different collections feature this gem. The blue sapphire is a symbol of everlasting love and creates an iconic look. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Vera Wang jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, a wedding ring can be a diamond ring. In fact, you're free to wear any type of ring that appeals to you as a wedding ring. You could opt to wear a solitaire diamond ring to symbolize your wedding vows or a band ring that features multiple diamonds, such as an eternity band that shows diamonds all the way around its surface. Find a large selection of diamond wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024No, an engagement ring does not have to be a diamond. Although diamonds are popular, rings featuring other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds can serve as engagement rings, and it's even possible to choose a ring made entirely out of precious metals with no gemstone accents of any kind. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement rings, so feel free to select any ring that appeals to you. Find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022On a diamond ring, the head is the portion of the jewelry that holds the gemstone in place. You may also see it referred to as the prongs, setting or crown. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of diamond gemstone rings.
- What is a diamond bypass ring?1 Answer
Roman Malakov DiamondsMarch 22, 2021a diamond bypass ring is a fashionable and unique ring that consists of a single metal band that "twists" and do not connect to each other. If it is an engagement ring, this gap between the two ends of the bands holds the diamond. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An illusion diamond ring is a type of diamond setting that enhances the appearance, namely the perceived size, of the diamond. One of the strategies used to create illusion diamonds is to surround the diamond with another precious metal, making it look bigger. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted illusion diamond rings from some of the world’s top sellers.
- What is a diamond eternity ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A diamond eternity ring is a ring that features multiple diamonds, adorned in an endless circular design. This ring normally features a band set with a continuous circle of diamond stones in a manner that can be very glamorous. Diamond eternity rings are available in a variety of styles including Contemporary, Victorian, Retro, Art Deco, Modern, Edwardian, Empire, Renaissance, and Artisan. Find a collection of antique and vintage diamond eternity rings on 1stDibs today.
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