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18K gold snake ring hallmarked for Birmingham 1903
Located in Baltimore, MD
Our 18K gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1903 snake ring has 2 ruby eyes and 5 diamonds decorating its
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in London, GB
for a gold snake design set with rubies, diamonds, and an emerald for her engagement ring; a
Category

Antique 19th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

2.58 Carat Colombian Emerald and Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
is beautifully accompanied by a Victorian old cut diamond on either side, weighing a combined 1.50
Category

Vintage 1950s English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

10k White Gold Natural Emerald Womens Eternity Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
ring overall has a substantial appearance. These are Genuine Natural Emeralds. The Gold is Solid 10K
Category

2010s British Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Emerald, 10k Gold, White Gold

Antique 19th Century Emerald and Diamond Ring Pear Shaped Heart Ring Rose Cut
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous antique emerald and diamond ring dating to the 19th century. The central prong-set 0.3ct
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Regards Acrostic Ring Natural Gemstones in 18 Karat Yellow Gold This Victorian 18 Karat
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Old-Cut Emerald Ring
Located in Firenze, FI
This is a Victorian 18kt/Sterling Old-Cut Diamond + Emerald ( colombia ) Bypass Ring . This
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Old-Cut Emerald Ring
Antique Old-Cut Emerald Ring
$5,554 Sale Price
20% Off
9K Solid English Rose Gold Natural Emerald Cluster Flower Ring customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This ring is made from 375 9K (9ct 9Kt) Rose Gold with Genuine Natural Emerald. Like all my
Category

2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Important Bulgari Emerald Toi et Moi Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Weston, MA
produce. The rest of the ring is made in 18k white gold and the top of the shank is decorated with 8
Category

Late 20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald and Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
gold and features a lovely 1.67ct pear shaped emerald. A trio of bezel set Single Cut diamonds balance
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Solid 14K Yellow Gold Natural Emerald Womens Five Stone Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Our stunning ornate Victorian inspired five stone ring is made in your choice of 9K, 10K or 14K
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Arthur Georgie Gaskin Superb Emerald Diamond Arts and Crafts Ring
By Arthur Georgie Gaskin
Located in London, GB
. Emerald 1.25cts approx. Victorian cut diamonds 0.70 cts approx & two tiny crystals. Ring Size : UK: I US
Category

Vintage 1910s British Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

18K White Gold Dark Blue Sapphire Cluster Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
Our classic floral design ring is made from 18K White Gold and handset with natural dark blue
Category

2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

14k White Gold Natural Emerald Womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
A dainty ornate Victorian inspired trilogy ring made from Solid 585 14K White Gold and handset with
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

English 18K Yellow Gold, Natural Peridot Cluster Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This ring is made from Solid 18K Yellow Gold and handset with Natural vibrant Peridots with a
Category

2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.70 Carat Zambian Emerald Art Deco Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
, Emerald Statement Ring, a true marvel in the world of fine jewelry. Crafted with precision and passion
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

English 9K White Gold Natural 1.3ct Emerald 0.36ct 1/3ct Diamond Accent Engage
Located in Chesham, GB
This gorgeous ring is made from 375 9K (9ct 9Kt) White Gold with Genuine Natural Precious Emerald
Category

2010s British Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, White Gold

English 14K White Gold Natural Colourful Opal Victorian Style Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Our stunning ornate five stone Victorian inspired ring design is made in 14K White Gold and handset
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold

GIA Platinum Emerald Diamond Ring Vintage Certified Natural Fine VS 6.04 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine Colombian Emeralds, Sapphires, and Antique Aquamarines set in Solid 18k
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Victorian Style 9k White Gold Natural Tanzanite Womens Band Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
A Stunning Solid 9ct White Gold Victorian style Ring with a delightful scroll pattern carved into
Category

2010s British Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, 9k Gold, White Gold

Solid 14K White Gold Five Amethyst Victorian Style Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This beauty is wonderful handcrafted 14K Solid White Gold Victorian Style Filigree design ring made
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold

Solid 14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Emerald womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
you look at the ring from different angles and contrast beautifully with these bright green Emeralds
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

9K White Gold Natural Opal Victorian Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This stunning ring is made from 375 9K White Gold and handset with Natural colourful Australian
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Amethyst Blue Topaz 3 Tier Cluster Flower Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
This ring is made from 18K Yellow Gold with Stunning Amethyst and Blue Topaz. The total gem weight
Category

2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Solid 9K White Gold Ruby Solitaire Victorian Style Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sterling Silver

18K Ruby Diamond Ring Vintage Unheated GIA Certified VS Fine Huge 15.53 Carats!
Located in Sylvania, GA
, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine Colombian Emeralds, Sapphires, and Antique Aquamarines set in Solid 18k Gold
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Hallmarked 1842 18K Five Gemstone "Adore" Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
linear pattern: Amethyst-Diamond-Opal-Ruby-Emerald. message ring similar to REGARD and DEAREST rings
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold

10k White Gold Natural Amethyst Victorian Inspired Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Our stunning Victorian inspired trilogy ring is made from 417 10K White Gold and handset with
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 10k Gold, White Gold

Solid 18k White Gold Natural Garnet Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Traditional Solid 18K White Gold Trio Ring has been hand set with a beautiful selection of
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold

