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Victorian Style Blue Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring 4.12ct Cabochon With Cert
Located in Kendal, GB
sapphire at its heart, haloed by ten bright old European cut diamonds around the border and an additional
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Elegant Victorian 1.68 Carat Diamond Gold Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
ring. This antique halo ring centers a 1.68ct EGL certified Old European Cut diamond graded M color and
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian No Heat Burma Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
White Gold, a cluster of eight old European cut diamonds adds an aura of sophistication and brilliance
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 18 Karat, Sterling Silver, Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Bellmore, NY
with 2 prong set Old European Cut Diamonds, while Rose Cut Diamond accents glitter on the swirls. 18
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Diamond Trilogy 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900 Ring
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This glorious Victorian Diamond trilogy twist ring is crafted around three beautiful European old
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Antique Late 19th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
A beautiful antique Victorian ring adorned with a trio of old European cut Diamonds with two
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Victorian Colombian Emerald Diamond gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
center stone is flanked by 2 old European cut diamonds having a total weight of approximately 1.80 carats.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1900 Cert
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
STONES: Old cut Diamonds (approx. 1.86ct in total) CLARITY: VS – I-J / N-O colour AGE: Victorian
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Belcher Set Diamond Gold Ring, 1900
Located in New York, NY
Lovely c.1900 14K yellow gold ring with a belcher set Old European cut diamond. The diamond weighs
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Diamond Five-Stone Ring 1.10 Carat of Diamond 18 Carat Gold Dated 1892
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
stunning claw set old European cut Diamonds which boast a clean, bright sparkle with VS1 clarity and H
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Ladies Eternity Ring 0.59 Carat
Located in Perth, AU
Antique 5 diamond ladies eternity ring. Set with 5 graduated old european cut diamonds of total
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Ladies Eternity Ring 0.59 Carat
Located in Perth, AU
Antique 5 diamond ladies eternity ring. Set with 5 graduated old european cut diamonds of total
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1880
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
approx. 1.65ct and haloed by stunning old European cut Diamonds which are around 0.05ct each, 1ct in
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lovely circa 1895 Late Victorian Coral Cameo and Diamond Ring
Located in Lombard, IL
width further accented with two (2) small bezel set Old European Cut diamonds into an elaborate foliate
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Yellow Gold

Handmade Victorian Camphor Glass, Diamond, and Seed Pearl 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Seattle, WA
decorated with a silver leaf motif, bead- and bezel-set with 15 rose-cut diamonds and five old European-cut
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold

Magnificent Victorian 1.75 Carat Diamond J VVS Plus .85 Carat Rare Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Stopping the Time! Magnificent and quite breathtaking, Victorian Diamond cluster ring of great
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Giardinetti Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring, Solid 9K Rose Gold Lyre Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
A head-turning antique Victorian diamond and ruby giardinetti ring! Giardinetti stands for “little
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

English Five Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Aurora, Ontario
. additional details: There are five diamonds: two old european cuts and three old mine cuts. The center
Category

Vintage 1910s British Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Snakes Ring, 1890s
Located in Antwerp, BE
. Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond(s): One old European cut diamond with an estimated weight of ± 0.68ct
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond and Pearl Engagement Ring So-Called Romantic Toi et Moi
Located in Antwerp, BE
the jewels in gold. Diamond(s): One old European cut diamond with an estimated weight of ± 0.60ct
Category

Antique 1890s Belgian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gol...

Antique Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
, such a stunning quality antique ring. Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 0.26ct total
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Charming Victorian Era Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
rose gold centering a 1.02ct EGL certified Old European Cut diamond graded L color and VS2 clarity
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.00 Carat Natural Ruby 1.60 Carat Diamond Rare Antique Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Ct – 8 old European cut diamonds totalling approx 1.60 CT (G-VVS/SI) UK size: N 3/4 US size: 7
Category

Antique 1890s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Marquise Shape Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
An antique 18k diamond marquise shape cluster ring consisting of 15 old cut diamonds pave set in
Category

Antique Early 1900s Australian Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

EGL Certified 14 Karat 1.15 Carat Black Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Mobile, AL
Antique 14 karat 1.15 carat Black Boulder Opal and 1.91 carat Miner Cut Diamonds Ring. Made in 1866
Category

Antique 1860s British Early Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold 5 High Level Diamond Engagement/Wedding/Dress Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
5 Old European Cut graduated Diamonds make up this very pretty, probably late Victorian Ring. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Size N 6.75 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
ring Gems: Old Round cut sparkling white natural diamonds x 1 All stones are exceptional and very
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Antique, Art Deco, French, Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
openwork mount sparkling with pavé-set antique circular-cut diamonds. A brilliant statement ring that
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Antique Art Deco, Platinum, Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Sapphire and diamond ring, 1920s. This oval ring is packed with intricate detail. From its
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Twist Engagement Ring Size L 5.75 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
thick and sturdy shank hence ideal if resizing needed Style: Classic Victorian style Diamond Twist ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Blue topaz diamond ring in 18 karat yellow gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Blue topaz diamond ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Antique ring with a large rectangular-cut ice blue
Category

Antique 1880s European Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring 750 950 Size L 1/2 6
Located in Camelford, GB
: Classic Twist Engagement Style Ring Gems: Old Round Rose cut sparkling white natural diamonds x 2 All
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring Typical So-Called Suffragette Diamond Ring with Precious Stones
Located in Antwerp, BE
yellowish natural old mine cut diamond. Clearly being a jewel meant for a strong woman, this ring will
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gol...

