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Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Gents Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
craftsmanship from a bygone era. The ring is exquisitely set with 3 old mine cut diamonds, estimated to weigh
Category

Early 20th Century European Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique Sapphire-set Snake Ring 18k c1872 England
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1872, 18k, England. Set with a .50-carat sapphire and diamond eyes, this 19th-century English
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Shape Blue Topaz Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone 9K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
A classic Victorian inspired ring hand fabricated in 9k yellow gold. A center 0.97 carat sky blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow 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

Natural Cabochon Blue Sapphire and Pearl Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 1.80 carat. (approx.) Total Gram Weight: 2.15 g
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Round Citrine Vintage Style Six Stone Band Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Citrine, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Earrings (Approx. 3-Carats), 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique diamond cluster earrings from the Victorian era, featuring approximately 3 carats
Category

Antique 1840s Unknown Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.17 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Floral Pin Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

TVJ 1.00 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful diamond five stone ring. The ring features a Georgian style cut down setting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Georgian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian 14 Karat Gold Pearl 0.10 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Arrow Bar Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
features: - 3 cultured pearls - 14 diamonds, rose cut, 0.10ct, RW-W, SI-P1 Weight: 5.14g Length: 6cm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Mixed Metal Bangle Bracelet
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A superb quality Victorian era Old Cut Diamond 3-Stone Bangle Bracelet composed of 14k light rose
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cuff Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Victorian 14k Gold Silver Two-Stone Diamond Earrings Old Mine Cut, Antique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamond engagement ring during Late Victorian times. Etruscan and Egyptian revival, along with the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 6.00 Carat Rose Cut Red Garnet Cross Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
rings to rose-cut diamond brooches, also costume jewellery: Chanel, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Carved White Pink Shell Cameo Brooch w/ Diamond Frame
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent antique brooch was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold during the Victorian era. It
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern 18 Karat Gold 3.55 Carat Emerald 4.30 Carat Diamond Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond brooches, also costume jewellery: Chanel, Christian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Modern 18 Karat Gold 4.20 Carat Sapphire 1.70 Carat Diamond Drop Stud Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
. The piece features: - 2 sapphires, pear cut, TW 4.20ct, B 6/3, VS-SI - 56 diamonds, round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco 950 Platinum 0.90 Carat Sapphire 0.28 Carat Old Cut Diamond Bar Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
piece features: - 15 sapphires, square/rectangular step cut, TW 0.90ct, B 6/3-6/4, VS-SI - 12 diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Edwardian 18 Karat Gold TW ~1.80 Carat Diamond Drop Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Art Deco 14 Karat Gold 0.30 Carat Diamond Floral Ornament Bar Brooch
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond brooches, also costume
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1890 Victorian Red Enamel Rubinstein Gold Medal Pin with Ruby
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a wonderful Victorian medal pin crafted in 14K yellow gold and vibrant red enamel that
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Ruby, Enamel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique Iberian Diamond Pendant/Brooch 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
, rose-cut, and old mine-cut diamonds - all together weighing approx. 2.80 carats. A superb, stunning
Category

Antique 1850s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

David Webb Diamond Platinum Brooch Floral Design
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
favorite theme. You'd find them everywhere, from cluster rings to diamond brooches and corsages with flower
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant / Brooch, 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
. 2.90 carat total diamond weight. White gold 18 Karat chain (hallmarked) measures 41.5cm - 16 1/3-inch
Category

Antique 1860s Spanish Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Silver

"Baby Boom" Necklace with Eleven Gold Antique American Baby Rings on Black Chain
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
variation inspired by Queen Victoria was the "spark" ring set with a single tiny diamond -- a metaphor for
Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Blue Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire,...

Antique Diamond Enamel and 18k Yellow Gold Pendant / Locket, circa 1865
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
(average grades) P2 Cut Dutch Content 0.03 carat Number of Diamonds 3 Dimensions Length of drop 6cm/2.36
Category

Antique 1860s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

3 Carats Diamonds Antique Marquise Ring
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A very beautiful antique ring, made in gold 18k and set with 3 carats of very good quality diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond

Victorian 2.17 Carat Old Cut Diamond Bombé Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A majestic Victorian diamond ring. Set with a blindingly white 1.02 carat old cut diamond in the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Silver

Antique Victorian Cabochon Star Ruby Diamond 3 Carat Ruby circa 1880 Ring
Located in Lancaster , GB
This magnificent antique Victorian cluster ring is adorned with a natural 3ct Star Ruby which is a
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
Victorian diamond and gold band ring; this classic Victorian ring would make a superb antique
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.75 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
weighing 2.75 carats, is framed in a sparkling halo of bright white old European-cut diamonds. This
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
Victorian 5 stone sapphire and diamond ring;  the classic Victorian ring with 3 sapphires and two
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.50 Carat Diamond Augustus Head Agate Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare authentic Victorian ring depicting Augustus portrait head, skilfully carved on agate with an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian More Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.0 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Rare Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
An impressive genuine Victorian Diamond cluster ring, hand crafyed of solid 18 KT rose gold not
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Natural Opal 1.80 Carat Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Scarce, hard to find, distinctive Opal ring from the Victorian period are sought after worldwide
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

