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Certified Burma Rubies English Victorian Five-Stone Rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Spectacular and rare Victorian five stone English ring set with Natural, untreated, unheated Burma
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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 Diamond Five-Stone Ring 1.10 Carat of Diamond 18 Carat Gold Dated 1892
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A striking Antique late-Victorian ring crafted in solid 18ct Yellow Gold and lined with five
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Era 1880s Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring 18 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Ring. An antique Victorian beauty she will be your family's story for generations to come. The Bell
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Ruby Five Stone and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
quality craftsmanship and stones used. This ring features five bright and beautiful Rubies with a cluster
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Five Stone No Heat Sapphire 1.6 ctw, Diamond Ring 18k rose gold.
Located in Joelton, TN
Handmade 18K rose gold, 5-stone vivid deep blue violet sapphire and rose cut diamond band. The band
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold

Antique Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This lovely antique ring was created in the Late Victorian era with a beautifully detailed 18ct
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Era 1891 Rose Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
hundred years of history. The Ida Ring Gem Details The five rose cut diamonds are estimated to weigh 0.10
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18ct Solid Gold, Carved Half Hoop Five Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Antique Victorian 18ct Solid Gold, Carved Half Hoop Five Stone Diamond Ring A really beautiful
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Bridal Rings

Late Victorian Graduated Five-Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Aurora, Ontario
diamonds behave and this ring has five of them. Old mine cut diamonds tend to draw your eye and provide a
Category

Antique 1870s British Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

English 18k Gold Diamond Five Stone Ring, Mid-20th Century
Located in St. Catharines, ON
Beautiful English 18k gold ring, the half hoop set with five graduated antique-cut diamonds, in an
Category

Mid-20th Century British Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

English Five Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Aurora, Ontario
This buttery yellow gold ring of english origin contains five antique diamonds that are graduating
Category

Vintage 1910s British Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian five-stone white opal and diamond cluster ring. The graduated oval opal cabochons are
Category

Antique 1880s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver

Spectacular Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Rare Victorian Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Natural Burmese Rubies and Diamond five stone ring Could be an outstanding engagement ring Crafted of
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Victorian 4.00 Carat Old Cut Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
A magnificent late Victorian navette shaped cluster ring, set with an incredible 39 diamonds. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Pearl Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1870
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A divine antique Victorian ring C. 1870, adorned with five gorgeous natural Pearls with smaller old
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Ring 18k Gold Ring
Located in Joelton, TN
Victorian five stone Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Ring. The Center Sapphire is approximately .40
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Victorian 4.00 Carat Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A magnificent late Victorian navette shaped cluster ring, set with an incredible 39 diamonds. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold circa 1880 Boxed
Located in Lancaster , GB
: 18ct Yellow Gold (Tested) STONES: Opal (approx. 2.1ct total), Diamond AGE: Victorian, Circa 1880
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold 1 Carat of Old Cut Diamond Dated 1875
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A grand Antique late-Victorian ring modelled in 18ct Yellow Gold and set with five stunning old
Category

Antique 1870s British Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Pearl Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold Locket Back, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
cluster of five natural Pearls surrounding a 0.07ct Diamond. The stones are set in an ornate milgrain
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian, 18ct Yellow Gold, Natural Sapphire and Diamond Half Hoop Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Diamond and sapphire ring, late 19th century. This classic five-stone ring is set with a well
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Ruby Ring 2.90ct Natural Rubies 18ct Gold circa 1900 Certified
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A stunning antique Victorian ring claw set with five of the most beautiful natural Rubies which
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Band Ring White Gold
Located in East Grinstead, GB
18 Karat Sapphire And Diamond Eternity Band Ring White Gold A delicate and dainty eleven stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
18ct gold & silver set Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch dated circa 1900 Five round opals
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
18ct gold & silver set Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch dated circa 1900 Five round opals
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

English Victorian 5 Stone Diamond Band Ring
Located in Boston, MA
excellent condition, this ring is a great example of a traditional five stone diamond band which was one of
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Gold Men s Ring
Located in Boston, MA
An antique victorian period rose cut diamond mens ring in 14 karat rose gold. Set with a single
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Victorian Five Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold late Victorian ring. The ring features five graduated old cut
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a splendid five-stone diamond ring taken from the late Victorian era. This antique
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful little five stone ring, dating back to the Victorian period. The diamonds are
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian ring is a classic five stone with a carved shank. Dating to the 1880s, this
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful handmade ring dates to the 1900s and is highly Victorian in style. It features five
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
A stunning five stone ring, all hand crafted from 18 carat yellow gold. The diamonds are sparkling
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian five stone diamond ring, c.1880
Located in Firenze, IT
line of five graduated old brilliant-cut diamonds with rose-cut diamond points between, to a pierced
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
ring, or engagement ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Total Colour: G
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring with Carved Shank, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautifully hand crafted Victorian ring boasts five stunning diamond. The three in the centre
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Gold Five Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Wonderful Victorian five stone diamond ring in an elaborate 18K gold setting. The ring is a size 6
Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.9 Carat Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning Victorian five stone diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold! The elevated
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.10 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
A classic Victorian five stone diamond ring, featuring old cut diamonds. The diamonds, hand cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 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 0.50 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an exquisite 18ct yellow gold late Victorian five stone ring. The central diamond is an old
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Five Stone 0.20 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a superb 18ct yellow gold late Victorian ring featuring a stunning row of antique natural
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian English Carved Ruby 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, Ruby, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Silver Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Silver Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old mine cut
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful antique Victorian five-stone ring set with three pearls and two rose cut diamonds in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Victorian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five oval shaped opal cabochons measuring 3.0 x 5.0 mm Translucent white in body color
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 20k Yellow Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 20k Yellow Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring. This
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Button Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five graduate button pearls prong set east to west Ranging in size from 4.5 to 6.0 mm
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal Cabochon Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five oval-shaped opal cabochons, each measuring 3.0 x 4.5 mm Translucent white in body
Category

Antique 1860s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 14k Diamond 5 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
stunning ring displays a row of five old European cut diamonds. The graduated stones are all prong-set, and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond 5 Stone Ring 18K Gold c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning antique Victorian 18ct gold diamond 5-stone ring made c
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Three Stone Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This 18 karat yellow gold antique, circa 1890, late Victorian ring features a straightforward
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

English Victorian diamond 18k yellow gold and platinum 5 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian ring from the 1900’s is crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum top and set with
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.36 Carat Diamond Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 1.36 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone dress ring
Category

Antique 1890s English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

1880s Victorian 2.74 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ring; part of our antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections This stunning Victorian five stone
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Victorian Five Stone Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact victorian five stone diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect victorian five stone 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. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Creating a victorian five stone diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Five Star Jewelry are consistently popular. See these pages for an old european cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old mine cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a victorian five stone diamond ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Victorian Five Stone Diamond Ring?

The price for a victorian five stone diamond ring starts at $347 and tops out at $53,213 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,107.

A Close Look at Victorian Jewelry

The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.

Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.

The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.

Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.

Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs. 

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.