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Antique Victorian Enamel Swallow Ring
Located in North Hollywood, CA
black enamel on 14K Yellow Gold and set with old mine cut and rose cut Diamonds. Cabochon Ruby set as
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

GIA-Certified Old European Brilliant Cut Natural Diamond
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exceptional 2.46ct loose natural diamond showcases a stunning Old European Brilliant cut and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Loose Gemstones

Materials

Diamond

Victorian 1.80 Ct Certified Purple Ceylon Sapphire 2.0 Ct Diamond Navette ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Complementary Diamonds are 22 in number old mine cut Diamonds 2.0 Ct in weight rated as G/H – VVS to I grade
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

EGL Certified .47 Carat Diamond White Gold Victorian Revival Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful, 1990's Victorian revival diamond engagement ring. EGL certified .47ct Old European round
Category

Late 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 2.35 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
with a stunning feature claw set 0.74ct Old European cut diamond to the centre. The principle stone is
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 19th Century Old Mine Diamond Floral Cluster Cocktail Ring Silver Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique 19th Century Old Mine-cut diamond floral cluster cocktail ring in silver and yellow gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian 6.00 Ct Pink Tourmaline Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
, beautifully set in a double frame for an impressive effect Two old mine cut Diamonds approx .40 Ct complete
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 3.60 Ct Certified Burma Natural Sapphire 2.30 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
colour Sapphire is beautifully complemented by a selection of 12 old European cut Diamonds totalling 2.30
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique 8.83ct Moonstone 3.50cttw Old European Cut Diamond Ring/Bracelet Combo
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
encircling the moonstone are equally as impressive, each diamond weighs on average 1/4 carats, Old European
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire and OEC Diamond Gold Moi et Toi Victorian Bypass Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Blue Sapphire and Old European Cut Diamond Gold Moi et Toi Victorian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian sapphire diamond 18k gold and platinum navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
by sparkling old European cut diamonds for an elegant vintage charm. Center stone: 5 pear cut
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.20ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful Cabochon cut emerald is flanked by old cut diamonds in this beautiful Victorian Ring
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.25ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster, hallmarked 1878
Located in London, GB
This delightful Victorian Cluster Ring features a single 0.25 carat sapphire at its centre
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ruby Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 14ct Rose Gold, Victorian Style
Located in London, GB
European Cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.77ct, the ring captures the romance and craftsmanship of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian 0.80ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
and shank. Gemstone: Emerald & Diamond Stone Shape: Antique cushion cut & Old European Carat Weight
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond and Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
claw set Old European cut diamond. The elevated ring shoulders blend with the setting and meld with
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.38 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
stunning principal six-claw set antique (circa 1900) 1.38Ct Old European cut diamond. The ring shoulders
Category

2010s European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby Diamond Five Stone English 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Complementary Diamonds are old cut for .50 Ct total content – G/H VS/SI Good general condition slight wear on
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Chased Gold Men’s Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Egyptian pharaoh and stylized floral designs. The ring is prong set with a sparkling old European cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond

Antique Victorian 1.60 carat Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
treasure. This ring features a deep red ruby, elegantly accented by a halo of dazzling Old European cut
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Victorian Style Antique Green Tourmaline and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
green tourmaline weighing 5.50 carats. Accented with 54 Old European cut diamonds weighing a total of
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Victorian 2.37 Carats Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.09 carats - J color with VS2 clarity
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Antique Victorian 0.19Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Wedding Band
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
of diamond jewelry/estate jewelry. Diamond Quality Color H Clarity SI1 Cut Old European round
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Twist Ring
Located in London, GB
showcases five round faceted old cut diamonds in a diagonal formation which graduate in size towards the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Toi Moi diamond ring circa 1900
Located in Uccle, BE
Victorian Antique 18K Gold (750/1000) and Platinum Toi et Moi Ring set with two Old Cut Diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Diamond 14K Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Intricate design. This fashion ring showcases approximately 3 carats of old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver Plate

