What is a vintage diamond?

A vintage diamond — as in, “a vintage diamond engagement ring” — refers to a ring that is at least 20 years old. Antique rings were made more than 100 years ago. Vintage diamond jewelry is not old enough to qualify as antique but it is at least two decades old. Find a collection of antique and vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs today.

Are vintage diamond rings worth more?

Whether vintage diamond rings are worth more varies. Many factors influence the potential selling price of vintage and contemporary rings, including their maker, style and condition. The type of precious metal and the diamond's color, clarity, cut and carat weight will also impact the ring's price. Explore a wide variety of vintage diamond rings on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a vintage diamond ring is real?

To tell if a vintage diamond ring is real, you can first research the maker using trusted online resources. Hallmarks found on the inside of the band can provide a starting point for identifying a maker. By reading about the maker, you can find out if they typically produced fine jewelry or costume jewelry. If the maker of your ring was a fine jewelry maker, your ring is more likely to contain a real diamond. Another option is to take your ring to a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler who can assist in identifying the stone. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage diamond rings.

Vintage Diamond Matches

Sapphire And Diamond Cluster Ring

1960 Emerald Cut Diamond Ring

Vintage Gold 1970s Rings

Vintage Stone Earrings

1930s Platinum Gold Diamond Rings

Trilogy Ring

Art Deco 1930s Diamond Ring

2 Carat Transitional Diamond Ring

Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Gold Diamond Spiral Tapered Earrings

$15,500

18k Hammered Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings

Located in San Francisco, CA

measure 17.4mm and the round cut diamonds are exceptionally well matched (averaging G/VS) and total

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

18k Hammered Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings

$5,685

Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace 22 Carats

By Kurt Wayne

Located in Chicago, IL

luxurious 18K yellow gold and set with over 22 carats of beautifully matched diamonds. The stones are graded

Category

1980s American Contemporary Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

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

Kurt Wayne 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Necklace 22 Carats

$64,000 Sale Price

20% Off

1940s 1.06 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

of a fluted decorated mount. A further twenty-two, well color matched eight-cut diamonds embellish

Category

1940s French Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s 1.06 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring

$4,065

Tennis Bracelet Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

popular in the 1980s. Tennis star Chris Evert famously lost her diamond bracelet during a match at the U.S

Category

1970s Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tennis Bracelet Art Deco 18k Gold Diamond

$7,500

Dazzling Diamond Ear Clips by Oscar Heyman

By Oscar Heyman

Located in San Francisco, CA

earrings are sure to turn heads. With perfectly matched diamonds averaging F/VS delivering exceptional

Category

Late 20th Century North American Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Dazzling Diamond Ear Clips by Oscar Heyman

$29,500

Mikimoto 18K Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings, 2.40ctw, 8.7mm Pearls

By Mikimoto

Located in Miami, FL

diamonds are bright and well-matched, surrounding the pearls in a radiant cluster design that reflects

Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Mikimoto 18K Gold Pearl Diamond Earrings, 2.40ctw, 8.7mm Pearls

$9,560 Sale Price

20% Off

Spectacular Diamond and Pearl-set Gold Earrings

Located in Litchfield, CT

diamonds and two lovely matched 15.2mm pearls, they are meticulously fabricated and in excellent condition

Category

1960s Swiss Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Spectacular Diamond and Pearl-set Gold Earrings

$48,000

18 Karat Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet, Round and Baguette Diamonds 2.48 Carat

Located in Honolulu, HI

that are beautifully matched for color and clarity, the color grade of the diamonds are G-H, and the

Category

Late 20th Century American Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet, Round and Baguette Diamonds 2.48 Carat

$5,200 Sale Price

20% Off

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Gold Diamond Link Bracelet

By Van Cleef Arpels

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

and well-matched, enhancing the overall texture and sparkle of the piece. There are 184 diamonds, from

Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Gold Diamond Link Bracelet

$32,000

Cartier Panthere Large 27mm Diamond Dial 18K Gold Watch

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

Cartier Panthere large 27mm quartz watch in 18K yellow gold featuring a pave diamond bezel, dial

Category

1990s Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Panthere Large 27mm Diamond Dial 18K Gold Watch

$30,240 Sale Price

20% Off

Antique 4.27 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Ring Circa 1930

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

feature diamonds displaying fine brilliance and presence; these diamonds appear evenly color matched and

Category

1930s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 4.27 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Ring Circa 1930

$48,163

Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Square Link Tennis Bracelet

Located in Chicago, IL

Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Square Link Tennis Bracelet This vintage platinum diamond

