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Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
cut (old mine) diamonds 0.70ct. Mix of old mine and rose cut diamonds in an 18 carat yellow gold with
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
cut (old mine) diamonds 0.70ct. Mix of old mine and rose cut diamonds in an 18 carat yellow gold with
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

English Victorian Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Boston, MA
A beautiful original victorian period diamond ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Centered by an
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian 3 Carat Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
: Diamond 2.90 total carats DESIGN ERA: Victorian RING SIZE: US 7/7.5 - IT 15 - FR 55 - UK O, Resizeable
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.39 Carat GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian era 1.39 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring composed of 18k yellow gold. With a 1.39
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.51 Carat Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Stackable Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
0.20 carat total, raspberry red in color Tested as 14 karat gold Ring Size: 4 3/4 & sizable Top
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

3 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond 18k Gold Cluster Victorian Revival Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A stunning antique revival diamond cluster ring, fashioned in great victorian style of the 1800s. A
Category

20th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.60 Carats Old Mine Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster ring centers an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.90 carat - H/I color with VS
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.60 Carats Old Mine Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster ring centers an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.90 carat - H/I color with VS
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Black Enamel and 0.65 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An outstanding diamond ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This fantastic piece is crafted in
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.80 Carat Diamond Turquoise Cabochon 18 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
gallery Tested as 18 karat gold Circa: 1890s Ring Size: 7 3/4 & sizable Measures: 17. 3 mm wide and
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 3.22 Carat Diamond Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This lovely victorian ring has a diamond weighing 3.22 carats and a 10mm. pearl. The diamond is
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vivid D F Victorian 2.05 Carat Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shank Stamped D & F with English hallmarks Ring Size: 6 3/4 & Sizable Top measures 8.0 mm and sits
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.25 Carat Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Gold Dinner Ring Signed
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering 3 old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.75 carats total, GHI color and VS to
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 2.40 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
scalloped edge Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Circa: 1900 Ring Size: 7 3/4 & sizable Measures: 21.8 mm
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 2.40 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
scalloped edge Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Circa: 1900 Ring Size: 7 3/4 & sizable Measures: 21.8 mm
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.80 Carat Old European Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Gold Mourning Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.80 carat, H/I color and VVS clarity
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 3 Stone Yellow Gold Diamond Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
All original antique Victorian ring with old European brilliant diamonds of exceptional sparkle and
Category

20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.68 Carat Spinel Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
. Surrounded by a transitional cut diamond halo. Weighing in total approximately 0.18 carat - G to J color with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1890 Victorian 2.45 Carat Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Scrolled Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set to front with old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.55 carat total, I to J color and
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

1890 Victorian 2.45 Carat Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Scrolled Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set to front with old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.55 carat total, I to J color and
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

1900 Victorian 1.90 Carats Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bypass ring has overreaching shoulders while featuring a cushion cut ruby and old mine diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1890 Victorian 2.45 Carat Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Scrolled Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set to front with old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.55 carat total, I to J color and
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 2.30 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional antique Victorian 2.30 carat old European round cut diamond, 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 2.45 Carats Old Mine Diamond Silver-Topped 18 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.05 carats - M/N color with VS clarity
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian No Heat Ceylon 18.80 Carats Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
accented by rose cut diamonds Weighing in total approximately 0.20 carat - color and quality is consistent
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Snake Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A gorgeous Victorian Diamond Encrusted Snake Ring. The old mine cut diamonds total approximately
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Victorian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Snake Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
bright and sparkly. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Widest Point: 13mm Weight: 4.9g
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian 9.00 Carat Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Victorian ring crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold showcasing a spectacular vivid
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Late Victorian 2.35 Carat Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
additional pavè set diamonds throughout shoulders. Total diamond weight is approximately 1.20 carat - G to I
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian diamond 18k yellow gold 3 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k yellow gold ring showcases three old European cut diamonds, totaling
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1890 s Victorian 2.00 Carats Star Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster ring centers an oval star ruby cabochon weighing 1.60 carats. Translucent purplish red
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Circular cluster ring centers a bright green emerald cut emerald weighing approximately 0.25 carat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
From the Victorian era, the classic 5 stone ring. Designed with 5 old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.50 Carat Natural Color Changing Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A rare and exquisite gemstone ring from the Victorian era (ca1880)! Crafted in 14kt yellow gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

0.80 Carat Victorian Diamond Sapphire Crossover Wedding Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Amazing Antique Late Victorian BEAUTIFUL CROSSOVER Diamond and Sapphire Engagement, Anniversary
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1870s Antique Victorian 1.51 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 1.51 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold marquise shaped dress
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 4.50 Carat Natural Lavender Star Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful lavender star sapphire ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Crafted in 18kt gold and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique 3 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
GEM STONE: Sapphire 3 cts - Diamond 2.50 total carats DESIGN ERA: Victorian 1980 RING SIZE: US 7.5
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian GIA 0.94 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
: 1.9 Step back in time to the romantic Victorian era with this enchanting diamond ring, exuding
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1870s Antique Victorian 1.51 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 1.51 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold marquise shaped dress
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.64 Carats Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color. Flanked by two old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carat total. I color with I1
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian 18k/Sterling Silver 3-Stone Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous diamond navette ring from the Late Victorian (ca1900) era! This fashionable piece is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

Victorian Style Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This victorian style diamond ring features 15 pieces round cut diamonds in approximately 0.57
Category

Vintage 1940s American Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Diamond Turquoise 14 Karat Rose Gold Statement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring centers a belcher set old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.26 carat, H color and SI1
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

1870s Victorian Diamond Turquoise 18 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
: 1870s Ring Size: 5 3/4 & sizable Measures: 18.6 mm wide and sits 6.1 mm high Total weight: 4.5 grams
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl Ring 14k Yellow Gold 3 Stone Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian diamond & pearl ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14 karat yellow
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Opal 18 Karat Gold Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds weighing in total approximately 0.90 carat; G to I color and SI clarity Stamped 18 for 18 karat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian diamond sapphire 14k yellow gold 3 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This antique two-tone ring showcases a charming 0.40 carat old European diamond flanked by deep
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cabochon Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cut diamonds Weighing in total approximately 0.70 carat with G to J color and SI clarity Tested as
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cabochon Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cut diamonds Weighing in total approximately 0.70 carat with G to J color and SI clarity Tested as
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
European cut diamond accents weighing in total approximately 0.15 carat - eye clean and white. Stamped 14K
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 3.30 Carat Moonstone Garnet Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1900's Victorian moonstone, diamond and garnet ring. 3.30ct oval center stone, accented with 3
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
and the diamonds total approximately 1.4carat. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Cluster Diameter: 12mm
Category

Antique 1850s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
From the Victorian era, the classic 5 stone ring. Designed with 5 old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian GIA 0.98 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Step back in time with this exquisite Victorian-era diamond ring, boasting timeless elegance and
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Old Mine Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring is designed as a belcher set circular cluster Featuring seven old mine cut diamonds weighing
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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