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Late Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Band Ring. Featuring five
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Five-Stone Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
five-stone sapphire ring offers a substantial look on the finger, yet also a wearable and practical low
Category

Vintage 1910s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Antique 2.30 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 Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.98 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.84 carat Flanked by additional old mine
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exceptional five-stone diamond ring. This antique piece was crafted during the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Turquoise Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five oval-shaped turquoise cabochons ranging in size from 3.0 x 4.0 to 5.0 x 6.5 mm
Category

Antique 1880s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Five Stone Diamond Gold Carved Half Hoop Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Set with a line of graduated old-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 cts, scroll carved
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.95 CTW Old Mine Diamond 18K Gold Antique Five Stone Scroll Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five old mine cut diamonds set east to west with belcher style prongs Weighing
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The one cut diamonds in this band are bright and have a great sparkle. The ring is modelled in 18ct
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Estate Ruby Diamond Five Stone Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Estate Ruby Diamond five stone yellow gold band ring. The Estate Ruby Diamond Five Stone Yellow
Category

20th Century Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 15k Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Five Stone Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Five Stone Band. This
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Scrolling Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five graduated round pearls ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 mm Light cream and gray in body
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Band Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

HM 1895 Chester 18K Five Stone cushion cut diamond Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Because this 18K Five Stone cushion cut diamond ring is hallmarked, 1895 Chester, you are
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Late 19th century five stone diamond ring, English c.1890
Located in Firenze, IT
old European cut stones weighing approximately 2.0 carats, rose diamond points between, scroll carved
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Three-Stone Diamond Estate Ring Past Present Future 18 Karat White Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This 21 Diamond Estate Ring is Amazing! The 18K White Gold and Diamonds in this Ring Make This
Category

Vintage 1980s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Five Stone Band -
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Five Stone Band - GIA
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Two-Stone Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. DETAILS: Victorian two-stone diamond sapphire and gold engagement ring. DIAMONDs: one old mine-cut
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Five Stone Band - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Five Stone Band - GIA. This
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Pearl and Diamond Five Stone Ring in 10K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
his ring sits fully with its five real and pure freshwater pearls elongating your pretty fingers
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Old Cut Diamond and Oval-Shaped Sapphire Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
heart of this late Victorian era five stone ring. The ring’s original period setting was handmade in 18
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1.93 Carats Diamonds English Carved Style Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A modern conception of a classic Victorian design, pairing five white oval diamonds in an English
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Tiffany Co. Boulder Opal Five Stone Wedding Band
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian Tiffany and Co Boulder Opal Five Stone Wedding Band - Size 8. This
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond Five Stone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
A vintage emerald and diamond five stone 18 karat yellow gold engagement ring. A beautiful emerald
Category

Vintage 1980s European High Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Five Opal and Diamond Scroll Carved Vintage Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a very well maintained five stone opal ring with rose cut diamond accents, and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 5-Stone 1.20 Total Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning 5-stone diamond ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This beautiful piece is crafted
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1858 Antique 1.51 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 1.51 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone dress ring
Category

Antique 1850s English Romantic Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Gold Foliate Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Five stone ring centers a bezel set old European cut diamond Weighing approximately 0.40 carat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k 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

1890s Antique 1.72 Carat Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and impressive antique Victorian five stone opal ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18Y Diamond Sapphire 5 Stone Band
Located in McLeansville, NC
A Victorian 18 karat yellow gold diamond and sapphire five stone band. This stackable band features
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.83ctw 5 Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond and yellow gold ring, set with five old European cut diamonds, and eight rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Emerald and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1896
Located in London, GB
Introducing a truly exceptional antique five-stone ring, dating to 1896, that showcases the
Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Early 20th Century 18 Carat Gold Sapphire Five-Stone Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a graduated circular-shape sapphire line, with rose-cut diamond duo spacers and
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
This rare Victorian-era ring is set with five exceptional stones, including a center sapphire
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French 2.6 Carat Total Weight Diamond Platinum Five Stone Band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: 5 Old European Cut Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 2.6 Carats Color: F
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum 2.70 Carat Total Weight Old European Cut Diamond Five Stone Band
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: New Victorian Inspired Composition: Platinum Primary Stone: Old European Cut Diamonds Total
Category

2010s Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Dated 1967 Gold British Hallmarked Vintage Five Stone Rose Cut Antique Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a great Victorian style 5 stone ring, with outstanding British hallmarks. This ring is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
showcases a lovely array of old mine cut diamonds. Five cushion cut stones have been set at the centre which
Category

Antique 1850s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Five Stone Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Five Stone Band. This beautiful ring
Category

Antique 1870s Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Victorian 3.00ct Diamond Crossover Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
further five diamonds are set totalling 0.40 carat total. All the stones are claw set into platinum
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 5 Stone Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Exquisite early Victorian five stone cushion cut diamond ring set in a chased 18K gold band
Category

Antique 1820s English Georgian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby Diamond Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
gold ring. Set with five, beautiful, bright, natural rubies & gorgeous, little rose cut diamonds in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
Old mine diamond and five stone natural pearl ring. old mine cut diamonds are white and bright
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian c1899 Diamond Gypsy Band 15k Gold Rose Cuts 5 Stone Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
diamonds are set into a five stone setting with decorative scrolled detail to the side shoulders. The band
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

1890s Antique Victorian Diamond and Emerald Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Victorian 0.55 carat diamond and 0.42 carat emerald, 18 carat yellow gold five stone
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Diamond Seed Pearl Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
marquise/navette shaped ring. Set with five beautiful, old cut diamonds down the centre. Surrounded by a
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

Late Victorian Two-Row Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian era antique diamond cluster ring features two graduating rows of five old cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Hallmarked 1842 18K Five Gemstone "Adore" Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Victorian five stone ADORE ring which spells out the first letter of each gemstone in the following
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Dress Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This stunning ring has five grain set rubies which are a delicious deep red. The centre weighs 0.35
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian 1.1 ctw Old European Cut Diamond Fancy Prong Set 5-Stone Platinum
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a sparkling diamond "5 stone" ring from the turn on the century! The five old cut
Category

Early 20th Century Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Old Mine-Cut Diamond Silver and Gold Half Hoop Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Victorian 18K yellow gold and sterling silver Old Mine-cut diamond graduated five stone half hoop
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Opal Rose Cut Diamond English Carved Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
eight rose cut diamonds decorate the crevasses between the major stones. Mounted in yellow gold. Size
Category

Antique 1880s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Moonstone Diamond Band 18 Karat Gold Vintage Ring English
Located in Torrance, CA
Antique Victorian moonstone & diamond ring (circa 1894) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Five
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Fire Opal Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ouch, you feel the fire of this five stone 18 Kt Victorian Fire Opal ring. It is as bright as lava
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Fire Opal, 10k Gold

Rare 5-Stone Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Gorgeous original Art Deco Five-Stone diamond & platinum handmade ring from the early deco period
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

English Victorian Half-Moon Ring w/ Sapphires and Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Crafted during the Victorian era of late 19th Century, this exquisite five-stone ring is a
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 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.