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14K White Gold 5/8 Cttw Diamond Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
twinkling diamonds along the elegantly split shank. Each stone, meticulously set, contributes to a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Gabriel Co. 1.65 ct Princess Cut Shank-Split Diamond Engagement Ring
By Gabriel Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Gabriel & Co. 1.65 ct Princess Cut Shank-Split Diamond Engagement Ring Set in 14k White Gold The
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18k Yellow Gold 0.95ctw Marquise Ruby Diamond Split Shank Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
inquiries) Overall Width: 8.4 (0.33") (top of the ring - north to south), 2.4mm (bottom of the shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Christopher Designs CRISSCUT Diamond L Amour Split Shank Engagement Ring 1.00tcw
By Christopher Designs
Located in San Diego, CA
Christopher Designs CRISSCUT Diamond L'Amour Split Shank Halo Engagement Ring Style: Halo Split
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.00 Carat GIA Certified Round Diamond Split Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
14k white gold, the ring features a sophisticated split shank design that gracefully frames the
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 1.04 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Houston, TX
A 1.04ct round brilliant cut diamond, H I1, defines this engagement ring and features a split shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

David Yurman Sterling Silver Split Shank Black Onyx and Diamond RIng
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
stunning piece features a sophisticated split shank design, crafted from high-quality sterling silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver

18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Zircon and Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in Addison, TX
18K Yellow Gold Oval Zircon and Diamond Split Shank Ring. This romantic ring is crafted with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Peter Suchy GIA 2.02 Carat Diamond Platinum Split Shank Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond custom split shank engagement ring. Platinum shank with 44 round accent diamonds along the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

0.74 Carat Split-Shank 22K Solitaire Engagement Ring Natural Round Diamond
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Split-shank solitaire ring crafted by Bracken Jewelers in Los Angeles, California. It features a
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k White Gold Oval Aquamarine Diamond Modern Split Shank Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
8mm (approx.) - 2.25ctw (approx.) (32) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - H/I
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Illusion Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring with Double Halo and Split Shank
Located in Great Neck, NY
two rings of diamonds creating an even bigger look which is then finished with a diamond-covered split
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring 2.12ct Split Shank 14K White Gold Birthstone
Located in Dearborn, MI
Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring 2.12ct Split Shank 14K White Gold Featuring a Natural 1.12
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

4.19tcw 14K Natural Emerald Oval Diamond Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This is an exquisite, natural emerald and diamond halo split shank ring. The gorgeous setting lets
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18K White Gold Split Shank Retro Baguette Diamond Cluster Mens Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This 18K gold ring features a total diamond weight of 1.31 carats. Each diamond is meticulously set
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Split Shank 18K Rose Gold Halo Diamond Australian Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Latest of my creations. An entirely handmade beautiful Australian Opal Halo Diamond Split Shank
Category

2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

EGL Certified .87 Carat Diamond White Gold Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
diamonds along the split shank 18k white gold setting. The diamond circa 1930-1940, the setting was
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

15.53 Carat Vintage Mexican Opal Diamond 18K Gold Split Shank Ring
Located in Miami, FL
natural diamonds. Each placed in a prong setting. The vintage style of this ring exudes an aura of
Category

1990s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Diamond Square Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Diamond: 44 round brilliant cut = 0.45cttw Color: G / H Clarity: SI2-I1 Ring Size: 6.5 (please allow two
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Scott Gauthier Contemporary Citrine and Pave Diamond Squared Split Shank Ring
By Scott Gauthier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
against the icy white pave diamonds set along the wide 14K white gold split shank. The squared design adds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Citrine, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

1.66tcw 14K Natural Emerald-Asscher Cut Diamond Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
-set, with a split shank that has multiple petite brilliant round cut diamonds pave set. Crafted in 14K
Category

2010s American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Peter Suchy EGL 2.28 Carat Diamond Split Shank Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Brilliant cut Diamond engagement ring. EGL certified center stone set in a platinum setting with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

EGL Certified 1.03 Carat Round Cut Diamond Platinum Split-Shank Solitaire Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Split-Shank Solitaire Ring. Details: Item Type: Split-Shank Solitaire Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18K White Gold Allure Split Shank 1.84 Carat Ruby/Diamond .16CTW Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
18k white gold allure split shank ring with a round 1.84 carat ruby center stone. Ring has round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 6.6 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond 18K Gold Split Shank Ring
Located in Miami, FL
throughout. The octagonal halo enhances the radiant cut diamond while the split shank design adds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

14K White Gold GIA .70ct G VS2 Diamond Engagement Ring • Split Shank
Located in Media, PA
. The stylish split-shank band is adorned with natural round accent diamonds, adding extra sparkle and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.50 Carat Old Mine Diamond Solitaire Split-Shank Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A split-shank solitaire engagement ring featuring a 1.50 carat “new” old mine cut diamond
Category

2010s American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

EGL Certified 1.03 Carat Round Cut Diamond Platinum Split-Shank Solitaire Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Split-Shank Solitaire Ring. Details: Item Type: Split-Shank Solitaire Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

EGL Certified 1.03 Carat Round Cut Diamond Platinum Split-Shank Solitaire Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Split-Shank Solitaire Ring. Details: Item Type: Split-Shank Solitaire Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Double Halo Split Shank Ring with Fancy Yellow Radiant Diamond Center. D1.25ct.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double halo split shank ring in 18K white gold with pave set rounds and prong set fancy yellow
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Double Halo Split Shank Ring with Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Center. D1.34ct.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double halo split shank ring in 18K white gold with pave set rounds and prong set fancy yellow
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 1.80ct I/VS2 Platinum Diamond Split Shank Three Line Ring
Located in Seattle, WA
An absolute stunner, this split shank engagement ring has three bands adorned with diamonds. The
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