Mindi Mond 12 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Mindi Mond
Located in New York, NY
-Moderate Oil GAL Gem Lab report attached. 8 Bezel set old European cut diamonds = Approx. 10.5 carats (H-J
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.86 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Houston, TX
Elegant lady’s antique engagement ring in platinum featuring a 2.86 carat old European cut round
Category

20th Century American Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco, 18 Carat White Gold Rare Natural Purple Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Purple sapphire and diamond ring, early 20th century. Sapphires are found in a rainbow of colours
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Antique Hallmarked 18 Carat Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Buckle Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
and is flanked by 2 lovely old Ceylon Sapphires, round cut & bead set. The Diamond is old European cut
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Solitaire Engagement Gold Ring
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
2.53ct Old European cushion cut solitaire diamond ring; the diamond is K/L colour, SI clarity and
Category

20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.50 Carat Diamond Buckle Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
over the large antique band, centring an amazing Old European cut Diamond solitaire of .70 Ct rated as
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Sweet Antique Turn of the Century Diamond And Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Lombard, IL
dazzling Old European Cut and Old Mine Cut Diamonds weighing approximately 0.90cts. total. This lovely ring
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in METAIRIE, LA
with old world goldsmith techniques. In European cultures, mainly the French, tiara rings were also
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bypass Ring, circa 1900
Located in Seattle, WA
are six bezel-set old European-cut diamonds and two smaller old European-cut diamonds. The diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Certified 2.0 Carat Burma Ruby 2.60 Carat Diamond Rarest Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
2.00 Ct – 8 old European cut diamonds totalling approx 2.60 Ct (H-VS/SI) UK size: M 1/4 US size: 6 1/4
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique, Edwardian, 18ct Gold, Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring. Three-stone rings are a classic choice for an engagement ring
Category

Early 20th Century British Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Peridot Diamond Cluster Gold Ring
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
colour, weighs 4.30ct and is surrounded by chunky Old European cut diamonds totalling 1.80ct which are
Category

Vintage 1910s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Antique Diamond and 18 Karat Rose Gold Solitaire Ring, 1880s
Located in Antwerp, BE
: 18K red gold Diamonds: One old European cut diamond with an estimated weight of approx. 1.37 crt
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold

Charming Belle Époque Diamond Engagement Ring, 1900s
Located in Antwerp, BE
and platinum Diamond(s): Two old brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 0.33ct
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Elegant Belle Epoque Diamond and Pearl Engagement Ring so Called Toi et Moi
Located in Antwerp, BE
". Material: 18K yellow gold and platinum Diamond(s): One old European cut diamond with an estimated weight
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Belle Epoque Romantic Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring, French for You and Me
Located in Antwerp, BE
(s): Two old European cut diamond with an estimated weight of ± 0.70ct. Two old brilliant cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Belle Époque Opal and Diamonds Ring Can Be Changed into a Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
makes it into a pendant. Diamond(s): 12 old mine brilliant cut diamonds with an estimated weight of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Belgian Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Diamond Bangle Silver 18ct Gold 1.3ct Diamond
Located in Kendal, GB
A stunning antique Victorian bangle from the late 19th Century lined with fifteen sparkling old
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Bangles

Materials

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

Pear and Old Cut Triple Aquamarine Drop Chandelier Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
that cause quarrels. Aquamarine is often given as a love token or eternity ring, and increases
Category

Early 2000s British Early Victorian Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

Original Victorian Braided 14.75 Carat Diamond Silver Gold One Off Necklace
By Koch
Located in New York, NY
its original box from Circa 1880’s. 725 rose cut, old European & old mine diamonds set in a silver
Category

Antique 1880s German Victorian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Magnificent Victorian 1.80 Carat Diamond Love Knot Brooch Necklace
Located in Napoli, IT
an extremely fine 1.05 CT Old European cut Diamond Solitaire standing as endless light of love
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Antique Garnet and Diamond Snake Pendant Brooch, 1830s
Located in Antwerp, BE
to bring the lustre of the diamonds to its best quality. Diamond(s): - One old European cut diamond
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold, Rose G...

Regal Rose Cut Diamond Russian Princess Suite
Located in METAIRIE, LA
carats of early European Rose cut Diamonds, ranking a G-H Color & VS2-SI2 Clarity. The Rose cut is noted
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, 24k Gold

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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.