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Antique Victorian 18k Gold Silver 2.84ctw GIA Square Step Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Genuine Diamonds - Chunky Old European Cut - Shared Prong Set - Fancy Champagne & Yellow Color - VS1-I1
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

.40 Carat Total Weight Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Details: Type: Ruby, Natural Weight: .40ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: Red Diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Victorian .98 Ct Ruby Diamond 18 Kt Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
inclusions – .98 Ct round cut (5.9 mm. in diameter) Flanked by two old European cut Diamonds both making .50
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Sapphire and Diamond Crescent Ring
Located in London, GB
sapphires which are elegantly contrasted by a row of bright white old European cut diamonds above. Crafted
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring set to the front with two lines of alternating cushion-cut sapphires and diamonds, circa
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 3.25 Carat Emerald and 1.92 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
setting. The ring is ornamented with a feature 3.25Ct Old European cushion cut diamond, 18k white gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Multi-Gem Cluster Ring Diamonds Rubis Emeralds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
accented by a single rose-cut diamond. Weighing 5.49 g and sized to European 57 (US 7¼), this ring offers
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.78 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
displays a central Old European round cut six claw / prong set diamond flanked by a further four Old
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Early 20th Century Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in London, GB
An Early 20th Century 18ct gold and platinum pearl and old-cut diamond ring.  Estimated total
Category

Early 20th Century Late Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Victorian GIA 5.86 carat no heat sapphire diamond 18k rose gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
glowing old European cut diamonds, totaling approximately 4.00 carats, their antique faceting and warm J-K
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique English Gold and Diamond Double Snake Ring, Hallmarked
Located in New York, NY
in a bypass design, the heads inset with old European cut diamonds, in 18k. Hallmarked London
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Mandarin garnet 18k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
draws the eye. Surrounding it, a halo of bright Old European cut diamonds adds depth, fire, and antique
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian No Heat Burma Pink Sapphire Diamond 14K Gold Antique Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.72 carat total - H color with VS2 clarity Flanked
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
-claw setting displays a central 0.55ct Old European round cut diamond flanked by two impressive round
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 3.84 CTW Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Spade Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
- medium blue Alternating with prong set old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.40 carats total
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Ruby and Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
0.85Cts. The marquise shaped frame displays a feature 0.57Ct and 0.55Ct Old European round cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1.00 Carat Diamond and Enamel Single-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating single stone ring featuring a centralised round faceted old European cut
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 0.80 Carat Diamond Crossover Toi Et Moi 18ct Rose Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Edwardian era 18ct Rose gold 'toi et moi' ring featuring two antique Old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique 0.80ct Sapphire and 1.23ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
two collet set Old European round cut diamonds. The flared curvilinear ring shoulders are each
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.6 grams. Totally is old cut diamond 0.75 carat. Totally
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous ruby and diamond cluster ring originally dating back to the Victorian
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Rose Gold Natural Diamond Decorate Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
brilliant cut diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is has generally H-I color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian 1890s 3.11 Carat Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
/prong settings. The sapphire is flanked on either side by an Old European round cut diamond. Four
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

14CT Rose Gold Diamond Trilogy Dress Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
round Old European cut diamonds, set in a sleek, north-to-south alignment across the center of the band
Category

2010s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Double Floral Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
features a lovely array of old mine and old European cut diamonds. The stones are meticulously arranged in
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Rectangle Style Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.2 grams. Totally is old cut diamond 1 ct. Totally is rose
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

VICTORIAN 1880 Antique Ring In Yellow Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
: Mounted around the center gemstone in flush settings, with 32 old European rose cut natural diamonds, with
Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Belle Epoque 2.00 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold/Silver Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
approximately 2.00 carats stunning oval natural emerald, accented by an halo of sparkling old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Victorian 0.66 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
/ prong setting displays five Old European round cut diamonds, graduating in size. Integrating in to the
Category

Antique 1890s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1890s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total is weight 2.4 grams. Totally is main old mine cut diamond about 0.85
Category

