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Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

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Retro 5.6 Carat Aquamarine Ring 14 Karat Gold Emerald Cut Antique Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
, vivid ring that epitomizes the style and grace of the Art Deco - Retro period circa 1930-1950. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Classic Vintage Platinum Emerald Engagement Ring with Baguette Diamonds, 2.22ct
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOVE this Classic Vintage Natural Emerald Engagement Ring! Crafted in Platinum, the engagement ring
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring SSEF Certified
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover the classic allure of a 1960s original Colombian Emerald Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. This
Category

1960s French Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Diamond With Emerald Ring, Mid-Century Era (Approx. 1-Carat) Halo, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage ring showcases a captivating approx. 1-carat emerald-cut emerald, bezel-set
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Cocktail ring Large emerald cut citrine 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
Step back into the glamorous era of retro style with this stunning 18K solid gold cocktail ring
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.8 Carat Emerald and 3.25 Carat Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional emerald and diamond ring captures the essence of timeless elegance and refined
Category

20th Century Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

4.17 Carat Antique Style Oval Emerald Diamond Cocktail Platinum Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Style Cocktail Platinum Ring with an Oval Emerald and 14 Diamonds Oval Emerald 4.17ct. 14
Category

1990s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1.97ct Colombian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, Circa 1930 s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous engagement ring features an exquisite 1.97 carat square emerald cut Colombian emerald
Category

1930s English Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage White Gold Ring with 4ct Colombian Emerald and Diamonds, Circa 1960s–70s
Located in Braintree, GB
A bold and elegant vintage white gold ring from the 1960s–70s, set with a striking natural
Category

1970s British Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Enticing .64 Carat GIA Certified Diamond Emerald Onyx Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
quality calibre cut emeralds, onyx, and round cut diamond accents. The top of the ring measures 11.5mm in
Category

20th Century Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum

GIA Cert. 1.46 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Filigree Vintage Ring in 18K
Located in Miami, FL
breathability during wear. Art Deco style, circa 1980. The emerald is well-saturated, eye-clean, and rich with
Category

1980s Colombian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 5.06 Carat Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 5.06 Carat Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Ring An extraordinary high-jewelry creation
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

ART-DECO Revival Ring In 14Kt Yellow Gold With Blue Sapphires VS Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Art-deco revival ring with natural blue sapphires. This is an art-deco revival ring carefully
Category

1970s American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Certified Cushion Cut Green Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This spectacular contemporary ring showcases a nearly natural cushion-cut emerald displaying a rich
Category

1980s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1.60 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring 18K Gold and IGI Certificate
Located in Firenze, FI
Gorgeous Natural Colombian Emerald and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage 5 Carat Pear Cut Emerald Crossover Double Split Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco-inspired natural emerald and diamond ring in 14k solid gold. Gemstones are stationed on a
Category

1990s Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1937 Nordic Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.75US / 3.75 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Emerald and Diamonds Ring made in 1937. The crown is composite with the top parts in
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Emerald Ring Set in 18K White Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Emerald Ring Set in 18K White Gold & Silver Natural Emerald - 9
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

1938 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K White Gold ØUS5.75 / 1.9 gr
Located in SE
Elegant Emerald and Diamonds Ring with curved band in solid 18ct White Gold with bezel set
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

98.96 Carat Emerald Cut Citrine in 14K Yellow Gold Retro Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage ring features a massive 98.96 carat emerald cut citrine in a bold 14K yellow gold
Category

1990s Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold/ Platinum Emerald and Diamond Ribbon Ring - 1.88ct.
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Vintage 18K Yellow Gold/ Platinum Emerald and Diamond Ribbon Style Ring is just so unique and
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Classic Emerald with Diamond Accents 14k Yellow Gold Ring For Women/Girls
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Emerald-Cut Emerald (3 pcs) 1.14 carat and Natural
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Emerald and Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
David Webb 6.00 Carat Emerald and Diamond Platinum & 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring A striking David
Category

1950s American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

0.50 Carat Emerald Diamond 14K Gold Open Geometric Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
1/2 Carat total open gap emerald and diamond geometric band ring in 14k yellow gold. Ring size
Category

1990s Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

5ct SSEF-Gübelin Colombian No oil Emerald Diamond Twin Ring - Collectors piece
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
emerald twin ring is ideal for collectors and those seeking a distinctive jewel that transcends trends
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond Ring 14K Yellow White Gold 0.69Cttw
Located in New York, NY
diamonds set amidst decoratively. This fabulous Art Deco ring is a rare and ravishing beauty. The top of
Category

1990s American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.35 Carat Diamond and 1.41 Carat Emerald Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Warszawa, PL
Diamond and emerald ring, 2.35 carats total, 18K white gold, vintage-inspired design. This
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

GRS Certified, 2.09 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald Set in 18k Solid Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS certified natural Colombian Emerald mounted in a vintage art deco ring setting. Ring Details
Category

1990s Colombian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Classic Emerald with Diamond Accents 14k Yellow Gold Ring For Women/Girls
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Emerald-Cut Emerald (1 pcs) 1.01 carat and Natural
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

1943 Ring 2ctw Emerald 0.4ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6.75 / 5.75 gr
Located in SE
Nice cluster Ring with wide shoulders and square crown holding natural Emeralds stone and Diamonds
Category