Category

1940s British Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Square Link Tennis Bracelet

$52,000 Sale Price

20% Off

Vintage Precious Metal Alloy 2.4tcw Diamond Eternity Wedding Band

Located in New York, NY

approximately 2.4 carats total weight of round brilliant–cut diamonds. The diamonds are closely matched and

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Palladium, Platinum, Silver

Vintage Precious Metal Alloy 2.4tcw Diamond Eternity Wedding Band

$1,490

Vintage Old Cut Diamond Two-Stone Earrings

Located in London, GB

diamonds are well matched and beautiful chunky white old cuts. Condition: Used (Very Good) Total Weight

Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Old Cut Diamond Two-Stone Earrings

$11,369

Vintage Old Cut Diamond Two-Stone Earrings

Located in London, GB

diamonds are well matched and beautiful chunky white old cuts. Condition: Used (Very Good) Total Weight

Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Old Cut Diamond Two-Stone Earrings

$11,369

Vintage 0.40ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster, c.1980s

Located in London, GB

flow along the shoulders to further 0.12 carats of diamonds. All the stones used match perfectly in

Category

1980s British Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.40ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster, c.1980s

$8,185

18K, Tsavorite and Diamond Vintage Ring

Located in Aspen, CO

. Accenting this fine center stone are 16 brilliant cut white diamonds well matched in quality and cut. The

Category

1970s Contemporary Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

18K, Tsavorite and Diamond Vintage Ring

$2,232 Sale Price

20% Off

Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring, 2.02 Carat

Located in New Orleans, LA

The rarity and brilliance of a fancy vivid yellow diamond are seldom matched in the realm of

Category

20th Century American Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

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

Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring, 2.02 Carat

$128,500

Vintage 1.79 CTW Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Three Stone Halo Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

with VS2 clarity Flanked by well-matched heart cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.43 carats total

Category

1990s Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1.79 CTW Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Three Stone Halo Ring

$31,500

GIA F VS2 4.00 cts Marquise Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Miami, FL

A breathtaking platinum engagement ring showcasing a 3.01-carat GIA-certified marquise diamond of F

Category

1990s American Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA F VS2 4.00 cts Marquise Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

$47,900

20.10 Carats Diamond Platinum Cluster Floral Bracelet

Located in Miami, FL

. Crafted in Luxurious Platinum, this bracelet contains (52) ideally matched Marquise diamonds & (81) Round

Category

1990s American Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

20.10 Carats Diamond Platinum Cluster Floral Bracelet

$39,800

Turquoise Diamond Pave 18K Gold Dome Ring

Located in Miami, FL

, highly polished cabochon finish. Accented by rows of well-matched round brilliant diamonds, the sparkle

Category

1990s Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Turquoise Diamond Pave 18K Gold Dome Ring

$24,208 Sale Price

20% Off

1.74 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

diamond, displaying a fine white color, brilliance and presence. The well color matched supporting

Category

1930s French Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.74 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum

$11,644

Vintage 14k Gold Geometric Collar Necklace with Diamonds Rubies

Located in Great Neck, NY

diamonds are expertly matched for brilliance, radiating with every movement, while the rubies present a

Category

1980s Italian Modernist Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

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

Vintage 14k Gold Geometric Collar Necklace with Diamonds Rubies

$8,900

Mid Century 1.70 carat diamond platinum half eternity band

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This elegant Mid Century ring from the 1950s showcases ten finely matched carré cut diamonds

Category

1950s Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century 1.70 carat diamond platinum half eternity band

$5,800

Ruby Diamond Chevron Band 18k Yellow Gold 1.99ctw

Located in Orlando, FL

Rubies – channel-set in chevron rows, richly hued and well-matched Diamonds – H color, VS2/SI1

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond Chevron Band 18k Yellow Gold 1.99ctw

$1,345

Italian Diamond and Yellow Gold Clover Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

well color matched diamonds, displaying a fine white color and brilliance. The earrings are a very

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian Diamond and Yellow Gold Clover Earrings

$1,936

Antique Pearl and Diamond Brooch, c.1930s

Located in London, GB

are cultured whilst the diamonds all match in quality, being G in colour and VS in clarity. The brooch

Category

1930s British Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Pearl and Diamond Brooch, c.1930s

$2,728

1930s Antique Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

well color matched diamonds, displaying a fine white color and brilliance. The ring is a very good

Category

1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum

1930s Antique Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

$4,065

8.22 Carat Marquise Round Diamond Platinum Semi-Mount Ring Vintage Estate

Located in New York, NY

approximately 17.9 × 11.4 mm, the mounting is framed by 7.20 carats of beautifully matched marquise-cut diamonds

