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1.05 Carat Total Weight Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Details: Weight: 1.05ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: Clarity: Measurements: mm
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Stamped, Victorian Diamond Boat Shaped Ring, Circa 1880
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 Victorian boat-shaped cluster ring, c.1880
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1.16 Carat Diamond Victorian Hand Pierced Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
certified old European cut diamond complete with a raised crown and small table. EGI certified H, SI2
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 15kt Gold and Silver Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1890s
Located in Braintree, GB
sapphires, approx. 0.80 ct total • Diamonds: 10 old European cuts, approx. 1.00 ct total (SI1 clarity, G–H
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Silver, Gold

Victorian Burma Ruby Diamond Marquee ring
Located in Napoli, IT
charming marquee shaped crown holds 22 old mine cut diamonds for 1.70 Ct of total Diamond content, rated as
Category

Antique 1880s European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 18K Yellow Gold, Silver and 1.15Cts, Diamonds and Rubies Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold, Silver And 1.15Cts. Old European Cut Diamonds And Natural Rubies Trefoil
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Clover 18K Ring Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
- demantoid garnet, blue sapphire, and an old European cut diamond. These stones, each unique and highly
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 15k Yellow Gold 0.54ctw Diamond Black Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old English Cut - Claw Set - J Color -VS2 Clarity
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian Three Stone 0.80 Carat Diamond Twist Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a Victorian 18ct yellow gold and platinum diamond three stone twist ring. The ring features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This classic Victorian trilogy ring features a central Sapphire flanked by old cut diamonds. The
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Single Stone Signet Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This delicate little ring, made to be worn on the little finger, holds an oval old cut. The shining
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire Natural Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Gemstones: Sapphire 0.90 cttw Old European Cut Diamond 1 cttw Weight: 5.8 grams Size: 6.25 - 6.5 (US sizing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 2.1tgw Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A ruby and diamond ring in gold, comprising one oval cut ruby and twenty-four old cut diamonds, to
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.0 Ct. Diamond 1.0 Ct. Sapphire Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped Setting comprises a selection of 3 bright white old mine cut Diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Diamond Blue White Enamel Polo Cap Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and enamel ring in yellow gold, comprising one old cut diamond and eighteen rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian 18kt Gold Locket Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Braintree, GB
rose gold the ring features old-cut diamonds set within the urn. The hidden compartment, accessed via
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Victorian 3.50ct Diamond Three Stone Carved Head Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
the diamonds is the largest, a sparkling 1.50 carat old oval cut diamond. Flanking it on either side
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
, adding beautiful detailing and elegance to the piece. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old European Cut
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl Diamond Three Stone 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Victoriana This superb Victorian period ring is 1870/80 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold
Category

Antique 1870s European Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Early Victorian 1.72 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ring displays a horizontal row of five Old European cut diamonds, silver set to the center of the
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.75 Ct Diamond J VVS plus .85 Ct Rare Cluster ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This marvelous antique Diamond ring is Victorian period 1890 ca Skillfully hand crafted of solid 18
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s Victorian 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
old cut diamond 0.27 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 5.5 We can
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.70 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This pretty Victorian ring showcases three old cut diamonds. The centre diamond is 0.40 carat
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 18k Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A breathtaking emerald and diamond halo ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in vibrant
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

EGL Certified 1.40 Carat Victorian Diamond Filigree Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Old European cut diamond, mounted in a Platinum filigree dome setting and accented with 8 Old Mine cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian 2.00 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an Old Mine cut Diamond at the center and 2 Old European cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian ruby diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, surrounded by 10 old European and single cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.65 carats, F-G color, VS
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Sapphire Diamond Victorian Gold Textured Signet Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
one round ruby, round diamond and a round sapphire, in a 14k yellow gold setting. 1 old European cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian 18ct yellow gold, cultured pearl and diamond crystal ring
Located in London, GB
tiny, sparkly old cut diamond crystals, deliberately mismatched, each one with a slightly differing cut
Category

Antique 1850s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Early Victorian Emerald Diamond Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
shoulders, plus tiny old-cut diamond accents. The emeralds have rubbed slightly over time, only adding to
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold

Victorian Era 18KT Yellow Gold/ Platinum Sapphire And Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
weighing 8.50CT surrounded by 5.30CT-TW old European cut diamonds. The beautiful sapphire and diamonds in
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian Love Token Double Heart 15K Diamond Emerald Bow Gold Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
joined by a silver bow set with nine old cut diamonds. The ring is marked 15K on the inside of the shank
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold

