Skip to main content

Victorian Five Stone Diamond Ring

to
18
638
470
301
21
40
607
48
90
5
80
2
484
141
40
77
8
1
1
1
2
4
2
338
326
3
141
116
61
43
29
to
3
2
2
2
1
559
13
4
3
3
2
1
1
667
495
162
Sort By
Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This late Victorian era five stone sapphire and diamond ring is a quintessential example of one of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian Five-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely five-stone diamond ring taken from the Edwardian era. This antique piece has
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet pearl five stone is dainty and a classic style. In between the pearls sit pairs of rose
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Victorian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic pearl five stone ring has a scroll detail gallery and is modelled in 18ct gold. In
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Antique Victorian Five Stone Emerald Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Our antique Victorian five stone ring, features a stunning trio of antique diamonds, flanked by a
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1904
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian five stone ring features a blue sapphire with two old cut diamonds on
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Five-Stone and Opal Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This lovely five stone Victorian ring, dating back to 1880s, highlights three old cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.10ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
five stone ring. The central oval Sapphire is 1.20 carat with the two flanking stones 0.45 carat each
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This five stone ring is a mix of beautiful blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds. The centre
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This five stone ring is a mix of beautiful blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds. The centre
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.50ct Diamond and Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian five stone ring features a trio of old cut diamonds, with two blue
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

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

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
0.25ct old cut diamonds to comprise this early twentieth century rendition of the traditional five stone
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.25ct Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite five stone ring features a central emerald cut, Columbian emerald weighing 0.65
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Five-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled five-stone diamond ring. An 18ct yellow gold band has been
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Style Five-Stone Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Created in the classic Victorian “English Carved” style, yet of later manufacture, this five stone
Category

Mid-20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 2.10ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This striking ring dates back to c.1880 and features three oval sapphires and four old cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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 1.40ct Diamond Five Stone, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian five stone ring showcases a stunning array of diamonds. At its centre, a 0.40 carat
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Sapphire and diamond five stone ring, 18k gold, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique, late Victorian era Sapphire and Diamond five stone ring. Five vibrant and rich
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 2.30 Carat Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This stunning five stone ring dates back to the Victorian era and has a combined carat weight of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

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

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.67 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone dress ring; part of
Category

Antique 1890s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond 1.50 Carat Five-Stone Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A stunning timeless diamond band ring set with five old mine cut shiny and sparkly Diamonds total
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Thus victorian beauty is modelled out of 18carat gold and has five rose cut diamonds set within it
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian 0.75 Carat Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
carat stone in the centre of this circa 1890s five stone diamond ring. The diamonds are G in colour and
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.40 Carat Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian ring features alternating emeralds and diamonds set in 18 carat yellow
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.90 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful five stone ring was made in the Victorian era. The centre diamond is 0.50 carat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.80 Carat Garnet and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian Ring holds five pink garnets, accented by eight-cut diamonds. The garnets
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Five Stone Diamond 18 Karat Gold Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian 18k gold five stone old mine diamond half hoop ring, circa 1870. The ring is
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Late Victorian 1.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
stone ring is claw set in platinum above a contrasting 18 carat yellow gold shank. Gemstone: Diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Victorian Emerald Diamond Five Stone Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
timeless elegance of the Victorian era. Featuring a stunning five-stone design with alternating natural
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Ring with Carved Shank, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful hand made ring dates back to the 1900s. The sparkling diamond which are old cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 1.88 Carat Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 1.88 Ct opal and 0.07 Ct diamond, 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Birmingham Hallmarked Victorian Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 15ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1879 Makers Mark H & S This 15ct gold ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18k gold diamond ring set with five Old European Cut diamonds circa 1880. The stones are
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Set in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A fabulous Victorian five-stone diamond engagement ring set in yellow gold, circa 1890. The ring is
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a vintage ruby and diamond five-stone ring borrowing from a Victorian style. A boat
Category

20th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

1970s Italian Five Stone Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A stunning 18K white gold diamond band set with five Old Mine-cut diamonds graduated in size from
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Five Stone Diamond Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Five Stone Diamond Band Ring. This classic
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring. This incredible
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Demantoid Garnet Diamond 18 Karat Gold Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Demantoid Garnet Diamond 18 Karat Gold Five Stone Band Ring. Featuring five oval
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 3.60 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding five-stone diamond ring taken from the Victorian period. This antique
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A fabulous Victorian five-stone diamond engagement ring in 18k yellow gold. The piece is claw-set
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Late Victorian 3.50 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
A stunning late Victorian era five stone ring showcasing 3.50 carats of old cushion cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
green and alternating with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.74 carat total - G color
Category

Antique 1830s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Sapphire Diamond Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Sparkling Victorian five stone ring with three sapphires and two diamonds interspersed with eight
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Victorian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five oval-shaped opal cabochons ranging in size from 3.0 x 4.0 to 4.0 x 6.0 mm
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Gold and Five-Stone Opal Half Hoop Ring with Rose Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian gold and opal half hoop ring comprising five opals with rose-cut diamond
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Late Victorian 1.90 Carat Five Stone Old Cut Diamond Gold Ring circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Beautifully-crafted at the turn of the last century, this classic late Victorian era ring features
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Five-Stone Old Mine Cut Diamond Band
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
This Victorian band of 18 karat yellow gold is adorned with five old mine cut diamonds weighing .75
Category

Antique 1860s English Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Rose Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous antique Victorian diamond 5 stone ring with old mine cut diamonds. Item #R0536 Metal
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Gold Natural Pink Sapphire Five-Stone Half Band Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Hallmark: Crown 18 Anchor (English) Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stone
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian 2.30 Carat Five Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This stunning example of a late Victorian era five stone diamond ring dates from the first years of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.33 CTW Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering five graduated round cut rubies bead set east to west Weighing approximately 0.75 carat
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1898 Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a curved band centering a row of alternating rubies and diamonds bead set in diamond
Category

Antique Early 1800s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Victorian Five Stone Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.