Skip to main content

Split Shank Diamond Ring

to
82
473
210
202
272
119
574
54
114
53
30
34
554
1
1
3
2
1
1
5
490
97
2
194
97
53
36
31
to
26
26
18
17
12
195
124
35
11
4
3
2
2
588
1
557
Sort By
Oval Diamond Platinum Double Halo Split Shank Classic Engagement Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
White Diamonds at 0.69 Carats Total Weight Clarity: SI / Color H-I Ring size: Customizable Undeniably
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Cabochon Emerald Split Double Shank Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
diamond rings in a split double shank cocktail ring Diamond rings are partially set Modern and in-style
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

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

.925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Bypass and Split Shank Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
meets sophisticated sparkle. The intricate design features a bypass and split shank band, turning heads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Bypass and Split Shank Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
meets sophisticated sparkle. The intricate design features a bypass and split shank band, turning heads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Bypass and Split Shank Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
meets sophisticated sparkle. The intricate design features a bypass and split shank band, turning heads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Bypass and Split Shank Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
meets sophisticated sparkle. The intricate design features a bypass and split shank band, turning heads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Bypass and Split Shank Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
meets sophisticated sparkle. The intricate design features a bypass and split shank band, turning heads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Bypass and Split Shank Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
meets sophisticated sparkle. The intricate design features a bypass and split shank band, turning heads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

GIA Certified 2.04 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Pave Split Shank Ring
Located in New York, NY
princess is prong-set into an intricate platinum split shank frame ring set with 65 round-cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Bypass and Split Shank Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
meets sophisticated sparkle. The intricate design features a bypass and split shank band, turning heads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Round Diamond Double Halo Split Shank Champagne Cluster Ring 0.75 Carat
Located in New York, NY
Round Diamond Double Halo Split Shank Champagne Cluster Engagement Ring 0.75 cts Crisp white
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Levian 14K White Gold Aquamarine Chocolate Diamond Split Shank Ring
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Levian 14K White Gold Aquamarine Chocolate Diamond Split Shank Ring Size 4.25
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

.925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Bypass and Split Shank Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
meets sophisticated sparkle. The intricate design features a bypass and split shank band, turning heads
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

Roman Malakov, Oval Cut Yellow Diamond Halo Split-Shank Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
brilliant diamonds. Set in a split-shank setting accented with round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds weigh 0.89
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

H H 4.37 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Split-Shank Ring
By H H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Elegance coupled with impeccable design, this handmade blue sapphire and diamond ring is a piece
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Peter Suchy 1.56 Carat Diamond Halo Platinum Split Shank Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Peter Suchy 1.56ct round diamond with a cushion halo and diamond split shank. Allows a band to sit
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum 4.63ct Bright Green Tourmaline and Diamond Split Shank Statement Ring
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Platinum 4.63ct Bright Green Tourmaline and Diamond Split Shank Statement Ring V1170 ♥ This item
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

SeidenGang Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Square Top Split Shank Ring
By SeidenGang
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The SeidenGang 18k yellow gold diamond ring features a striking 20mm x 20mm square-shaped top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ravishing Platinum Split Shank Ring w/ 1.25ct Natural Diamonds IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
A stylish split shank ring with a dazzling 0.75-carat round brilliant natural diamond. It has 0.5
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Rubellite Tourmaline Split Shank Cluster Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold double split shank cocktail ring Diamonds weighing 0.55 carats One natural
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Peter Suchy Oval Sapphire Diamond Gold Split Shank Halo Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Oval sapphire and diamond split shank Halo engagement ring is from the Peter Suchy Workshop. 1
Category

Early 2000s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

10 Karat Yellow Gold Split Shank Galaxy Diamond Ring with Diamond Halo
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 10K yellow gold Diamond: 40 round brilliant and 1 oval cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Cluster Heart Split Shank Cocktail Fashion Ring 14K White Gold
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Metal: 14K White Gold Diamond Details: 39 Brilliant Round White Diamonds at 1.25 Carats Total
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Gold Platinum 4.01ct Watermelon Tourmaline w/ Diamond Grooved Split Shank Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
ring.) Ring Width: 16.6mm (0.65")(top of the ring) - 7mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 5.7mm rise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Natural Emerald and Diamond Split Shank Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 18-karat white gold ( stamped 18K) split shank design ring set with three (3) 6x4mm natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

14k Gold Pink Morganite Split Shank Ring Halo Diamond Wedding Anniversary Ring
Located in New York, NY
Engagement and wedding Ring designs, From Classic, Minimalistic designs to vintage-inspired, Necklaces
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Central American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Fourteen Karat White Gold Split Shank Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
14 karat yellow gold split shank cocktail cluster ring Four round sapphires weighing 0.56 carats
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

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

14 Karat White Gold Bezel Set Split Shank Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Color: K Clarity: VS2 Diamonds: 30 round brilliant cut= .56cttw Color: G Clarity: VS Ring size: 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

10 Karat Yellow Gold Split Shank Galaxy Diamond Ring with Halo
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 10K yellow gold Diamond: 35 round brilliant and 1 galaxy diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 6.19 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Platinum Pave Split Shank Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamond with J color and SI1 clarity is prong-set into a triple shank frame ring studded with sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

