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Antique Book Pendant locket solid 18K Gold / 3.3 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

EDWARDIAN 1900 Enameled Pendant Brooch In 18Kt Platinum Diamonds Aquamarine
Located in Miami, FL
with six very fine French cushion cuts diamonds. The center of the piece is set up in a millegrain
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Enamel, 18k Gold, Ye...

Antique Book Locket Pendant solid 18K Gold / 5.9 gr
Located in SE
causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all. So if you request
Category

Antique 1860s European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Antique 3.45 Carat Opal and Diamond 22k Yellow Gold Necklace, Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
loop. The quatrefoil shaped pendant features a central claw set Old European cut diamond, surrounded
Category

Antique 1890s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

A.J Hedges Co. 1900 Art Nouveau Enamel Pansy Pendant In 14Kt Gold With Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
pictures. Diamond: Mounted in the center in a six-prongs setting, with 1 old European rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 1.89 Carat Diamond and Enamel Yellow Gold and Silver Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
cut diamond, flanked to either side with two Old European cut diamonds, all silver claw-set and subtly
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique 0.45 Carat Diamond Enamel and 16K Yellow Gold Locket Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
locket with enamel. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Colour G Clarity SI2 Cut Old European Content 0.15
Category

Antique 1880s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

GIA Sapphire Platinum Diamond Necklace Pendant Fine Vintage Natural 15.39 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
are Crowned With White European Cut VS Diamonds. GIA Paperwork Is Included . Certified Natural
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

VERGER FRERES 1905 Edwardian Enameled Pendant Watch In Platinum Diamonds
By Verger Frères
Located in Miami, FL
shaped painting and the ring on top are mounted in flush settings, with 49 old French rose-cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique 4.10ct Garnet 1.36ct Emerald and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Pendant/Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
claw set Old European round cut diamonds alternating with eight stunning individually claw set round
Category

Antique 1830s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Platinum Diamond Necklace Vintage Pendant Chain Fine Antique VS Huge 10.04 Carat
Located in Sylvania, GA
, and European Cut Diamonds VS-SI Clarity and G-H Color approx. 10.04 Carats! Platinum Diamond
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 18K Pearl Diamond Vintage Necklace VVS Huge Saltwater Choker Curnis Gioielli
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents...VINTAGE LUXURY... GIA CERTIFIED 18K PEARL DIAMOND VINTAGE HUGE
Category

20th Century French Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Sapphire Unheated GIA Pearl Diamond Bracelet Burma Vintage Fine 3.13 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
SAPPHIRE. FINEST AAA SALTWATER PEARLS WITH HIGH LUSTER. SPARKLING WHITE OLD CUT DIAMONDS. Stunning
Category

20th Century Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

GIA Platinum Sapphire Diamond Unheated Pendant Vintage VS Necklace 14.13 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
UNTREATED SAPPHIRE. Gorgeous Sapphire is Crowned With 6.48 Carats of Sparkling White European Big Diamonds
Category

20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Platinum Diamond Antique Earrings Vintage GIA Certified Fine VS Huge 9.44 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
yourself or someone special. 80 Round Brilliant Old European Cut VVS- VS Clarity G-H Color Diamonds
Category

20th Century Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum, 14k Gold

GIA Burma 18K Sapphire No Heat Diamond Pearl Necklace Pendant Vintage Cert Rare
Located in Sylvania, GA
Sparkling White European Cut VS Diamonds. Glowing Saltwater Pearls Are Graduating up to 8.5 MM. Huge 18K
Category

20th Century Unknown Beaded Necklaces

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. 1910 Edwardian Guilloche Pendant Watch In Platinum With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel, S...

Platinum Diamond Bracelet Vintage Pery Watch GIA Deco VVS Rare Fine 10.04 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
. Class is always in Style!! 153 Sparkling Old European Round & Baguette Diamonds VVS-SI Clarity and F-G
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Verger Freres 1901 Spaulding Co Edwardian Watch-Pendant Guilloche 18Kt Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to be
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18K Tahitian Pearl Diamond Vintage Earrings Fine Antique GIA 15MM Huge 3.02 CTS
Located in Sylvania, GA
Cut VS- SI Clarity G-H Color Diamonds Approx: 3.02 Carats Huge Dangle Earrings Size 40 MM Long x 15
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold

MONOCLE 1900 Edwardian Single Lens Pendant In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Gold, Platinum, Enamel

1864 Bible Book Locket Pendant solid 18K Gold / 5.11 gr
Located in SE
step of any resizing but machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for
Category

Antique 1860s Swedish Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

1930 s German Graphite Pencil solid 830 Silver / 10gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Necklace Egyptian Revival 7 Scarab Beetles Gilt Silver / 42cm / 11.5gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Egyptian Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold-filled, Silver

GEORGIAN 1820 Blue And White Enameled Necklace In Sterling Silver With Marcasite
Located in Miami, FL
cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Collateral: This Georgian-period
Category

Antique 1820s English Georgian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Marcasite, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

EDWARDIAN 1900 Pforzheim Guilloché Enamel Pendant Mirror-Box In .925 Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to be
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Edwardian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Silver

TIFFANY CO. 1900 Edwardian Essex Glass Enameled Dog Pin In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Miami, FL
. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

EDWARDIAN 1905 Essex Glass Carved Fox Pendant Framed In 14Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

