Used Engagement Ring Settings
1950s British Post-War Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2010s Unknown Contemporary Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s English Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 1900s European Russian Empire Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
1910s English Edwardian Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s English Victorian Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, 18k Gold
1910s English Edwardian Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Used Engagement Ring Settings
Agate, Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond
1920s English Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
1930s European Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Used Engagement Ring Settings
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Early 20th Century Used Engagement Ring Settings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, 14k Gold
2010s Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
1920s English Edwardian Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2010s American Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s English Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1920s Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1970s Unknown Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Used Engagement Ring Settings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2010s English Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1920s Unknown Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
1960s English Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s French Victorian Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
1920s Unknown Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s English Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1940s Italian Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2010s Modern Used Engagement Ring Settings
1950s Unknown Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1970s English Romantic Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century English High Victorian Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early 2000s English Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2010s Zambian Used Engagement Ring Settings
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Used Engagement Ring Settings
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 1900s Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Palladium
2010s Italian Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Engagement Ring Settings
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Unknown Art Deco Used Engagement Ring Settings
Diamond, Platinum
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Used Engagement Ring Settings For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Used Engagement Ring Settings?
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, 2024The fourth finger, or ring finger, is typically the finger used for engagement rings. However, which hand people typically wear engagement rings on varies. The left hand is the most common option in the U.S., Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Ireland, Mexico, the UK, Norway, Poland, Russia, Canada, Australia and other countries. In Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain and India, engagement rings usually go on the right hand. Explore a large collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can use your engagement ring as your wedding ring. Although many people choose to wear a separate wedding band, you're free to have your new spouse slip your engagement ring onto your finger during your wedding ceremony. In this case, you would forego wearing a wedding band entirely. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of antique and vintage engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Yes, prong settings can be good for engagement rings. When carefully crafted, prongs can help keep a gemstone secure. Plus, they allow nearly all of the gemstone to be visible, enhancing its sparkle and color. Many people also find prong settings to be easy to clean. Follow the maintenance and care instructions included with your engagement ring to help it stand the test of time. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Yes, it is okay to use an engagement ring as a wedding band. Some people prefer not to wear two separate rings and use the same piece both to symbolize their intent to marry and for their marriage vows. A wedding ring also doesn't have to be a band ring at all. A solitaire, halo or other type of engagement ring featuring a central stone and accent stones can easily serve as a wedding ring. You're free to choose any ring to function as both your engagement and wedding rings. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of wedding rings.
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Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
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Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.