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Victorian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we a wonderful emerald and diamond cluster ring dating back to the Victorian period. This
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Peruzzi Cut Diamond Emerald Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Peruzzi Cut Diamond Emerald Three Stone Ring. This
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Emerald Diamond Gold Silver Lucky Horseshoe Shape Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
Wear style and luck on your finger with this one-of-a-kind Victorian emerald, diamond, 18 karat
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Inspired Emerald Diamond Yellow White Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Clarity: SI Metal: 18k Yellow Gold and 10k White Gold Era: Victorian Style Circa: 1950s Hallmarks: Purity
Category

Vintage 1950s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful Victorian emerald and diamond five stone ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is set
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 18k rose gold ruby diamond snake ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian snake ring, crafted in 18k rose gold, features a vibrant ruby, sparkling diamond
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Victorian ring in 18K Yellow gold with a rectangular emerald in the center surrounded by
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A beautiful Victorian emerald and diamond ring. Natural Colombian old mine Emeralds of this colour
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A beautiful Victorian emerald and diamond ring. Natural Colombian old mine Emeralds of this colour
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Emerald Diamond Gold Gypsy Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18k yellow gold ring with a full compliment of English hallmarks inside. Classic gypsy style, set
Category

Antique 1890s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Three Stone Ring Circa 1880 s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring is belcher set to front with an emerald and two old mine cut diamonds Emerald is bright
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian GIA Colombian Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
clarity, adding a sparkling frame to the vibrant emerald. Set in luxurious 18k yellow gold, this ring
Category

Antique 1880s Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18Kt Gold Victorian Snake Emerald Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Victorian gold, diamond and emerald ring. The 18-karat gold band takes the shape of two snakes that
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Diamond Emerald Engraved Triple Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
A solid 18k gold Victorian snake ring set with two old mine cut diamonds and one emerald, circa
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1890s Antique Victorian Diamond and Emerald Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Victorian 0.55 carat diamond and 0.42 carat emerald, 18 carat yellow gold five stone
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Emerald Diamond Five Stone Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1870s This stunning Victorian-era ring features
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond and Emerald ‘Target’ Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
Victorian era target ring features an old cut diamond 'bullseye' with an approximate weight of 1.25 carats
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late-Victorian Emerald Diamond Ring Circa 1890s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This beautiful late-Victorian cluster ring is crafted in 18k rose gold and features hand-engraved
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Five Stone Emerald Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
that surround them. ERA Victorian, 183701901 HALLMARKS None - tested 18ct gold RING SIZE UK - K 1/2
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Victorian Muzo Colombian emeralds and diamonds ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Victorian Muzo emerald diamond ring Garter ring in 18k (750°/°°) gold set with 5 Colombian
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
ring has been hand crafted from 18 carat yellow gold and would make a wonderful dress ring, or even
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1840s Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, England
A stunning example of an early Victorian emerald and diamond five stone ring inspired by the
Category

Antique 1840s Unknown Early Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Made of 18 karat yellow gold, this ring builds on the classic three stone style and continues
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Made of 18 karat yellow gold, this ring builds on the classic three stone style and continues
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Emerald Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bright Victorian emerald and Old Mine cut diamond half hoop five stone ring dating to about 1880
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
18K yellow gold ring possessing a center 4.48 ct. Colombian emerald. There are approximately 1.60
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Late Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Inspired Emerald Cabochon Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Victorian Inspired Emerald Cabochon Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring. Featuring one cabochon emerald
Category

2010s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.21 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This delicate emerald ring was made in the Victorian era. The centre emerald is 0.15 carat, while
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
. The ring has spilt shoulders, leading into a hand made shank of 18 carat yellow gold. The metal work
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian 3.25 Carat Diamond and 1.92 Carat Emerald Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive Victorian emerald and diamond ring has been crafted in 18 k yellow gold with an 18 k white gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Emerald and Rose Diamond Ring, Circa 1880
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 An elegant late Victorian ring crafted in 18ct
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
is 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Emerald Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 1.70
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.50 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
A truly stunning emerald is featured in this amazing Victorian ring. The 1.50 carat emerald is a
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
motif shoulders Tested as 18 karat gold Circa: 1800s Ring size: 7 and sizable Measures north to south
Category

Antique 1830s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 2.00ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A show stopping 2.00 carat Emerald, takes pride of place in this Victorian cluster ring. The
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

19th Century Victorian Emerald Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Antique 19Kt Gold & Silver Ring from the 19th century. This intricate and elaborate piece of art is
Category

Early 20th Century Portuguese Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.22 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
& 0.55ct) Diamond Details: Approx. Colour: G, Clarity: VS Marked: '18CT' Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Made of 18 karat yellow gold, this ring builds on the classic three stone style and continues
Category

Antique Early 1900s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcrafted Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted solid 18k yellow gold Ring with Diamond & Emerald is a beautiful everyday wear ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 14 Karat Rose Gold Emerald and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Classic Victorian Navette Ring in 18K Rose Gold with a row of 5 graduating emeralds in the center
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Cushion Cut Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1890 Step back in time with this
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.14ct Emerald and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A remarkable Natural Columbian Emerald is the main feature of this stunning Victorian ring. It
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18ct Gold Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Makers Mark CS * FS Introducing this stunning 18ct
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant 0.88 carat emerald is flanked by two 0.50 carat old cut diamonds in this Victorian ring
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

French Victorian GIA Certified Colombian Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Victorian GIA certified emerald cluster ring summarizes the period. The center stone is GIA certified 2.41
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Three Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Victorian three stone ring, crafted in 18K yellow gold and silver, features a vibrant 1
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Snake Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian gold, diamond and emerald ring. The 18-karat gold band takes the shape of two snakes that
Category

Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Emerald and Diamonds Enamel Ring, 18kt Gold and Silver, France
Located in London, GB
Victorian era is made in18kt yellow gold and silver. It is adorned with a vibrant green cabochon-cut emerald
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Vintage 2.00 Carats Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
18 karat gold Circa: 1900 Ring Size: 6 3/4 & sizable Measures North to South 21.0 mm and sits 4.5
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Victorian Emerald Diamond Five Stone Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 This exquisite ring is a true example of the
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.90ct Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
diamond ring. All done by hand, the carving demonstrates the talent acquired in the Victorian era. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Aquamarine Rose Cut Diamond Ring. This beautiful ring
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases an oval faceted natural emerald which sits slightly
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.60 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
and rose cut diamonds; all of which are silver set before the ring is made complete by a ribbed 18ct
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.25ct Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
additional ten small decorative diamonds setting the piece apart. The ring is crafted from 18 carat yellow
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.00 Carat Green Emerald Diamond Engagement Yellow Gold Ring EGL USA
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Timeless Antique Victorian European-made 18k Yellow Gold (stamped) Shy 1.00CT Green
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 2.46 Carats Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Snake Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
this majestically ornate Victorian cluster ring. A juicy emerald sits nestled with a diamond halo
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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