TIFFANY CO. 1915 Edwardian Guilloche Enameled Watch Necklace In 18Kt Gold
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Miami, FL
white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

EDWARDIAN 1900-1905 Guilloche Green Enameled Chain In 14Kt Gold With Jade Beads
Located in Miami, FL
had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Jade, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold

French Edwardian 1905 Chain In 18Kt Gold With Guilloche Blue Enamel and Pearls
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

French Edwardian 1900-1905 Pearls Chain In 18Kt Gold With Guilloche Blue Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Link Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Edwardian 1908 Miniature Travel Clock Guilloché Enamel And Sterling With Fit Box
By Concord
Located in Miami, FL
white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Edwardian 1908 Miniature Guilloché Blue Enamel Clock in .935 Sterling With Case
By Concord
Located in Miami, FL
white. Think diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

VACHET Paris 1910 Edwardian Miniature Enameled Guilloché Clock In .800 Silver
Located in Miami, FL
. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Edwardian 1903 Swiss Necklace Watch In 14Kt Gold With Guilloché Blue Enamel
Located in Miami, FL
often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Edwardian 1905 Neo Classic Guilloché Enamel Miniature Boudoir Clock 925 Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Austria 1910 Edwardian Guilloché Enamel Miniature Boudoir Clock In .950 Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Edwardian Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

French 1900 Edwardian Tortoise Parasol Handle in 18kt Yellow Gold Carved Citrine
Located in Miami, FL
white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Vanity Items

Materials

Citrine, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

German Pforzheim 1910 Edwardian Guilloché Blue Enamel Round Box In .935 Sterling
Located in Miami, FL
, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and
Category

Vintage 1910s German Edwardian Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Edwardian 1908 Miniature Travel Clock With Guilloché Enamel In Sterling With Box
Located in Miami, FL
white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Desk Accessories

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Bardies-Faure 1914 Paris Edwardian Guilloche Enameled Box .950 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They
Category

Vintage 1910s French Belle Époque Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian emerald and diamond five-stone ring, alternately set with three square-set emeralds
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
carats, set between two round old European-cut diamonds weighing 2.30 carats in total, all claw-set with
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby and diamond ring, to the centre a cushion-cut ruby estimated to weigh 0.65 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Three-Stone Diamond Victorian Style Ring
Located in London, GB
A three-stone diamond Victorian style ring, the central old-mine cut diamond weighing approximately
Category

1990s British Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Pearl Diamond Gold Twin Heart Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian natural pearl and diamond twin heart ring, the ring comprising two interlocking
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold

A Late Victorian Five Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian five stone diamond ring, the five old European-cut diamonds graduating from the
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

A Late Victorian Emerald And Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A Late Victorian emerald and diamond cluster ring, the octagonal-cut emerald weighing 0.86 carats
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in London, GB
A diamond gypsy ring, the old brilliant-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.3 carats gypsy-set to a
Category

2010s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Important Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Brooch/Ring
Located in London, GB
-set in yellow gold, surrounded by twenty four old European-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 2.4 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Half Hoop Ring
Located in London, GB
An emerald and diamond five-stone Victorian style ring, the three old octagonal-cut emeralds
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Early 20th Century Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century ruby, diamond and sapphire ring, to the centre seven old European-cut
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

18k Gold

An early 20th century diamond and sapphire cluster ring
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century diamond and sapphire cluster ring, the central old European-cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century English Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian Diamond Serpent Brooch
Located in London, GB
body and snout encrusted with old brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 2.7 carats, all
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

A Victorian Garnet And Diamond Scarab Pin/ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian garnet and diamond scarab pin/ring, the body of the scarab formed by a red cabochon-cut
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Brooches

Materials

18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Heart-Shaped Blue Enamel Pendant-Necklace
Located in London, GB
, suspended by a blue enamelled bow and a single diamond surmount, the old European-cut diamond estimated to
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

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Victorian Old European Cut Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate victorian old european cut diamond ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 173 vintage editions and 11 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect victorian old european cut diamond ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing victorian old european cut diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Single Stone, Five Star Jewelry and Stephen Russell each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An old european cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old mine cut and oval cut versions for sale. Most of our victorian old european cut diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 47 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Victorian Old European Cut Diamond Ring?

Prices for a victorian old european cut diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $275 and can go as high as $165,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,674.

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.

Questions About Victorian Old European Cut Diamond Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    How old an old European-cut diamond is varies. The old European cut is a precursor to the modern round brilliant cut. The stone appears circular when looked at from the top (because of its low table or largest facet) and has a high crown (the part above the middle of the stone) with larger facets. The tip of the stone, or the culet, is flat instead of pointed. This style was used predominantly in the 19th century, hence the name. It is best to consult a certified appraiser for assistance with dating and identifying antique jewelry. On 1stDibs, find a variety of European-cut diamond jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    Yes, old European cut diamonds can be worth more than many other cut diamonds as they are not produced anymore. This cut was developed and popularized between the years 1890 and 1930 and is likely to be found in an antique ring belonging to this period and featuring a round-cut diamond.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Although old European cut diamonds are often priced lower than modern cuts, due to scarcity, they can sometimes be more valuable than modern cut diamonds.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Jewelry makers stopped using the old European cut for diamond and other gemstone jewelry around 1930. The style was common during the Art Deco period, but the brilliant cut became popular in the years that followed. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Old European cut diamond gemstone jewelry.