Antique 1890s European Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Delicate gold ring with rubies and diamonds.
Located in Chorzów, PL
diamonds in an old cut 8/8 (totalling approx. 0.12 ct; color I; clarity SI-P1) Weight: 2 g, Size: 8 (48
Category

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

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

GIA Certified No Heat Burma Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
The ring is Victorian, circa 1890. It presents an old cut oval ruby with very good crystal
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 13k Diamond Flush Mount Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
, the front of this ring features three old European cut diamonds, which are held within flush bead
Category

Antique 1880s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring (Approx. 1.1-Carats) 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
refined style of the Victorian period. The old European cut diamonds, known for their distinctive faceting
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
beautifully-preserved three stone ring features a 1.36 carat Old European Cut Diamond flanked by an ideally
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian 1.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Victorian in its stylings. Gemstone: Sapphire & Diamond Stone Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 1.85ct
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.10 Carat Ruby and 0.48 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
encircled by twelve claw set Old European cut diamonds, totalling 0.48cts. The scrolling ring shoulders
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.66 CTW Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring two old European cut diamonds flanking an emerald - set in a row via talon prongs
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1890s Victorian 14K 3.67 Ct Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American Size 6.25
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brilliant Cut Diamond, open culet, commonly called Old European Cut in market, centered on a ring made of
Category

Antique 1890s American Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique c.1920s 14ct Gold Diamond Target Ring
Located in London, GB
restraint — ideal as a romantic heirloom or sophisticated engagement ring. Materials Old-cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.59 CTW Ruby Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Antique Clustered Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
purplish red in color - prong set with halo surround Comprised of prong set old mine and European cut
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 2.40 CTW Euro Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 2.21 carats - I color with VS1 clarity Set in a six
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian circa 1869 Unheated Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring 18k Antique Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
heart I live 19 Dec 1869 L.E J.' 3.7 gram 4 pieces of Old European Cut Diamonds H-I color VS1 Clarity 1
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique 2.05 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
European pear cut diamond, encompassed with impressive Old European round cut diamonds. The escutcheon
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage Victorian Style Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
VINTAGE VICTORIAN STYLE RUBY AND DIAMOND THREE STONE RING Fine elongated shape with 2 bright
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Revival Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1880s Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
setting displays five well color matched old European cut diamonds, graduating in size. The flared ring
Category

Antique 1880s English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Oval Cut Ruby Ring (Approx. 1-Carat) and Diamond Halo, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
’s precious metal setting. Encircling the rubies is an elongated halo of old European cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 9ct Gold, Victorian Old Cut Diamond Flower Pendant Necklace
Located in Brighton, GB
pendant is a true masterpiece. The pendant features old-cut diamonds that are set in silver and backed
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Silver

Antique 1895 Birmingham 18ct Gold Ruby and Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in London, GB
central old-cut diamond framed by two deep rubies, each nestled in hand-carved star and lozenge-shaped
Category

20th Century English Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Ruby And Diamond Graduating Five Stone Ring English c.1900
Located in Firenze, IT
lternating cushion cut rubies and old-cut diamonds, claw setting, between scrolled shoulders
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Toi-Et-Moi Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
round - opaque light greenish blue in color Flush set with halo surrounds of old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique 19th Century Portuguese Diamond Floral Ring Silver Gold Hallmarks Makers
Located in Lisbon, PT
silver over gold and set with a constellation of Old European brilliant-cut and rose-cut diamonds. Each
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Opal and Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
embellished with six pavé set Old European cut diamonds, set in sequence with the main gemstones. The
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.50 Carat Opal and 0.33 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
is embellished with eighteen claw set Old European cut diamonds, totalling 0.33ct. The bifurcating
Category

Antique 1890s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique 2 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Two Color G Clarity P2 Cut Old European round Content 0.51 carat Dimensions 5.60mm x 4.89mm x
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late 19th century 2.05 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Antique 18Kt rose Gold and silver Ruby and Diamond ring. The cluster style ring is centered with an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond Platinum Ring 3.5 Carat Navette Wedding Engagement Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
white white) and VS clarity (clean) Old European Cut Diamonds. This monumental antique Edwardian to
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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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.