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Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s in the height of the Victorian era, this beautiful three stone ring features a
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.65ct Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Beautifully hand crafted in the 1880s this Victorian cluster ring centralizes around a wonderful
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Sapphire Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
) surrounded by Old mine cut Diamond mounted on platinum and yellow gold. Circa 1910. Ring size: 5 1/2 US.
Category

Vintage 1910s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold

Old Mine Diamond Natural Sapphire Platinum Wedding Engagement Ring Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely stunning Old Mine Cut Diamond, Natural Sapphire and Pearl, Platinum and Gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl, Platinum, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.0 Ct. Diamond 1.0 Ct. Sapphire Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This gorgeous antique Victorian period ring is 1890 ca. Traditional five stone setting hand crafted
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.45ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880, this classic carved shank ring features three old oval pink sapphires and
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Style Ring With Pear Shape Blue Sapphires Pave Diamond Grill
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14kt Gold:5.8g; Diamond:1.33ct Sapphire:2.65Cts Ring Size US-7.25
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver

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 Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely sapphire and diamond three stone ring. The focal marquise shaped sapphire
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Antique Victorian 3.00 Carat Cabochon Sapphire and 2.00 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow and white gold with a Cabochon Sapphire approximately 3.00 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond 15 Carat Gold Five Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set within the gold there are two blue and gorgeous sapphires totalling approx 14pts and set within
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Victorian 0.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This charming Victorian ring, affectionately termed a reverse three stone, showcases a glittering
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.30 Ct Nat Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Rare Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian period carved hoop ring, lovely as engagement, anniversary or wedding, 1880 ca. 18 Kt
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.60ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, hallmarked 1897
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian five stone ring features a trio of intense pink sapphires, separated by a
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.70ct Diamond and Pink Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian five stone ring features a stunning combination of old cut diamonds and pink
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian era trilogy ring showcases a vivid blue old oval cut sapphire at its
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Unheated Burma Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Ring GIA
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent example of mid-Victorian design, this antique ring features a central 6.75mm unheated
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian sapphire and diamond five stone ring, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
Victorian sapphire and diamond five stone ring. Horizontally set with two cushion shape old cut
Category

Antique 1890s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring dates back to the 1880s and is classically Victorian in its style. To the
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 3.60 Ct Certified Burma Natural Sapphire 2.30 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Tradition Spectacular Victorian period Diamond and Sapphire cluster ring which is in the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond and Certified No-Heat Burma Pink Sapphire Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
pink sapphire in this late Victorian ring. Crafted in 18K gold, the gems are set in silver atop gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Late Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Heart Shaped Ring with Diamond, Sapphires and Rubies, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
Hallmarked in 1902, thia Victorian ring features a diamond, sapphire and ruby all set to centre
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 1.28 Ct Oval Cut Burmese Pink Sapphire and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond, 22 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Burmese Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.60ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this stunningly hand crafted Victorian ring features a 0.60 carat oval
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 1880 Antique Ring, Sapphire (GIA Approx. 1.20-Carats) 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
true testament to Victorian elegance. Handcrafted in rich 18k yellow gold, the ring’s graceful navette
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A cornflower blue sapphire is flanked by old cut diamonds in this classic Victorian carved shank
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Circa 1881 Victorian Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire Ring in Platinum and 18 Karat Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Description: Metal type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Platinum Accents Weight: 5.3 grams Ring
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold

Diamond and Sapphire Gold Platinum Antique "V" Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
.40ct Round Old Mine Cut Diamonds 11 Old Cut Blue Sapphires The Top of The Ring is Made of 18kt
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique sapphire diamond 18k rose gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cut diamonds in a warm 18k rose gold setting. Center stone: Cushion cut blue sapphire Weight
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.60ct Diamond and Sapphire Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A single old cushion cut diamond is flanked by two beautiful sapphires in this classic Victorian
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Late Victorian Unheated 3.50 ct Ceylon Sapphire Rose-Cut Diamond ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exceptional Late Victorian cluster ring showcases a richly hued, unheated Ceylon sapphire of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a truly wonderful and rare ring dating back to the Victorian era. The ring features a
Category

