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Seaman Schepps Sapphire, Diamond and Rock Crystal Ring, circa 1940
By Seaman Schepps
Located in London, GB
Sapphire, diamond and rock crystal ring, by Seaman Schepps circa 1940. A platinum and white gold
Category

1940s American Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum

14K Yellow Gold RBC Diamond Solitaire Ring G-H, i1 0.97TDW, 2.8gr
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
, weighing .97 carats, G to H color, i1 clarity, good cut. The diamond faces up very brilliant. Ring size is
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Classic Oval Cab Ethiopian Opal, Emerald and Diamond 10K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
) 1.48 Carat, Pear cut Emerald (2 pcs) 0.41 carat, along with Natural Round cut white Diamond (4 Pcs
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

Vintage Platinum 3.64ctw GIA Pear Sapphire Baguette Diamond 3 Three Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a truly breathtaking sapphire and diamond three stone vintage ring that is
Category

1990s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 1950s Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
5.05mm/0.19" Ring Size UK Size L 1/2 USA Size 5 7/8 This ring may be professionally adjusted in size on
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold

French 1960s 1.80 CTW Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
18 karat gold With maker's mark Circa: 1960s Ring Size: 5 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south
Category

1960s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

White Gold Blue Zircon Diamond Engagement Ring, 14k Round Cut 2.43ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 3 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k White Gold
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, White Gold

Art Deco Style White Rose Cut Diamond Oval Cut Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Carats of White Rose Cut Diamonds. This Ring has a 1.56 Carats Oval Cut Ruby. Size ITA: 21 USA: 9 1/2
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Horizontally set with an oval
Category

1970s American Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Diamond Owl Heart Ring Signet 14k Yellow Gold Sz 6.5 Fine Jewelry Ruby Eyes
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish diamond owl ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.09 carats
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Emerald Citrine Diamond Ring Square Cocktail 14k White Gold Sz 5.5 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
). Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 5 1/2 (sizable). The mount measures 18mm diameter (0.70 inches
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco .63ct Diamond Ring GIA I VVS2 Platinum Antique 1930 1940 Original Mined
Located in Dearborn, MI
Engagement Ring Featuring a STUNNING GIA Certified .53ct I/VVS2 Round Brilliant Cut Natural Mined Diamond
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1990s Vintage Diamond and White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.56 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold three stone twist ring; part of
Category

1990s Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

La Nouvelle Bague 18KT Rose/White Gold Diamond .37Ct. Blue Enamel Ring
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
composed of 4 bands, 2 in white gold, 1 rose gold and 1 in a dark blue enamel. The bands are held together
Category

1990s Italian Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Vintage Platinum 2.14ctw SSEF Pear Emerald Long Baguette Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
center stone is further accented on either side by 2 very fine quality long tapered baguette diamonds, in
Category

1960s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

White Gold Diamond Wedding Band 14k Round .24ctw Channel Set Angled Stack Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
White Gold Diamond Wedding Band 14k Round .24ctw Channel Set Angled Stack Ring Stone Information
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

DAVID WEBB Cocktail Ring In 18kt Platinum And 40.44 Cts In Sapphire Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds, 4.20 carats, white colorless F color, VS-2 clarity. Sapphire: Mount in the center in a bezel
Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Plat...

3/8ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Sterling Silver Fancy Blue Halo Cluster
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 6, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes or down 1 size for a $20 fee. Once a ring
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

60s Diamond Gemstone Tulip Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sz 5.5 Flower Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
rubies measure approx. 2mm each. Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 5 1/2 (sizable). The mount
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...

