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14 Karat Gold 1 Carat Total Weight Chatham Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Gainesville , FL
This vintage-inspired engagement ring features a Chatham lab-created round blue sapphire weighing 1
Category

2010s American Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Sapphire Engagement Ring with Old Mine Cut Diamond Halo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
topped 14k rose gold ring centers 3.55ct oval natural sapphire accompanied by a Guild Laboratories
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold, Silver

Dreamy Oval Cabochon Sapphire Engagement Ring with Diamond Halo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamond and a slightly tapered 14k yellow gold shank. The ring is currently a size 6 and can be sized to
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique certified natural unheated blue sapphire diamond ring
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale a Victorian era 18K gold, LFG certified natural unheated blue sapphire diamond ring. At
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Double Headed 18k Gold Sapphire and Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
A rather unique gold vintage snake ring. Made of solid 18k yellow gold and set with blue sapphires
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ceylon Sapphire 2.00 Carat No Heat Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in Perth, AU
by 14 old mine cut diamonds approx 0.70ct colour I-J clarity VS-SI grain set in 18ct yellow gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1.20ct Fancy Pink Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold
Located in Dublin 2, D
Antique 1.20ct fancy pink sapphire and diamond cluster ring in 18kt yellow gold. Centrally set with
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique, Art Deco, 18ct White Gold, Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Setting stones into a band, without any collet or claws, is
Category

Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Gypsy Ring, circa 1907
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A delightful 18ct yellow gold, blue sapphire and diamond gypsy ring that was hallmarked in 1907 in
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique, Mid Century, 18ct White Gold, Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Not to be overshadowed by their famous blue and pink rivals
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold

Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in QLD , AU
Do you love sapphires that have the most superb blue & lilac tones? Then this ring is for you. An
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Snake Ring, Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
A stunning Edwardian antique 14ct gold, sapphire & diamond set snake ring. The two intertwining
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

1890 Antique Diamond and Ceylon Sapphire Belt Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Forged in 18 carat yellow gold, this gorgeous antique belt ring, made in the year 1890, is adorned
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Early Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

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

A Victorian double headed Gold Snake Ring of twist design
Located in London, GB
One head set with an old mine Diamond and the other with a faceted Sapphire, both heads set with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat White Gold, Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Burmese sapphire and diamond ring, early 20th century. Myanmar (formerly Burma), is most famous as
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Antique Old Cut Diamond and Ceylon Sapphire 18 Carat Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A superb Sapphire and Diamond trilogy ring on twist. c1890. Solid 18 carat yellow gold example
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Beautiful 18 Carat Bubble Set Sapphire and Vs Diamond Stack Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
. Designed with alternating graduated sized natural round brilliant cut diamonds and sapphires in a gold
Category

20th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Dearest Gemstone Acrostic Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Acrostic rings like this one were beloved by the private and sentimental Victorians. The style
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 15k Gold

Antique, Art Deco, 18ct Gold, Sri Lanka Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring. Sri Lanka is known as ‘the isle of gems’ for its huge variety of
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Hand Engraved Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
By David Meelheim Designs
Located in Houston, TX
Hand carved and hand engraved two tone 18 kt Gold ring with beautifully cut oval medium blue Ceylon
Category

Early 2000s American Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Acrostic "Dearest" Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This splendid mid-Victorian acrostic ring is set with stones that spell out the romantic sentiment
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Yellow Gold

0.95 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Sapphire 18 Carat Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A true antique ring modelled in 18 carat yellow gold with a platinum head. ​Designed with a
Category

20th Century British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Gemstone Dearest Ring 15 Carat Gold, Dated 1874
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
– Diamond - Emerald - Amethyst – Ruby – Emerald – Sapphire – Tourmaline. Sentiment rings or DEAREST rings
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 15k Gold, Yellow...

Antique LFG certified natural unheated blue sapphire diamond marquise ring
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale a Victorian era 18K yellow gold, LFG certified natural unheated blue sapphire diamond ring
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire White Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Dress Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Blue sapphire and diamond dress ring. In a scolding antique style setting The diamonds are very
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Multigem Navaratna Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
sun, pearl for moon, red coral for Mars, Emerald for Mercury, Yellow Sapphire for Jupiter, Diamond for
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Blue...