2.4 Carat Asscher Cut 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Exquisite lady’s engagement ring in 18KT white gold featuring 3 Asscher cut diamonds with the
Category

20th Century American Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Victorian 1.0 Carat Old Mine Diamond 1.0 Carat Sapphire Five-Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
An absolutely stunning, genuine Victorian period, five stone ring. 1870 ca. The very fine in
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Imposing Marquise Shaped 1.80 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Treasures from Centuries A Victorian period imposing Rose cut Diamonds marquise shaped ring
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 5.90 Carat Natural No Heat Sapphire 2.90 Carat Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
. Victorian ring, is made to delight the wearer, perfect as engagement ring or as signature to your
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Trilogy 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900 Ring
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This glorious Victorian Diamond trilogy twist ring is crafted around three beautiful European old
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian .55 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Rare Solitaire Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Glorious Victorian! This absolutely unique genuine Victorian ring is 1900 ca Outstanding
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Magnificent Victorian 1.75 Carat Diamond J VVS Plus .85 Carat Rare Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Stopping the Time! Magnificent and quite breathtaking, Victorian Diamond cluster ring of great
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 1.10 Carat Old Mine Diamond Sweet Heart Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Love in Victorian Time Antique Victorian period sweet heart ring 1900 ca. Hand crafted of solid 18
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Cluster Pave Set Ring 18 Carat, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond ring is, Circa 1880. The Diamonds are beautifully
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Middleton, WI
This unusual antique Victorian diamond gold cluster ring was handcrafted in England around 1890. It
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.00 Carat Natural Ruby 1.60 Carat Diamond Rare Antique Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Blood quality Natural Rubies remark the crown of this original Victorian ring Ring is from 1900 ca all
Category

Antique 1890s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Circa 1890 18 Carat Gold Emerald Diamond Antique Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Victorian 18ct gold half hoop emerald and diamond eternity ring. So rare to find this design with
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Sapphire Diamond Double Heart Ring 18 Carat Gold Dated 1897
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This lovely Antique Victorian ring has been commissioned in 18ct Yellow Gold. It features the shape
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire

Mindi Mond Victorian 17.61 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Silver Gold Ring
By Mindi Mond
Located in New York, NY
-of-a-Kind Reconceived Victorian Aquamarine and Diamond Ring contains: 1 Transparent Greenish-Blue
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century North American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, Silver

Victorian circa 1860 2.60 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Rare Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Statement! 1860 ca rare large Diamond content, all original untouched condition
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian .80 Carat Burmese Ruby 1.20 Carat Old Mine Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The Rarity Corner This lovely Victorian ring is 1880 ca Traditional trilogy version set with
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Hallmarked 18 Carat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Carved Hoop Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
very beautiful Dress Ring. A very RARE Ring. Total Emerald weight 0.55 carats Total Diamond weight /o
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.55 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby .40 Carat Old Diamond Seven-Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Say for Ever! Outstanding quality, Victorian period half hoop ring set with 100% natural untreated
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Glorious 6.40 Carat Star Sapphire 1.90 Ct Rose Cut Diamond Rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
of Diamonds in total TCW Ring displays the best Victorian workmanship and stunning dinner design with
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.50 Carat Old Mine Diamond Double Row 18 Karat Silver Rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 12 old mine cut diamond totalling approx 1.50 Ct (G/H/I-VVS/SI) UK size: N 3/4 US
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.20 Carat Natural No Heat Ruby Diamond Rare Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Captivating Red Colour Beautiful antique Victorian period three stone ring, 1900 ca Lovely half
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Minimalist 3 Carat Pear Cut Ruby and Diamond White Gold Bridal Ring Fashion Ring
Located in Orlando, Florida
Minimalist 3 Carat Pear Cut Natural Ruby and Diamond White Gold Bridal Ring, Fashion Ring, Natural
Category

2010s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Distinctive Victorian 1.0 Carat Old Mine Diamond Natural Pearl Trilogy Rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Sea Pearls, the trio inspired the whole unique design 1.0 Full carat of old mine cut Diamonds
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

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Victorian 3 Carat Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact victorian 3 carat diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect victorian 3 carat diamond ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing victorian 3 carat diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Roshe Jewels, DGI and Malpani Jewels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and cushion cut alternatives. Most of our victorian 3 carat diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 10 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Victorian 3 Carat Diamond Ring?

On average, a victorian 3 carat diamond ring at 1stDibs sells for $12,160, while they’re typically $1,200 on the low end and $67,000 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.