Skip to main content

Silver Antique Diamond Ring

to
69
441
397
457
291
232
228
110
90
83
79
65
61
54
42
31
30
29
27
24
23
22
19
17
16
15
11
10
10
9
7
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
10
8
4
3
2
Sort By
Antique Georgian Diamond and Garnet Giardinetti Ring
Located in Lewisburg, PA
adorned with table cut and rose cut diamonds in rubbed over silver collets and a garnet "basket." The face
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Seven Rose Diamond Half Hoop Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Half hoop ring in silver and gold adorned with a falling line of diamonds cut into crowned roses
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Blue Enamel and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming antique enamel and diamond band ring. The piece has been crafted from 15ct
Category

Antique 19th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique Five Stone Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ PONTE VECCHIO FLORENCE The silver topped collet set five stone rose cut
Category

Antique 1810s British Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

1820s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.76 carat diamond and 15 karat yellow gold dress ring with silver
Category

Antique 1820s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Georgian "Giardinetti" Diamond Ring approx. 1760 -1790
Located in OVIEDO, AS
ANTIQUE "GIARDINETTI" ROSE CUT DIAMOND RING Mounted in 18K Gold over Silver. Exceptional piece of
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Georgian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Amethyst Intaglio and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
, with bow and arrow drawn, mounted in silver and gold, ring size 7 length 1.9cm, width 1.6cm
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Top Old Euro Three Stone Ring. This
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Natural River Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
glorious ring from the 1880s. Crafted in 18K yellow gold topped with silver for the diamonds, this
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 1800 Georg III 15k Gold Orient Pearls Diamond Enamel Gold Silver Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant and rare Georgian dress ring features, on a translucent blue enamelled background, a
Category

Antique Early 1800s English George III Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Antique 1840 Iberian Rose Cut Diamond Ring (Spain Origin)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique 1800 Rose Cut Diamond Ring Iberian (Spain Origin) "Isabelino Style" (1833-1868
Category

Antique 1830s Spanish Georgian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold

Antique Turquoise and Old Mine Diamond Heart-Shaped Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique Georgian era turquoise and diamond ring designed as a stylized heart comprised of a pear
Category

Antique 1830s Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 14K Gold Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
silver. The piece features rose cut diamonds of various sizes. The gems are closed back. Weight: 3.32g
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver Plate

Antique Diamond and Unusual Fancy Cut Amethysts Ring, circa 1880
Located in Aspen, CO
Heart shaped antique ring in gold and silver (which was the classic metals used in the 19th century
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian 925 Silver Brownish Red Paste 0.15 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian cluster ring crafted in 925 silver. It is gold plated. Circa 1890. The piece
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Antique Georgian Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique Georgian period old mine cut diamond and emerald cluster ring, in sterling silver and
Category

Antique 1830s Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian / Edwardian Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
round cut centre are surrounded by pave set rose cut diamonds, all set in silver which accentuates the
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Renaissance 17th Century Diamond Onyx Cameo Ring of Catullo
Located in Firenze, IT
condition The setting, mounted in silver and gold is from 19th century, the bezel set by old cut
Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold

Antique Amethyst from Siberia and Rose Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1880
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique ring in silver and gold possessing a very fine natural Siberian amethyst displaying a pure
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Iberian (Georgian) Emerald and Diamond Navette Shaped Ring 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique Emerald and Diamond Navette Shaped Ring 19th Century.. Georgian rings are rare and usually
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Spanish Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 9.58 Carat Fire Opal, Black Onyx Diamond Cocktail Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold & silver Fire Opal, Black Onyx & Diamond Cocktail
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Onyx, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Multi-Stone Harem Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Fantastic Victorian harem ring consisting of seven attached bands set with diamonds, rubies
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

Snake Diamond and Ruby Ring 1.30 Carat Total
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Snake Ring Silver-Diamond set in an Egyptian style motif The ring is a triple, Size 6 shank
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Egyptian Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique 1910s 2.39 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 2.39 carat diamond (total) cluster ring in 14k yellow gold with
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Spider Ring 14K
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Victorian Spider is 14K Yellow Gold and Silver and set with Mine cut Diamonds and Deep Blue Sapphires, 6
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Amethyst Ring 9 Carats
Located in Northampton, MA
This spectacular original antique Victorian ring features a 17 x 13mm natural amethyst that weighs
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique Georgian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Georgian engagement ring with Rose cut diamonds and an emerald center. Item #R0579
Category

Antique Early 1700s Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Georgian Diamond Green Guilloche Enamel 18K Gold Forget-Me-Not Ring
Located in New York, NY
-Not ring. Circa 1820 The center design of a forget-me-not flower flanked by stylized diamond leaves on
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver

Antique Georgian Emerald, Diamond and Ruby cluster ring, 18k yellow gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
Now this is a true showstopper of antique ring if you ever did see one! Late Georgian era this
Category