Antique Tiffany Co Diamond Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Old Mine Cut Stone Grade: G-H VS2-SI2 Measurements: 10 x 27 x 5mm Ring Size: 6.5 Hallmark: Tiffany
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Antique Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color and bead set with a halo surround Comprised of old European cut diamonds and set with fishtail
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ceylon Purple Sapphire and Diamond Rose Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
on either side by an Old European round cut diamond, totalling 0.12ct. The groove decorated
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian GIA 1.50 carat no heat sapphire diamond 14k cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
European cut diamonds—each alive with its own soft, candlelit sparkle—creates a brilliant halo that
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Era 1900 Ruby Diamond Ring NO HEAT
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 3.00 Carat Natural Unheated Ceylon Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond Halo Ring This
Category

1990s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian Revival Pearl Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
surround flush set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.80 carat total - G/H color with
Category

Vintage 1940s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Victorian 1.19 Carat Sapphire and 1.28 Carat Diamond Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ring shoulders are embellished with four pavé set Old European round cut diamonds, graduating in size
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous diamond ring originally dating back to Victorian period. Three collet-set
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Opal Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
body color with spectral play-of-color - prong set east to west Accented by old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.35ct Sapphire and Ruby Double Heart Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting Victorian double heart crowned ring features a romantic design of two entwined
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 10.00 Ct Certified Unheated Ceylon Sapphire 1.80 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
natural unheated Ceylon sapphire of approx 10.00 Ct (CISGEM Report n. 25330) - 2 old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1 Carat Opal Diamond Three Stone Band
Located in Cape May, NJ
: Approximately 1 Carat In Total Accent Stones: Four Old European Cut Diamonds Carat Weight: Approximately 0.50
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond and Onyx Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A single Old European-cut 0.02-carat diamond shines at the center of an oval-shaped onyx plaque in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

Victorian 2.25 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, cocktail ring has an impressive pierced decorated mount which displays a feature Old European round cut
Category

Antique 1880s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Old European and eight cuts, totalling 1.55cts. The scroll decorated shoulders integrate with the
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian English 18k Gold 1.35ct Sapphire Diamond Substantial Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 1.0ct (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Prong Set - Nice White Color - 0.35ctw
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 3.00 Carat Cabochon Sapphire and 2.00 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
, accented by a halo of Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.00 carats. Circa late
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Victorian 5 Carat Emerald 2.10 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Miami, FL
: Emerald, approx. 5.00 carats Side Stones: 14 Old European-cut Diamonds, approx. 2.10 carats total Ring
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Victorian Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Mine Euro1.28ctw Convert
Located in Greensboro, NC
- 1890s Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.28ctw Cut: Mine
Category

Antique 1880s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.60ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, hallmarked 1897
Located in London, GB
pair of old cut diamonds. The biggest sapphire sits at the centre weighing 0.30 carat, flanking, the
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
victorian about 100 years old. Box is not included. Acid tested to be 18k real gold . Please contact for any
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

5.48 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire 3.30 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
 carats, accented by Old European cut Diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 3.30 carats.  Size 6 3/4
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Center old cut diamond about 0.25 carat. Totally
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.4 grams. Totally is main double old cut diamond 0.10 ct
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Rose Gold Victorian Opal, Ruby Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
beautiful fans, each set with old-cut diamonds and natural rubies. The craftsmanship is exquisite, and the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in London, GB
on either side and accentuated by a round faceted old European cut diamond. The ring is excellently
Category

Antique 19th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Amethyst Diamond 14K Gold Antique Greek Unisex Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
scrolling floral halo surround and shoulders Flush set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Turquoise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Scrolling Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
pattern with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.40 carat total - G color with VS2 clarity
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian spinel sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold and silver 2 band ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cushion cut ruby, framed by round sapphires and a delicate shimmer of old European cut diamonds. Dating to
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
old cut diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3-Pique 1 clarity. Ring size is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 3.20 Ct Colombian Emerald 1.45 Ct Diamond Trinity 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Complementary Diamonds are a couple of old mine cut Diamonds displaying a great amount of sparkle for the
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

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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.