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Art Nouveau 1.00 Total Carat Mine Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely gorgeous 3-stone ring from the Art Nouveau (ca1900s) era! This wonderful piece is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian English Carved Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
. Three rubies weigh approximately 3 carats in total and are separated by a pair of old European cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Early Victorian Diamond Guilloche Enamel 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Early Victorian Diamond Guilloche Enamel 18 Karat Gold Ring. Featuring seven old mine cut
Category

Antique 1840s Unknown Early Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel, 18k Gold

14 Karat Victorian Ruby and Euro Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
14K Victorian Ruby & Euro Diamond Navette Ring Era: Victorian Composition: 14K Yellow Gold
Category

Antique 1830s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Victorian 14K Gold Vintage 1.07Ct Rose Cut GIA Certified Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
accompanied with a GIA diamond certificate on the center stone. This ring can be sized up or down 3 sizes for
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Buttercup Style Yellow Gold Vintage Cluster Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
influence. A beautiful ring to help pop the question, or to add to a Victorian jewelry collection. (Metal
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Sapphire Diamond Ring Vintage 18k Gold Gemstone Engagement
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian era sapphire & diamond ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 18
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
This Victorian ruby and diamond cluster ring is a classic example of an everyday vintage ring
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Low Profile Carved Solitaire Ring
Located in Addison, TX
of Ring: 2.40mm Center Diamond Details: Shape: Rose Cut Carat Weight: 0.83Ct Color: G Clarity: VS1
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.3 Carat Old European Diamond Yellow Gold Honey Comb Solitaire
Located in Addison, TX
This ring is a unique example of a Victorian era diamond solitaire ring. The 1.3 carat Old European
Category

Early 20th Century Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.96 CT European Diamond 14K Gold Antique Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.96 carats K color with VS2 clarity - set in a six
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Amethyst Three Stone And Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian Amethyst Three Stone and Diamond Gold Ring, circa 1900. The Victorian Amethyst Three
Category

20th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian Pink Sapphire Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Halo Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring size: 5 3/4 and sizable Circa: 1900 Measures north to south 14.5 mm and sits 5.0 mm high Total
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18 Karat Hand Etched Victorian Opal Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Addison, TX
our 1st Dibs family. This ring can be sized up or down 3 sizes. If you wish to have a ring sized
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
- prong set With a halo surround of rose cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.10 carat total Quality
Category

Antique 1830s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old European and
Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Colombian High Cabochon Emerald Diamond Flower Petal Ring, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Victorian Colombian Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring, ca. 1880s The beautiful Victorian high
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

1890s Antique 1.28 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.28 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14 Karat Gold Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A victorian 14 karat yellow gold, synthetic ruby and diamond navette ring. A lozenge shape centered
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Other, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Old Mine-Cut Diamond Silver and Gold Half Hoop Ring
Located in Houston, TX
1.72 carats, J-L color and VS2-SI2 clarity. Ring Size 6 3/4.
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Opal Diamond 14 Kart Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
rose and single cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.06 carat total - eye clean and bright Flanked
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one oval cabochon
Category

Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.52 CTW Opal Diamond Silver 14 Karat Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
of old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.52 carats H/J color with VS2 clarity Flanked by
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

"R" Initial Ring Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Antique Victorian Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
: approximately 1/3 Carat The "R" is 13mm (1/2 inch) tall by 7mm. The ring is currently a size 3.75 US (H UK) and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped for 14 karat gold Circa: 1860s Ring size: 4 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 12.0 mm and
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.32 Old Mine Cut Diamond 14K Gold Antique Belcher Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.32 carat total - J color with VS2
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Garnet Cabochon Diamond Star Ring - C.1860
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this large and majestic 18ct gold garnet ring made in the early Victorian
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Victorian Moonstone Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Man In The Moon Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shoulders Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1890s Ring size: 6 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 8.0 mm
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage English 3-Stone Sapphire Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Adorn your finger with this fabulous vintage Victorian English 3 stone sapphire engagement ring
Category

Mid-20th Century English Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Five Stone Diamond 18 Karat Gold Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
weigh about 3 carats total. The ring is a stunning example of a diamond half hoop ring. It is 6.5 mm
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Circa 1900 s Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Three Stone Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This Victorian ring has a beautiful pop of color with a vibrant blue sapphire showcased right in
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.86 Old Mine Cut Diamond 14K Gold Antique Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.86 carat - J color with SI1 clarity Set
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian 1.46 CTW Old Mine Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.46 carats - M color with VS2 clarity
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shoulders Stamped for 18 karat gold Circa: 1860s Ring Size: 5 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 12.0
Category

Antique 1860s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, England, 1880s
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 18kt gold ring with ruby and diamonds. Made in England Circa 1880. Hallmarked
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 15 Karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, England, 1860s
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 15k gold ring with ruby and diamonds Made in England Circa 1860's Tested positive
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold

Victorian Era Sapphire Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring 14K Rose Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
Gemstones; Estimated Combined Gemstone Weight: 0.35 Carat 3 - 2.8mm Old Mine Cut Diamonds; Estimated
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

1880s Antique Victorian Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian seed pearl and 0.23 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold dress ring; part
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Pear GIA Diamond Solitaire Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This Victorian engagement ring is beautifully unique. The prong setting and 14K yellow gold is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal Cabochon Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
knife edge shoulders Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1860s Ring size: 4 3/4 and sizable Measures north to
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Louis Philippe Antique Rectangular 5 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinium and 18 carat yellow gold, mascaron and owl hallmarks. This rare antique diamond
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Early Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Ring Trefoil Citrine Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian citrine & diamond trefoil ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Silver Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.15 carats O/P color with I1 clarity and
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Navette Shaped Opal Statement Ring with Old European Cut Diamonds
Located in Addison, TX
look. Accented by two European cut diamonds and floral engraved shanks this ring takes the cake. A
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 14k Gold AGL Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
ring that was crafted during the Victorian period from solid 14k gold and platinum. The ring features a
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Opal Diamond 9 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Flower Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.08 carat Eye clean and bright
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Platinum 1.04ct Emerald Diamond 5 Stone Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This fine antique ring was crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and platinum during the late Victorian
Category

Antique 1890s Early Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1880 Antique Ring In 14Kt Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian classic cocktail ring with opal. Gorgeous antique ring, created during the Victorian
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Triple Cluster Diamond 1.60 Carat Ring, Circa 1870
Located in London, GB
An antique triple cluster diamond ring, set with three old-cut diamonds, surrounded by a triple
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Victorian Old Mine Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing 0.80 carats total - L color with I1 clarity Prong set in
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Heart Ring Pearl Diamond Guilloche Enamel 15k Gold Silver Bow
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian guilloche enamel diamond & pearl heart ring (circa 1880s to 1900s
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 10 Karat Gold Oval Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian opal & diamond ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 10 karat yellow
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 4.10 CTW No Heat Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Antique Band Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
of heat treatment With rose cut diamonds bead set in between Weighing approximately 0.10 carat total
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Rose Cut Diamond Navette Shield Ring
Located in Addison, TX
two total carats of diamonds perfectly distributed takes this three diamond shield ring to the next
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Ring Pearl Mine Cut Diamond Cluster 14k Yellow Gold Halo
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian era cluster ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14k yellow
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Emerald Diamond Ring c1896 18k Yellow Gold Chester Band 7.25
Located in Torrance, CA
Antique Victorian emerald & diamond ring (circa 1896), crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Three
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 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.