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Fabulous Victorian Ring with Emerald Center, Diamond and French Hallmarks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Greenwich is fabulous, one-of-a-kind Victorian era (circa 1895) 18k yellow gold ring featuring the
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Emerald, Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A beautiful 18 Karat yellow gold Victorian emerald, amethyst and diamond cluster ring. This ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Colombian Emerald and Diamond Horizontal Marquise Cluster Ring
Located in Dublin 2, D
Victorian Colombian emerald and diamond horizontal marquise cluster ring in 18kt yellow gold. Set
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Emerald Diamond Trilogy Ring 18 Carat, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This classic 18ct Yellow Gold Victorian trilogy ring is beautiful, Circa 1900. The ring boasts a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Late Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring Modelled in 18ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
, Depth; 4.4mm. Materials: 18ct Yellow Gold Stones: Diamonds, Emeralds
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Emerald Diamond Three-Stone Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An adorable late Victorian emerald and diamond cluster ring. The three vibrant emeralds nestle
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 18 Carat Gold Emerald and Old Cut Diamond Two-Row Chequerboard Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A beautiful late Victorian period two row chequerboard design. Modelled in 18 carat yellow gold
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Emerald Old Mine Cut Diamond 5-Stone Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
diamonds. Modelled in rich 18ct yellow gold, the head displays pretty galleried sides, allowing in light
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian French Emerald and Diamond Ring Circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous antique Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold French ring boasts a trilogy of gemstones
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Certified 1.6 Ct Emerald and Rose Cut Diamonds Ring, Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
An important antique emerald and diamond ring in high carat gold. Dating back to the late 1800's
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Gold Diamond Emerald Ruby Double Snake Ring
Located in Phoenix, AZ
A gold double snake head ring. 18k yellow gold item features bezel set diamonds (approx. .5tcw
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, circa 1900
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A fantastic antique Victorian 18ct yellow gold emerald and diamond three stone ring dating from
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Unique Victorian Cluster Engagement Ring with Emerald Cut Center Diamond
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lucca is an incredibly unique Late Victorian era (circa 1895) platinum topped 18k yellow gold
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
three Diamonds this stunning five stone ring is setin 18ct Yellow Gold, and would make the perfect gift
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Composition: 18K Gold and platinum. Stones: • 1 natural tear shape Colombian cut emerald that
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

19th Century Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A late 19th century emerald and diamond ring. The four emerald cut emeralds clustered by a single
Category

Antique 1880s American Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Entwined Snakes Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Victoria with a snake ring set with an emerald. The queen set the bar for fashion in this period and, owing
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Emerald and Mine-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
displayed in rich 18K yellow gold in this truly sublime antique jewel. The emerald gleams from within an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Trumpet Horn Emerald Diamond Tiara Engagement Ring
By Trumpet Horn
Located in Los Angeles, CA
were inspired by nature and romance. This unique diamond ring is made from 18k yellow gold and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Mid Century Colombian Emerald Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
. Cut – Marquise cut emerald and round brilliant cut diamonds. Colour – Diamonds are F; colourless
Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

19th Century Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Oxford, GB
A 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring, the ring is set in 18k gold and silver. The
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Adore Amethyst Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1895
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This gorgeous Antique Victorian ring has been modelled in 18ct Yellow Gold and set with a beautiful
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Magnificent 5.69 Carat Cabochon Emerald Old Cut Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
An extraordinary ring with real history and character. The natural Colombian emerald was, we
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

French Antique Emerald and Diamond Heart Ring
Located in QLD , AU
Details - Metal - Platinum & 18k yellow Gold Gemstones - 26 step cut emeralds weighing approximately
Category

20th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Acrostic Diamond Adore Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
, Diamond, Opal, Ruby and Emerald. This is a particularly fine example, with a cluster of diamonds framing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Emerald Ring
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.67ct Asscher cut Emerald set in a handcrafted 18K oxidized yellow gold and silver mounting. A
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

18 Carat Gold Ruby Emerald and Diamond Full Eternity Day Night Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning full eternity Day / Night ring. Solid 18 carat yellow gold example. Designed with the
Category

20th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Essex, GB
This emerald and diamond ring has it all. A glowing bottle green marquise cut Colombian emerald set
Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Ring Antique Emerald and Diamond Cluster Mounted in 18 Carat Gold English, 1860
Located in London, GB
A Nineteenth century, Emerald and cushion cut diamond cluster ring mounted in 18 carat yellow gold
Category

Antique 1860s British High Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

2.20 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
Victorian emerald and diamond cluster ring, centering on a natural square emerald-cut emerald
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, Yellow Gold

18 karat Gold and Platinum Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Fine and fabulous, this impressive Victorian style ring, handmade in 18k gold and platinum
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Rare Mizpah Stoneset Ring Ruby Emerald Diamond, 1872
Located in Perth, AU
Fabulous and rare, this Mizpah 18ct gold ring is hallmarked for London 1872 and set with rubies
Category