.62 Carat Diamond Sapphire Victorian Wedding Engagement Ring Five-Stone 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique Victorian Wedding Engagement Ring with 1.08 Carat of Old European Cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Moostone Cameo Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
old European cut natural diamonds. Ring size 6 3/4. Weight 11.7 gr./7.5 dwt. Diamond: Estimated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl Turquoise 18K Gold Ring Navette/Marquise c.1880
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this splendid antique Victorian 18ct gold turquoise, pearl and diamond
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Italian Made Diamond Cluster Ring, Set With 2.37ct Victorian Diamonds
Located in London, GB
italian made diamond cluster ring! Set with 2.37ct victorian cut diamonds, 0.92ct K/VS1 centre diamond
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Late Victorian (c. 1880–1900) Ruby Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 K Yello
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
diamond in a richly detailed graduated halo design. At its heart, a 0.32 ct old European–cut diamond
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 9k Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful sapphire and diamond ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 9k yellow gold
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold 0.11 Carat Old Cut Diamond Two Stone Vertical Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
. old European cut diamonds: TW 0.07ct, RW-W, SI - 18 pcs. rose cut diamonds: TW 0.04ct, RW-W, SI-P1
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Trilogy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, pearl, and yellow gold ring, comprising one old European cut diamond, and two
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18ct Gold Marquise Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
.1880s–1890s Main Stone: Natural ruby, approx. 1.00 ct, round cut Diamonds: 26 old European cuts, approx
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 18K Gold and 1.8 Carat Diamond and 2.0 Carat Checkerboard Plaque Ring
Located in New York, NY
. Twelve old European cut diamonds (for a total of 1.8 carats) and twelve emerald-cut Colombian emeralds (2
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
stones are claw set and the ring is hand made. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.65
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 1870 Victorian Navette Shaped Diamond Statement Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
three old European round cut diamonds ranging in size from 0.5-0.25 carat weigh together ca 3.7 carat
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Victorian Certified Natural Unheated Ruby Diamond Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Certified vivid Natural unheated burmese ruby, 0.65 ct., and one Sparkling Old mine cut diamond weighing
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Edwardian Platinum 1.5 Carat Diamond Antique Ring American Bombay 4.5
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, circa 1890s, ring is in cluster bombay design, all Old European Cut Diamonds and Baguette cut Diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s American Art Nouveau Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian GIA 1.11ct Center Diamond 0.72ct and 0.71ct Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
centered with a sparkling GIA certified old European cut diamond that weighs 1.11ct. The color of the
Category

20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian diamond 18k yellow gold 5 stone band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian ring from the 1880’s glimmers with a mix of old European and rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old Euro Diamond Floral Cluster Ring (Approx. 0.50-Carats), 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite diamond cluster ring showcases a 0.50-carat old European cut diamond at its center
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian ruby diamond 18k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
glowing cluster of nine old European cut diamonds. The diamonds, totaling approximately 1.50 carats, form
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 25.90 Ct Chrysoberyl Cat s Eye 3.30 Diamond Rare ring
Located in Napoli, IT
ipnotic Bordered by a selection of bright white old mine cut Diamonds, 20 in number, two bigger set north
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 22k Gold

Early Victorian 18K Yellow Gold and 6.0 OMC Diamonds and Blue Enamel Ring Bague
Located in New York, NY
Early Victorian 18k Gold, Silver and 6.0cts. Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Blue Guilloché Enamel Ring
Category

Antique 19th Century European Early Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Late Victorian 16.00 Ct Amethyst 1.70 Ct Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
polished, deep cabochon cut Complemented by 23 bright white old transitional cut Diamonds totalling 1.70 Ct
Category

Early 20th Century European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Carved 1.25 Ct Five Stone Boat Ring 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
gold Hallmarks: assay Gems: 5 old European cut diamonds totalling approx 1.25 Ct (G/H-SI1/SI2) UK size
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.30 Ct Nat Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Rare Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
(unheated) blue sapphire of approx 1.30 Ct (6.9 x 6.0 mm.) – 2 old European cut diamonds totalling approx
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. Total weight is 2 grams. The diamond is has H
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian 5.90 Ct Natural No Heat Sapphire 2.90 Ct Mine Diamond ring
Located in Napoli, IT
old mine cut Diamond content Centring one Natural No Heat Sapphire of riches intense Blue, perfect
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

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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 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.
  • 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.