Vintage Opal Diamond Three Stone Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
: 2.8mm Weight: 4.6 Grams Finger Size: 7 1/2 Sizable Upon Request Accented by the following gemstones 1
Category

1960s Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k White Gold Pear Cocktail Jewelry Sz 10.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage natural opal & diamond ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Gold GIA Round Diamond Baguette 2.94ctw Engagement Wedding Ring Set
Located in Montclair, NJ
certification for the center diamond. Enjoy! --Engagement Ring:-- --Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond
Category

1990s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring, 18k Old European .78ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Down 1 size for $30 or Up 2 sizes for $35 Era: Art Deco 1920s - 1930s
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Le Vian Smoky Quartz Diamond Halo Ring, 14k Rose Gold Cushion 1.20ctw
By Le Vian
Located in Greensboro, NC
shoulders and milgrain-adorned bridge. This ring is a size 4 1/2. Please contact us for a quote on re
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Rose Gold

FRENCH Modernist Geometric Ring In 18Kt Gold With 52.40 Ctw Diamonds Tiger Eye
Located in Miami, FL
, with 48 calibrated round brilliant cuts diamonds, 2.40 carats, white colorless F color, VS-2 clarity
Category

1970s French Modernist Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Tiger s Eye, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

1980s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
(total) 0.55 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) SI 1 Cut Modern
Category

1980s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.66 Carat Old Miner Cut I I1 and Old European Cut L SI2 Diamond Platinum Art De
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.66 Carat Old Miner Cut I I1 and Old European Cut L SI2 Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring
Category

20th Century Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Modernist 1970 Cluster Cocktail Ring 14kt Gold with 10.36 Ctw Diamonds Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
cut of 0.55 carats, white colorless F color, VS-1 clarity Diamonds: Mounted in four-prongs settings
Category

Late 20th Century American Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

1980 s 12.25 CTW Imperial Topaz Diamond 14 Karat Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Circa: 1980s Ring Size: 5 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south 16.2 mm and sits 8.0 mm high Total
Category

1980s Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

CARTIER Paris 1970 Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 6.23 Cts In Diamonds Coral
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
weight of about 2.60 carats, E/F color, VVS-1 clarity Coral: Mount in a bezel setting, with 1 shield
Category

1970s French Modernist Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 3.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
An intense blue sapphire sits between two glittering old cut diamonds in this vintage trilogy ring
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Vintage 80s Diamond Wide Band Sz 8.5 Ring 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
ring is a size 8 1/2 (sizable). The band measures 12.5mm wide (0.49 inches) rising 2.5mm from the
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Art Deco Style 8.82ct Cabochon Blue Sapphire Diamond 20K Men s Gold Ring
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
: 1.14ct Total Weight: 9.8g Dimension: 21mm x 20mm x 30mm Ring Size: 8 (US), P 1/2 (UK), 18 (HK), 18.2mm
Category

1990s Hong Kong Egyptian Revival Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring - 14k 18k Round Cut 1.12ctw Three-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): 1.00ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: K Clarity: VS2 Stone Note
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gemstone Butterfly Ring Vintage Diamond Ruby Sapphire 14 Karat White Gold Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
diamonds total an estimated 0.50 carats (estimated at I color and SI1-2 clarity), accented with an
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Vintage Pink Tourmaline and Old and Rose Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Centre Metal: 18ct White Gold Age: 1940s Size: M 1/2
Category

1940s Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Vintage Tiffany Co. X Signature Diamond Ring Set in 18k Yellow Gold
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, England
, ranging G-H in colour with VVS clarity. The ring is currently a UK finger size H 1/2 (USA size 4) but this
Category

1990s Unknown Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Platinum GIA Ceylon NO HEAT Cabochon Blue Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Genuine Diamonds - Old Single Cut - Pave Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 0.25ctw (approx.) Total Carat
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum

Mixed Cut Diamond Ruby Band Vintage Ring 14k White Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
excellent condition and free of cracks or chips. Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 6 1/2 (sizable
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

New .50ctw Rose Cut Black White Diamond Ring, Sterling Silver Square Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 8 - 8 1/4, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes or down 1 size for a $20 fee. Once
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Sterling Silver