Antique 1870s British Late Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique-Style Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
A gorgeous, Victorian-style ring crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold and featuring a shining trio
Category

20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Adore Ring, circa 1860
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
Gold STONES: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald AGE: Victorian, Circa 1860 CONDITION: Excellent
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

True Eyecatcher Victorian Antique Ring with a 3.50 Carat Ovalcut Emerald
Located in Antwerp, BE
a 3.50crt oval cut emerald in an 18K yellow gold setting, vertically aligned with 2 old European cut
Category

Antique 1850s Belgian Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Unusual Vintage Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
; 4.8mm. Depth; 5mm. Band Width; 2.2mm. Materials: 18ct Yellow Gold Stones: Diamonds, Emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Colombian Minor Oil 3.90 carat Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB
even green with excellent saturation. Cushion-cut and mounted in 18 carat yellow gold claws. Surrounded
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18ct White Gold, Ruby Diamond Victorian Style Eternity Ring with Blossom Motif
By Theo Fennell
Located in London, GB
18ct White Gold, 2.92ct Emerald Cut Ruby & 0.29ct Diamond Victorian Style Eternity Ring with Rose
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Gemstone Adore Ring, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This colourful antique 18ct Gold Gemstone ring is Victorian Circa 1900. The gemstones in the
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Magnificent Aquamarine Enamel Diamond 18k Gold Statement Ring
By Mindi Mond
Located in New York, NY
border 18 k yellow gold mounting 23.12 grams (gross) Size 7 Can be sized complimentary.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond

Antique Victorian Gemstone Adore Ring 18 Carat Gold Dated, 1908
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
Gold STONES: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald AGE: Victorian 1908 ORIGIN: Chester, United
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Midcentury, 1940s 18 Carat White Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Emerald and diamond ring, circa 1940. This classic floral cluster centres on an excellent Colombian
Category

Mid-20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Gemstone Adore Ring, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
across x 6mm down STANDS: 3mm off the finger METAL: 18ct Yellow Gold STONES: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Amethyst Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster , GB
A spectacular antique Amethyst and Diamond ring from the Victorian era, Circa 1900 The stunning
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Boat Shaped Ring, circa 1900
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A pretty Edwardian 18 karat gold emerald and diamond boat shaped cluster ring. With two cushion cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Acrostic Regard Gemstone 18 Carat Gold Stack Eternity Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A very rare ladies mid Victorian period ' REGARD ' design ring. Set with Ruby Emerald Garnet
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique, Victorian, 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
in a simple but beautifully executed 18ct yellow gold setting with rose-cut diamonds interspersed
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Multigem Navaratna Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
(descending Lunar Node). The ring is modelled in 18 karat gold, and holds the stones in a square grid pattern
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue...

Antique, Victorian, 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Old Cut Diamond Half Hoop Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Victorian, diamond five stone ring, circa 1880. Set with five beautiful chunky old mine-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gem Quality 3.00 Carat Old Mine Muzo Emerald
Located in San Francisco, CA
truly magnificent vintage emerald and diamond ring for a true connoisseur and collector. The gemmy
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

1855 Victorian 18 Carat Gold and Dearest Acrostic Stack Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A very rare ladies Victorian period ' DEAREST ' design cluster stack ring. SIZE ; N UK, 6 3/4 US
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Victorian Pansy REGARD and Fede Ring Circa 1880
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A pretty Victorian pansy REGARD and Fede 18 karat gold ring manufactured circa 1880. With lovely
Category

Antique 1880s British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique, Art Deco, 18 Carat White Gold, Fire Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Fire opal and diamond ring, 1920. Fire opals are an unusual variety of opal, found primarily in
Category

Early 20th Century British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Vintage, 18 Carat White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
comfortable and practical to wear day-to-day. Ring size: US: 7.25. / UK: ‪N 1/2‬ Metal 18ct White gold
Category

Late 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

French, 1950s, 18 Carat White Gold, Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Diamond ring, 1950’s. The diamond cluster is an enduring classic of jewellery design. The prongs
Category

Mid-20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Anglo-Indian Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
Early Anglo-Indian snake ring with emeralds, rubies, pink sapphires, and natural black (rare to
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
alongside more contemporary rings as part of a ring stack. MARKS 18ct METAL 18 carat white gold STONE
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

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Victorian 18k Gold Emerald Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate victorian 18k gold emerald diamond ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for a victorian 18k gold emerald diamond ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating a victorian 18k gold emerald diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Paris Precious Craft House, Effy and Studio Rêves are consistently popular. An emerald cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old european cut and oval cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a victorian 18k gold emerald 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 Victorian 18k Gold Emerald Diamond Ring?

On average, a victorian 18k gold emerald diamond ring at 1stDibs sells for $5,795, while they’re typically $380 on the low end and $300,000 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.