3.10 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond with Filigree Split Shank Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Filigree Setting Split Shank Band Ring. Details: Item Type: Statement Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size: 6
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Silvorra 925 Silver Oval Emerald Solitaire Open Split-Shank Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
prong setting, flanked by six 1.5 mm round diamonds that trace the split shoulders for added sparkle and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver

Ring 18kt Gold Pear Diamond 1.24 carats GIA Diamonds 0.62 carats Split Shank
Located in Miami, FL
Color I Clarity I2 GIA #2225326497 and 48 Diamonds (0.62 carats) Split Shank. Size 6.5. Perfect High
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Sylvie GIA Certified .74 Carat Diamond Halo Gold Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Discover elegance redefined with the Sylvie GIA certified .74ct diamond halo gold split shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Small Butterfly Diamond Pave Set 18K Rose Gold Split Shank Ring
By Galt Bro. Jewelers
Located in Oakton, VA
14 Karat Rose Gold 0.15 CT Diamonds Size 7
Category

2010s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Split Shank Emerald Cut Purple Violet Amethyst Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Amethyst for a distinctive look. Two rows of diamonds sparkle on the contemporary split shank band, while a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.88 Carat Emerald Cut Cinnamon Diamond 22K Gold Split-Shank Engagement Ring
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This signature split-shank gypsy ring showcases a captivating 0.88ct emerald-cut cinnamon diamond
Category

2010s American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Platinum GIA 2.81ctw Oval Tanzanite w/ Diamond Sides Split Shank Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
ring) - 14.7mm (0.58") (east to west), 2.8mm (bottom of shank) Ring Height: 6.5mm rise off the finger
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum

Split Shank Rectangle Emerald Cut Blue Aquamarine 14K White Gold Diamond Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Aquamarine for a distinctive look. Two rows of diamonds sparkle on the contemporary split shank band, while a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k White Gold Split Shank Ring with Halo Black Diamond Center - Size 6.75
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a 14k White Gold Split Shank Ring with One ~0.30ct Black Diamond Center Stone, and Forty
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

5.30 Carat Natural Cushion Emerald Diamonds Ring Platinum Split Shank Fine Green
Located in New York, NY
Split Shank Raised Cosmopolitan. 4.10ct. Natural Emerald Ring Emerald, Brilliant Cushion cut 9.5
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

2.55tcw 18K Asscher Cut Emerald Diamond Ring - Deep Green Split Shank Halo
Located in Jupiter, FL
Celebrate your love with our breathtaking emerald and diamond engagement ring, featuring a AAA fine
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

3.21ct Marquise Emerald and 1.07ct Round Diamond Halo Split Shank Platinum Ring
Located in Houston, TX
round diamonds forming the halo and split shank band. The ring itself is made of platinum and is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

TJD 0.50 Carat Round Baguette Diamond 14KT Gold Split Shank Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Bring charm to your look with this diamond ring. The ring is crafted from 14-karat rose gold and
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Split Shank Style 18 Karat White Gold Ladies Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
One (1) ladies ring in white 18 karat gold (stamped) split shank style, polished and rhodium finish
Category

1990s Canadian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 0.75 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Split Shank Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
With one look of this Beautiful Round Split Shank Diamond Engagement Ring crafted in 18 kt white
Category

2010s Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Stunning 1.05 ct Ideal Cut Oval Diamond Halo Ring W/ Split Shank
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning 1.05 ct Ideal Cut Oval Diamond Halo Ring with split shank in 18k Yellow Gold – GIA
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA 0.65 Cushion 18K Gold Cushion Cut Natural Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Cushion Cut diamond accompanied by twenty (20) Round Brilliant Cut diamonds on a split shank setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Double Halo Ring with Split Shank, 1.08 Carats
Located in Honolulu, HI
ring has a split shank set with 22 round brilliant diamonds for a total of 44 diamonds totaling ~0.22
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

【Lustre Arc】Split-Shank Aurora Tahitian Pearl Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Aurora Platinum-Grey Tahitian Pearl Ring showcases an exquisite platinum-grey Tahitian pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

AIGS Certified 2.16ct Natural No Heat Ruby Diamonds ring 14kt SPlit Shank
Located in New York, NY
Ruby, Split Shank Ring AIGS Certified 1.06ct Natural Ruby Ring Report: GF12080628 Pear shape
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Diamond Cocktail Statement Unique Split Shank 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Galt Bro. Jewelers
Located in Oakton, VA
Emerald Diamond Cocktail Statement Unique Split Shank 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring 18 Karat Yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

TJD 1.0 CT Round Diamond 14KT Yellow Gold Split Shank Classic Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
yellow gold. This split shank ring is studded with 71 single cut brilliant cut round diamonds in
Category

2010s Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Bold Geometric Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stunning ring features a bombé design, pavé-set with brilliant white diamonds and accented
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

4.19tcw 14K Natural Emerald-Oval Cut Diamond Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This is an exquisite, natural emerald and diamond halo split shank ring. The gorgeous setting lets
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

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Split Shank Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact split shank diamond ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, White Gold and 18k Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a split shank 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 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing split shank diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but TJD, Sebastian Bernard and Peter Suchy each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and cushion cut alternatives. Finding a split shank diamond ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 50 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Split Shank Diamond Ring?

On average, a split shank diamond ring at 1stDibs sells for $4,886, while they’re typically $320 on the low end and $345,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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 Split Shank Diamond Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Split shank rings are differentiated by their band, which splits in two on either side to frame the gem in the center. The double band provides area to add additional accenting gems.