Antique 0.25 Carat Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Three Stone Gold Ring, circa 1890
Located in Goettingen, DE
Antique 0.25 Carat Diamond Ruby ​​and Sapphire Three Stone Gold Ring, circa 1890 Late Victorian
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique 4.7 Carat SSEF Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Mayfair, GB
An Antique 4.7 carat SSEF Kashmir Sapphire And Diamond Cluster Ring. The ring centres a 4.705 carat
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Large 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Sapphire Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning cluster ring. Solid 18 carat yellow gold shank with platinum setting. ​Designed with
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Unique Victorian Cluster Engagement Ring with Emerald Cut Center Diamond
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lucca is an incredibly unique Late Victorian era (circa 1895) platinum topped 18k yellow gold
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique, Victorian, 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Victorian, natural pearl half hoop ring, circa 1890. Set with five luscious natural half pearls
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat White Gold, Color-Change Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Rochford, Essex
Colour-change sapphire and diamond ring, 20th century. This unheated Sri Lankan sapphire appears a
Category

Late 20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gorgeous Unheated 0.90ct Oval Sapphire Ring with Old European Cut Diamond Halo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Westlake is a gorgeous authentic Victorian (circa 1895) platinum topped 14k yellow gold ring
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco, 18 Carat Gold, Royal Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Sapphire and diamond cluster ring, circa 1900. A wonderful example of a classic engagement ring set
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique, Victorian, 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Old Cut Diamond Half Hoop Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Victorian, diamond five stone ring, circa 1880. Set with five beautiful chunky old mine-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Such a beautiful antique ring that has been hand crafted in the Late Victorian era. This ring is
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian "Red White and Blue" Multigem Tricolor Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
diamonds, and blue sapphires. It was made in Victorian England, circa 1880, and has been crafted in 18k
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique, Art Deco, Platinum, Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1925. The striking shape of this untreated sapphire is known as an
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Inspired 2.60ct Yellow Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
claw gold setting. The yellow Sapphire is surrounded by 10 Old European cut Diamonds weighing 1.30ct in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Russian Sapphire and Diamond Marquise Suite
Located in Sale, Cheshire
blue sapphire and rose cut diamonds. It's modelled in rose gold throughout, and was made in Russia in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Turn of the Century 12.62ct Unheated Sapphire Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Late Victorian ring set with a hexagonal unheated Ceylon sapphire weighing 12.62ct. Surrounding the
Category

20th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold

1855 Victorian 18 Carat Gold and Dearest Acrostic Stack Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A very rare ladies Victorian period ' DEAREST ' design cluster stack ring. SIZE ; N UK, 6 3/4 US
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Edwardian, 18 Carat Gold, Natural Ceylon Sapphire Five-Stone Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Sapphire and diamond ring, 1902, possibly Turnbull Brothers. This elegant five-stone ring is set
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage circa 1970, 4.30 Carat No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Berlin, Berlin
The blue sapphire and diamond entourage ring is a classic in the world of engagement rings
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Gypsy-Set .42 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire
Located in Brooklyn, NY
quite rare and almost always feature a sapphire cabochon in a rub-over setting. This Victorian-era take
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

GIA Certified Unheated 15.57 Carat Ruby and 6.25 CTW Unheated Pink Sapphire Ring
By Mindi Mond
Located in New York, NY
: gray; Clarity: SI1-I3) original Victorian mounting. Original Victorian silver over 14k yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Allure Late Art Deco Engagement Ring with Light Blue Ceylon Sapphire
Located in Los Angeles, CA
yellow gold engagement ring. This stunner centers a bezel set 2.11ct Oval cut sapphire accompanied with a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum

Antique, Art Deco, Viennese 14 Carat Gold, Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Diamond ring, Austria, 1930s. The design of this ring, with its bicoloured gold setting and its
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Austrian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage, 18 Carat White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
antique engagement rings! Each set with extraordinary gemstones: diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby, opal
Category

Late 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

French, 1950s, 18 Carat White Gold, Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
of vintage and antique engagement rings! Each set with extraordinary gemstones: diamond, sapphire
Category

Mid-20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique, Art Deco, French, 18 Carat Gold, Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Aquamarine and diamond ring, France, mid 20th century. By the late 1940s and 1950s, jewellery
Category

Mid-20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold

Antique, Art Deco, 18ct Gold and Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Ruby and Diamond Ring. A bright pinkish ruby weighing approximately 0.40 carats sits at the centre
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Midcentury, 18 Carat White Gold, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Emerald and diamond ring, mid 20th century. This mid-century cluster ring is set with a step-cut
Category

Mid-20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Antique, Art Deco, 18 Carat Gold, Black Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Black opal and diamond ring, mid 20th century. Black opals are so-called as their colours flash
Category

Early 20th Century British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold

Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat Gold, Garland Style, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Emerald and diamond ring, early 20th century. With a beautiful octagonal step-cut emerald at its
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
antique engagement rings! Each set with extraordinary gemstones: diamond, sapphire, emerald, ruby, opal
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Midcentury, 1940s 18 Carat White Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Emerald and diamond ring, circa 1940. This classic floral cluster centres on an excellent Colombian
Category

Mid-20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

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Victorian Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact victorian sapphire diamond gold ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 472 vintage editions and 32 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect victorian sapphire diamond gold ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a victorian sapphire diamond gold ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Roshe Jewels, DGI and Anna Sheffield are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and old european cut alternatives. When shopping for a victorian sapphire diamond gold ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Victorian Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring?

On average, a victorian sapphire diamond gold ring at 1stDibs sells for $3,359, while they’re typically $340 on the low end and $269,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.