Antique 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 5.90 Ct Natural No Heat Sapphire 2.90 Ct Mine Diamond ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The Glorious Victorian A favourite in the Victorian tradition was fine, natural Sapphire set in a
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Two stunning old cut diamonds accompany the 0.50 carat Sapphire in this exquisite twist ring from
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
collection of fine antique rings. Material: 12ct gold; natural yellow sapphire; old mine cut diamonds.
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Victorian 1.80 Ct Certified Purple Ceylon Sapphire 2.0 Ct Diamond Navette ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Subtle Elegance This rare authentic Victorian ring is the emblem of beauty Outstanding navette
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

.62 Carat Diamond Sapphire Victorian Wedding Engagement Ring Five-Stone 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
totaling .82 Carat. The setting is a beautiful 18K yellow gold design with a diamond and sapphire
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 3.26 Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Victorian period. Weighing 3.26 carat the sapphire has been certified as natural and unheated. Either side
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 6.50 Cttw Emerald/Sapphire/Tsavorite/Diamond Double Finger Ring Size 7
Located in New York, NY
A classic Victorian flower! This extravagant ring features a round faceted emerald at the center of
Category

2010s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling...

GIA Certified Vintage 14KT Gold Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 14K Gold GIA Certified Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Ring The GIA Colored Gemstone Laboratory
Category

20th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

c.1890 Victorian Era Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Antique Ring Silver 14K
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Step back into the elegance of the Victorian era with this breathtaking sapphire and diamond ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique 2.69ct Sapphire 1.40ct Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning 14k yellow gold ring from the Victorian era. The ring is centered with lovely
Category

Antique 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Style 14K Yellow Gold, Enamel, Sapphire, and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, enamel, sapphire, and diamond cocktail ring. In 14 karat yellow gold. With a
Category

20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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 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

Victorian 10.00 Ct Certified Unheated Ceylon Sapphire 1.80 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This breath taking original Victorian ring is 1880 circa Classy Trilogy mount hand made during the
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.60 CTW Sapphire Diamond Silver 14 Karat Gold Antique Love Knot Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shank Tested as 14 karat gold and silver Circa: 1840s Ring Size: 8 1/4 and sizable Measures north to
Category

Antique 1840s Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Floral Design Ruby White Sapphire Ring in Victorian Style
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
6.37 carats, White Sapphire weight 5.34 carats with diamonds 0.96 carat which contains 18k gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 2.30 Ct Natural Sapphire Five stone ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Into the Blue Beautiful Victorian period five stone ring in a classy half hoop setting of the era
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Sapphire and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Navette Ring A yellow gold navette ring set with round-cut sapphires
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely sapphire and diamond three stone ring. The focal marquise shaped sapphire
Category

Antique 19th Century Fashion Rings

Vintage 1990s Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
spells. Sapphire is the birthstone of September. Our 18ct gold ring features beautiful bright blue
Category

1990s English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Late Victorian (c. 1880–1900) Ruby Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 K Yello
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
‰) Period: Late Victorian Era (c. 1880–1900) Style: Cluster halo ring with graduated ruby–diamond–sapphire
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 18k/Sterling Silver GIA No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A striking sapphire and diamond three-stone ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Crafted in 18k
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 17.75 Cttw Aquamarine, Sapphire/Diamond Cocktail Ring Size 7 In 18K/SS
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the regal charm of the Victorian 17.5 Cttw. Aquamarine, Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail
Category

2010s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Victorian 10.00 Cttw. Natural Yellow Sapphire/Diamond Ring Size 7 In 18k/SS
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of the Victorian 9.67 Cttw. Yellow Sapphire and Diamond
Category

2010s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 6.10 Cttw Blue Sapphire/Tsavorite/Diamond Ring Size 7 In 18K/SS
Located in New York, NY
An entrancing design! This classic Victorian cluster ring features sparkling blue sapphires
Category

2010s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

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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.