18 Karat White Gold Round Diamond Halo with Split Pave Shank Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k white gold round diamond halo with split pave shank ring, containing 100 round full cut
Category

Early 2000s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K Rose Gold 1.38ctw Natural Round Brilliant Diamond Crossover Split Shank Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This 18K rose gold ring exudes sophistication with its elegant crossover split shank design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Elegant 0.78 carat Natural Diamond Split Shank Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This elegant 18K white gold split shank ring features 56 round brilliant diamonds, with a total
Category

2010s Singaporean Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

6.70ct Natural Vivid Green Emerald Diamonds Ring 14kt Split Shank Dub Shoulder
Located in New York, NY
Split Shank Vivid Green. 6.70ct. Natural Emerald Ring Emerald cut Brilliant 11 x 9.7mm
Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

David Yurman Albion Black Orchid Diamond Cable Split Shank Sterling Silver Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Boca Raton, FL
David Yurman Albion Black Orchid Diamond Ring Fashioned in Sterling Silver. The faceted black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Hematite, Sterling Silver

Platinum 2.16ctw GIA Round Brilliant Diamond w/ Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at an absolutely stunning diamond engagement ring crafted from solid platinum. The
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Pear Shaped Cabochon Burma Rubies and Diamond Split Shank Gold Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
14 karats white and yellow gold split shank facing cabochon Burma ruby and diamond cocktail ring
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Pear Cabochon Burma Ruby Split Double Shank Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
set between two diamond rings in a split double shank cocktail ring Modern and in-style trendy fine
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Split Shank Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold split shank cocktail cluster ring Three round cabochon rubies weighing 0.86
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

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

10 Karat Yellow Gold Split Shank Oval Galaxy Diamond Ring with Diamond Halo
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 10K yellow gold Diamond: 35 round brilliant and 1 oval diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Alexandrite Natural Color Change Pear Shape Diamond Halo Split Shank Ring 18K
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 18K Gold Center Diamond Details: 1 Pear Shaped Natural Alexandrite at 0.73 Carats
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Split Shank Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold split shank cocktail cluster ring Round cabochon emerald weighing 0.80 carats
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.18 Carat Ceylon Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire Diamond Split Shank Engagement Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
: 0.26 Carats Total Weight of Brilliant Round White Diamonds Ring size: Customizable Undeniably rare
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Timeless 0.12 carat Natural Diamond Split Shank Ring in 9K Rose Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This delicate 9K rose gold ring is adorned with 24 round brilliant diamonds, totalling 0.12ct. The
Category

2010s Singaporean Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Edwardian Pearl Diamond Split Shank Ring 18K Yellow Gold 6.5
Located in North Hollywood, CA
not a perfect match but they are original to the ring. There are also 30 Diamonds on each side of the
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Nouveau Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat Gold Diamond Pave Split Shank Mounting Ring LBD-095519
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
is known for their jewelry that is absolutely dripping in diamonds. This ring of course fits the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Platinum 2.87 Carat Pear Brilliant Cut Diamond Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
: Approximately .29 Carats Color/ Clarity: G-H/VS1-2 Total Diamond Carat Weight: 3.16 Carats Ring Size: 7 Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

GIA Certified 1.04 Carat Oval Diamond Halo Split Shank 18K Rose Gold Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
diamond frame set with 18 round diamonds totaling approx. 0.25 carat atop a simple split shank. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Split Shank Platinum Ring w Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This Art Deco beauty is an excellent example of the 1920's era. The Beautiful diamond detail split
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Zambian Emerald Ring with Natural Diamonds: 14K Solid White Gold, Split Shank
Located in Columbus, OH
Delicate 14k gold ring featuring a 0.89-carat emerald-cut Zambian emerald, celebrated for its rich
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

14K Yellow White Gold 1.0 Cttw Split Shank Halo Floral Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This split shank diamond engagement ring makes an elegant choice to profess your love. Crafted with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

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

Bespoke 18 Carat Yellow Gold Split Shank Ring 1 Carat
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: Bespoke 18ct Yellow Gold Split Shank Ring 1ct Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow White Gold 1.0 Cttw Split Shank Halo Floral Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This split shank diamond engagement ring makes an elegant choice to profess your love. Crafted with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

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

4.7ctw Blue Topaz Diamond Halo Split Shank Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 6.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
diamonds. The split shank design adds a modern twist to this classic piece. The ring is made of 14k white
Category

1990s Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Sterling Silver 1/4 Cttw Diamond Halo Split Shank Band Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
spiral shaped tri split shank. The ring has a decorative openwork cutout gallery with milgrain beading
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

Levian 14K White Gold Aquamarine Chocolate Diamond Split Shank Ring Size 4.75
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Levian 14K White Gold Aquamarine Chocolate Diamond Split Shank Ring Size 4.75
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

LeVian 14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Round Diamond Split Shank Bridal Halo Ring
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
LeVian 14K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Round Diamond Split Shank Bridal Halo Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

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.