Antique 19th Century British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Siver Gold and Rose Diamond Rows Band Ring Mid 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Set with two rows of rose-cut diamonds, between bifurcated shoulders with foliate detailing
Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Russian 1900s 1.59 Carat Diamond and 14 Karat Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Russian 1.59 Carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, silver
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 1830s 4.39 Carat Diamonds Blue Enamel and Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning 4.39 carat diamond and blue enamel, 12 karat rose gold and silver set cocktail ring
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique Ring natural 1.55ct Ruby 1ctw Diamonds 56/ 14K Gold ØUS7/5.8g
Located in SE
Old Russian Halo ring in 14K Rose Gold and Silver with natural Ruby and Diamonds of old rose cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

New 21.21 Carat Checkerboard Cushion Dome Aquamarine Diamond Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
all set in a beautiful 925 Sterling Silver setting. It is a large statement ring that is sure to get
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Aquamarine, Sterling Silver, Silver

Antique German Ring natural 0.36ct Diamond Solid 14K Gold Ø 7.25US / 1.8gr
Located in SE
)with a top of the crown in Silver holding bezel set old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4.25 mm x 2.4 mm deep
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique European Ring 0.25ct Diamond solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 5US /1.3 gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring made in Europe, ca. 1920s. Solid 14K Yellow Gold band, carved ornaments on the
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

1926 Antique Ring Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.25 / 2.4gr
Located in SE
Silver on top solid 18K Yellow Gold set with old diamond cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 20
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Austro-Hungarian Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
silver set twist ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and
Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

30 Carat Aquamarine Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring 18 Karat Gold Antique Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
ring is 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The diamonds and rubies are set in silver atop the 18 Karat Gold as was
Category

20th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 4.67 Carat Peridot and 0.89ct Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
silver. This impressive antique dress ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Old Mine Cut Cluster Ring 18k ~1.60ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
Antique Mid-Victorian Old Mine-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Metal – 18K rose gold shank with silver
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Halo Ring natural 1.5ct Bi-color Sapphire Diamonds solid 14K/18K Gold
Located in SE
Beautiful antique Halo Ring hand-made ca. late XIX - early XX cent. Not hallmarked. Likely German
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver, 18k Gold

Antique Ring 0.5 Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Rose Gold Ø4.75 US / 2.2 g
Located in SE
Beautiful Gold, Ruby + Diamonds Ring, made circa 1900 -1920s. Solid 18ct rose Gold twisted frame
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Carved Hardstone and 1.62Ct Diamond Yellow Gold Dress Ring, Circa 1770
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 18th century hardstone and 1.62 carat diamond cluster ring
Category

Antique 1770s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

New Sri Lanka 6.75 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Cut Sapphire Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
. It is an oval cut stone and measures 12 x 9.8 mm and is flanked by diamond cut white sapphires on the
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver

Georgian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
This eye-catching sapphire and diamond cluster ring dates back to the late Georgian or very early
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Silver

New 8.02 Carat Padparadscha Diamond Cut Sapphire R Gold Pl Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
plated sterling silver setting. Sure to get noticed. The ring is sizeable and can be done at your local
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Georgian Style 14K Gold, Sapphire, and Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
wonderful antique style ring! Date: 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured
Category

20th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold circa 1900 Florentine Victorian
Located in New York, NY
SILVER ATOP 18 KARAT ROSE GOLD - AS WAS THE CUSTOM OF THE ANTIQUE ITALIAN RINGS FROM THIS PERIOD - DATING
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Amethyst Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an antique Victorian cluster ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features beautiful round
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver Plate

Antique Rose-Cut Diamond Silver Gold Scarf Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Rose-cut Diamond Silver Gold Ring Scarf. XIXth Century. Interior measurements: 0.55 x 0.91
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Rose-Cut Diamond Silver Gold Scarf Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Antique Rose-cut Diamond Silver Gold Ring Scarf. XIXth Century. Interior measurements: 0.55 x 0.91
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Opal Diamond Gold Silver Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Antique 14k gold and silver top ring, set with a 9.4mm opal cabochon, surrounded with
Category

Antique 19th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique diamond Silver gold cluster ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
An antique diamond cluster ring, the central circular cut diamond with an old mine cut diamond
Category

Antique 1850s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Gold, Silver and Diamond Ring, 1920s
Located in Bologna, IT
cut diamonds; the ring is modelled both in gold and silver. MATERIALS Gold, silver and rose cut
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Rose Cut Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 14k gold and silver ring set with rose cut diamonds. The ring is a size 5.5 and is 15.9mm wide
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

1900s Antique Sapphire Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique sapphire & diamond ring centering an oval cut sapphire measuring app. 11.8 x 9.8mm and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Silver Antique Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Silver Antique Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the silver antique diamond ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Silver and 18k Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 367 vintage editions and 22 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a silver antique diamond ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a silver antique diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Artisan NYC, Meghna Jewels and Alexey Gabilo are consistently popular. A rose cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old mine cut and antique cushion cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a silver antique diamond ring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Silver Antique Diamond Ring?

Prices for a silver antique diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $321 and can go as high as $287,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,503.

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.

Questions About Silver Antique Diamond Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    Real diamonds are not usually put in sterling silver rings because the metal is too soft. As a result, cubic zirconia stones are often used instead of a real diamond. This will be marked with “CZ”.
    1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    No, they usually do not put real diamonds in silver rings. Sterling silver is too soft, and would not be a good metal to hold diamonds. Most people use cubic zirconia stones (CZ) in sterling silver. Find a variety of diamond rings on 1stDibs.