2.01ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Wedding Band 14k Gold Set
Located in Greensboro, NC
white diamonds for a radiant presentation from every angle. These rings are a size 7 1/4, but they
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Blue Polka Dot Enamel Diamond Ring Sz 6.5 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
condition. Particulars: Weight: 1.7 grams Stones: 1 round brilliant diamond is estimated 0.02 carats
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage 14k Two Tone Gold 0.50ct Old European Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
approximately 1/2 carat, and displaying an amazing amount of sparkle and brilliance in which reflects its fine
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1940 s Vintage Diamond Solitaire Engagement White 18 kt gold Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
, circa 1940's. This ring features an 0.34 carat brilliant cut diamond of H color and VS2 clarity
Category

1940s European Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Cluster Halo Engagement Ring 14k .60ctw Three-Stone Inspired
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Down 1 size for $30 or Up 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Hearts on Fire 18K White Gold Dream cut Diamond 3 stone Engagement Wedding Ring
By Estate Jewelry
Located in Brambleton, US
Hearts on Fire 18K White Gold Dream cut Diamond 3 stone Engagement Wedding Ring Band This
Category

20th Century Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gia Certified Platinum Toi Et Moi Ring with 2.81 Ctw Colombian Emerald Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
4.19 mm) of a fancy light yellow diamond, VS-2 clarity, 1.049 carats. 46 calibrated round brilliants
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum

Natural Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers, circa 1960s
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Vintage sapphire and diamond cluster ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Set with a cushion shape old
Category

1960s American Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Classic Ruby 14k White Gold Oval Cut with Round-Cut Diamond Accents Ring
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Ring. The 14K White Gold jewelry boasts with Oval-cut 1 pcs 0.47 carat, Square-cut 2 pcs 0.14
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Montres Mauboussin 1.84ct Old Cut Diamond and Onyx 18K Gold Ring, French
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Vintage one of a kind target Mauboussin ring set with a 1.84 carat round old cut diamond in a six
Category

1950s French Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Large Lion Ring Sz 8.5 Ruby Eyes Diamond Sz 8.5 Blue Enamel Fine Animal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
: The ring is a size 8 1/2 (not sizable). The band measures 21mm wide (0.82 inches) rising 12mm from the
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Enamel

GIA Rubellite Diamond Ring 8.36ct Original 1930 s -1950 s 14K Red Tourmaline
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond Engagement Ring 8.36ct 14K White Gold Features a HUGE 7.66 Carat Genuine GIA Certified Natural
Category

1940s Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1920s Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.83 carat diamond and 15 karat white gold trilogy ring; part of our
Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, White Gold

Classic Oval-Cut Blue Sapphire with Round-Cut Diamond 10k White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Ring. The 10K White Gold jewelry boasts with Oval-cut 1 pcs 0.64 carat, Baguette-cut 2 pcs 0.15
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold

PICCHIOTTI Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 4.77 Ctw in Emeralds And Diamonds
By Picchiotti
Located in Miami, FL
carats. Diamonds: Mounted in flat prongs settings, with 41 calibrated round brilliant cuts diamonds
Category

1990s Italian Modernist Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Mid Century Vintage Ring Diamond Fluted Sodalite White Agate 14k Gold Cocktail
Located in Torrance, CA
ring is a size 6 1/2 (sizable). The east west facing mount measures 21mm (0.82 inches) and 10mm wide
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

“C” Logo Diamond Ring in 18ct Yellow, White Rose Gold, Three-Colour Design
Located in London, GB
This striking “C” Logo Diamond Ring is crafted in an elegant combination of 18-carat yellow, white
Category

1980s British Retro Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

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Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. You’re likely to find the perfect vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring over the years, but those made by Tiffany Co., Luigi Ferrara and Cartier are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and old european cut alternatives. Finding a vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 4833 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Vintage 1 2 Carat Diamond Ring?

The price for a vintage 1 2 carat diamond ring starts at $1 and tops out at $6,500,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,810.

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.