10K Yellow Gold Fiery Opal Turquoise Victorian Style Trilogy Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
, 9K, 10K, 14K or 18K Yellow, Rose or White Gold. *Most of our designs can be made with most gemstones
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Opal, Turquoise, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Tiffany Co Sapphire Diamond Ring GIA Unheated Vintage VS Fine 6.12 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
wide) Fine Ring is Solid 18K White & Yellow Gold (Tested & Guaranteed) Ring Size: 6 and can easily be
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

9K Yellow Gold Rhodolite Garnet Victorian Trilogy Ring, Customization Available
Located in Chesham, GB
ring to order in Platinum, 9K, 10K, 14K or 18K Yellow, Rose or White Gold. *Most of our designs can be
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Garnet, Rhodolite, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
good absolutely stunning when used as a design in jewellery. Rose Gold 18K Ring Weight 14,31 Size Q
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
good absolutely stunning when used as a design in jewellery. Rose Gold 18K Ring Weight 14,31 Size Q
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Snake Ring, Circa 1913
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat yellow gold diamond set snake ring, circa 1913 This charming ring, is excellently
Category

Vintage 1910s British Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

18K Black Opal Australian Diamond Vintage Ring GIA Solid Rainbow Fine 7.08 CTS!
Located in Sylvania, GA
& DIAMOND VINTAGE 18K RING! FINE EARTH-MINED HUGE 7.08 CARAT AUSTRALIAN SOLID OPAL, WITH LOTS OF GORGEOUS
Category

20th Century Australian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Solid 9K White Gold Natural Ruby Pearl Victorian Trilogy Band Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
This ring is made from 9K White Gold with Genuine Natural Ruby & Natural Pearl. Like all our
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold

Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
good absolutely stunning when used as a design in jewellery. Rose Gold 18K Ring (Matching Necklace and
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

C.1860 15K REGARD Flower Ring w Ruby, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diam
Located in Baltimore, MD
-diamond, is what is known as Victorian sentimental jewelry. Our ring has gold milgrain around the border
Category

Antique 19th Century European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Amethyst Cabochon and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
AMETHYST CABOCHON AND ROSE CUT DIAMOND RING A lovely early Victorian ring set with a good deep
Category

Antique 1840s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

English Victorian Style 14K Yellow Gold Total 3ct Blue Topaz Trilogy Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
> We can make this ring to order in Platinum, 9K, 10K, 14K or 18K Yellow, Rose or White Gold. *Most of
Category

2010s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

9K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond AAA Aquamarine Womens Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
This stunning ring has been set with five nice white & bright diamonds weighing a total of 0.10ct
Category

2010s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring, Circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Vintage Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring, Circa 1970 This charming snake ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

c1860 15K yellow gold Turquoise snake ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
We love this unusual and extremely rare 18ct gold Victorian snake ring with a cushion cut diamond
Category

Antique 1860s English Early Victorian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
good absolutely stunning when used as a design in jewellery. Rose Gold 18K Ring Weight 14,31 Size Q
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Solid 9K Rose Gold Natural Tanzanite Victorian Anniversary Band Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This impressive cluster band ring is made from 375 9K Rose Gold with Natural Semi-precious
Category

2010s British Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Tanzanite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Georgian Regard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
A Georgian Regard 18 karat yellow gold ring, circa 1820 In this original 18 karat gold acrostis
Category

Antique 1820s British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18 Karat Gold 1.00 Carat Pink Tourmaline 0.60 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage rectangular cluster ring crafted in 18K yellow and 14K white gold. Circa 1980
Category

20th Century Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Solid Sterling Silver Natural Garnet Victorian Style Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Garnet, Sterling Silver

English 925 Sterling Silver Natural Colourful Opal Victorian Style Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
Our stunning ornate five stone Victorian inspired ring design is made in Sterling silver and
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

Gaetano Chiavetta Sapphire and Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in London, GB
a gold snake design set with rubies, diamonds, and an emerald for her engagement ring; a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k White Gold Natural Citrine Pearl Womens Trilogy Ring - Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Traditional Solid 18K White Gold Trio Ring has been hand set with a beautiful selection of
Category

2010s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Citrine, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian style Sterling Silver Turquoise Pearl Womens band Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
A Stunning Solid Sterling Silver Victorian Style Ring with a delightful scroll pattern carved into
Category

2010s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Sterling Silver

18K Emerald Colombian Diamond Pendant Vintage GIA Cert Victorian VS Old Mine!
Located in Sylvania, GA
EMERALD AND DIAMOND 18K PENDANT & BOX! RARE LUXURIOUS ANTIQUE 18K WITH FINEST VIBRANT EMERALD AND
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Solid 925 Sterling Silver Ruby Solitaire Victorian Style Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
RING This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sterling Silver

18 Karat Gold 5.56 Carat Solitaire Diamond Old European Cut Art-Deco Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold 5.56 Carat Solitaire Diamond Old European Cut Art-Deco Style Ring This old mutual
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Platinum Snake Ring, Circa 1970
Located in London, GB
A vintage diamond platinum snake ring, circa 1970 This charming snake ring, coils twice around the
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.