1940s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Deco 34.22 Carat Aquamarine and 1.28 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
(Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 15 karat gold and platinum. This impressive Art Deco ring is
Category

1950s Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Ring natural 0.6 ct Emerald solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø7.25US / 2.9 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with open work crown decorated with 4 hearts featuring
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

14k Gold Wave Design Ring with Emerald and Diamond Accents
Located in Palm Desert, CA
vibrant 0.25ct full-cut emerald, set securely in a 4-prong illusion head, the ring highlights the
Category

1980s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Antique ring with diamonds and emerald, Austria-Hungary, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A beautiful old gold ring with a refined form with diamonds weighing 0.80ct and an emerald weighing
Category

1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold

Antique Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald solid 18K Rose Gold Ø4US / 2.88 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with band in solid 18K Rose Gold with claw set natural bright Green Emerald 5.5 mm x 4 mm
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Exclusive platinum ring with 1.00ct diamonds and emeralds, mid-20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Exclusive platinum ring with 1.00ct diamonds and emeralds A ring with an exceptionally beautiful
Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Bochic “Capri” Vintage Diamond Emerald Retro Ring Set In 18K Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Diamond & Emerald Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

1.55 Carat Emerald and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring, center securely set with an
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1.25 Carat Aquamarine Emerald Cut Diamond Accents 10K White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Put the finishing touch on your formal outfit with this exquisite Gin & Grace ring. The ring
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Emerald, 10k Gold, White Gold

5 Carat Marquise Emerald Baguette Diamond Channel 18K Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
bezel set emerald and graduated channel set baguette cut diamonds. Details: Item Type: Statement Ring
Category

1990s Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Sapphire Emerald Ring Set 18K Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set 18K & Silver Natural Blue Sapphire
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold

Talia Jade Vintage-Inspired 18K White Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
and yellow gold. At the center glows a richly hued emerald-cut Colombian emerald of approximately 1.50
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Antique Ring natural 10ct Emerald 1.28 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS4 / 6.3gr
Located in SE
Emerald and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Ca. 1930s -1940s
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Diamond Emerald Ring Set in 18K Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Emerald Diamond Ring Set in 18K Gold Silver Natural Emeralds
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby Emerald Cocktail Ring Set In 18K Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Oval Shape
Category

20th Century Thai Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

1.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Emerald Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cabochon emeralds and sapphires giving the ring a unique look, set in platinum. Size: 6 Weight: 4.8
Category

20th Century American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum

Bochic “Orient” Vintage Sapphire Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Oval Shape Blue Sapphire - 16 Carat Natural Emeralds - 4 carat This Ring is from the "Orient
Category

20th Century Thai Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver

1960 Illario IGI Certified 1.33 ct Kashmir Sapphire Emerald Diamond Ring
By Illario
Located in Valenza, IT
950‰ Platinum ring with a rare IGI certified Kashmir Sapphire weighing 1.33 ct natural untreated
Category

1960s Italian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum

Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Diamond Emerald Retro Ring Set In 18K Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Diamond & Emerald Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
Category

Late 20th Century Thai Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Estate Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Victorian Diamond Emerald Flower Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For sale is an Estate Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Victorian Diamond & Emerald Flower Ring
Category

20th Century Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Emerald Sapphire Ring Set 18K Gold Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Natural Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Oval Shape
Category

1990s Asian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Colombian Emerald 0.85 ct and Baguette Diamonds Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Superb ring centered with a Colombian emerald weighing 0.85 carat, displaying an intense and
Category

1990s French Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

South Sea Pearl, Emerald with Diamond Accents 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
& Grace ring. The 14k Yellow Gold jewelry boasts 12-15 Round (1pcs) 20.03 Carat, 2.0 mm Square-cut Emerald
Category

20th Century Indian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Unique 5.77ct Colombian cabochon emerald Pagoda ring, set with 5.50ct G/H VS dia
Located in Roma, IT
This extraordinary Pagoda-style ring is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship, centering on a
Category

1990s Italian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Sophia D. Emerald Cut Center Blue Sapphire and Diamonds Dome Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Dardashti LTD has been known worldwide for 35 years and are inspired by classic Art Deco design that merges
Category

1990s American Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1.61 Carat Emerald and Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
cut 0.42 Carat emerald and 4 oval cut emeralds 1.19 Ct. in a prong-setting. This ring also features 24
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

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

1960 Armenian Ring 14K Gold natural 6ct Emerald 0.85ct Diamonds ØUS10/ 5.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful 583 Gold, Silver, Emerald and Diamonds Halo Ring. Metal is solid 14k/ 583 Yellow Gold
Category

20th Century Russian Art Deco Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

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Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage art deco emerald ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold. Making the right choice when shopping for a vintage art deco emerald ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A vintage art deco emerald ring from Luigi Ferrara, Cartier and Tiffany Co. — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at a vintage art deco emerald ring featuring Diamond from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for an emerald cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our vintage art deco emerald ring for sale are for women, but there are 325 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Vintage Art Deco Emerald Ring?

Prices for a vintage art deco emerald ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $185 and can go as high as $575,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,464.

A Close Look at Art-deco Jewelry

Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.

The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.

However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)

While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.

Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.

A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.

Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other 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.