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

8.22 Carat Marquise Round Diamond Platinum Semi-Mount Ring Vintage Estate

$14,950

6.50 Carat Round Brilliant G VS2 Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring

Located in New York, NY

matched Round Brilliant diamonds, graded G color and VS2 clarity. The stones are set in an elegant shared

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond

6.50 Carat Round Brilliant G VS2 Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring

$21,450

Sapphire and Diamond Gold Bracelet

Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)

Shiny bracelet in 14Kt white gold adorned with icy's diamonds which are naturally matched with the

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Gold Bracelet

$10,558

Vintage French Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

, set with very well color matched diamonds displaying a fine white color and brilliance. The

Category

1980s French Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage French Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring

$3,100

1 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

fine quality, set with very high color graded, well color matched diamonds displaying a fine white

Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring

$3,376

French GIA 2.31 carat no heat sapphire diamond platinum ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

gem with a luminous, almost ethereal elegance. Flanking the sapphire are two beautifully matched

Category

1950s Contemporary Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

French GIA 2.31 carat no heat sapphire diamond platinum ring

$6,800

Boucheron Serpent Bohème Ring 18K Gold, Platinum Diamonds, 1970s

By Boucheron

Located in MONTMORENCY, FR

features the distinctive two serpent-head motif, each pavé-set with finely matched diamonds that capture

Category

1970s French Contemporary Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Boucheron Serpent Bohème Ring 18K Gold, Platinum Diamonds, 1970s

$11,892

1940s Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

vintage trilogy ring is fine quality set with very well color matched diamonds, displaying a fine white

Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1940s Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Ring

$2,749

Platinum 8.00cttw Diamond Estate Ring Circa 1960 s

Located in New York, NY

marquise and baguette-cut diamonds, perfectly matched in color and clarity to create a harmonious and

Category

20th Century American Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum 8.00cttw Diamond Estate Ring Circa 1960 s

$16,480 Sale Price

20% Off

Classic 17.65 carats Diamond Riviera Platinum Chocker Necklace

Located in Miami, FL

very nice well-matched diamonds, and inclusions are not visible to the naked eye. Stamped PLat

Category

1960s American Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Classic 17.65 carats Diamond Riviera Platinum Chocker Necklace

$31,900

8.50ct Old European Round Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Drop Earrings

Located in New York, NY

beautifully matched diamonds in an elegant graduated drop design. Each earring features a harmonious

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

8.50ct Old European Round Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Drop Earrings

$35,100

Vintage 1.92ct Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

graded principal diamond displaying a fine white colour, brilliance and presence. The well colour matched

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1.92ct Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring

$6,821

Vintage 1.25ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster, c.1960s

Located in London, GB

diamonds total 0.70 carat and match in quality at F in colour and V2S in clarity. Down each shoulder, an

Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.25ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster, c.1960s

$8,185

Antique 2.47 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

matched supporting diamonds display a fine white colour and brilliance. The ring is an excellent gauge of

Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 2.47 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Cocktail Ring

$31,626

Antique 2.65ct Diamond and 18ct White Gold Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

colour and brilliance. The well colour matched supporting diamonds display a fine white colour and

Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 2.65ct Diamond and 18ct White Gold Brooch

$5,443

Mauboussin 0.60 Carat Diamond Full Eternity Ring

By Mauboussin

Located in London, GB

. The ring features 40 round brilliant cut diamonds which are perfectly matched for colour and clarity

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

Mauboussin 0.60 Carat Diamond Full Eternity Ring

$3,059

Cartier GIA 4.77cts Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

. Flanking the center stone are two half-moon cut diamonds, carefully matched and set to enhance the symmetry

Category

1990s American Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Cartier GIA 4.77cts Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

$93,500

AGL Burma Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in Chicago, IL

Striking convex ruby and diamond earrings, centered with a matched pair of oval-cut natural rubies

Category

1990s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

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

AGL Burma Ruby and Diamond Earrings 18 Karat Yellow Gold

$5,999

Antique 1.16 Carat Diamond and Platinum Three Stone Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

evenly colour and clarity matched diamonds displaying fine white colour and brilliance. The diamond ring

Category

1930s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 1.16 Carat Diamond and Platinum Three Stone Ring

$5,443

1940s 3.84 Carat Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring in Platinum

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

graded and evenly colour matched diamonds displaying a fine white colour, brilliance and presence. The

Category

1940s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s 3.84 Carat Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring in Platinum

$34,382

1940s Diamond and Yellow Gold Band Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

setting in the form of a buckle, embellished with five pavé set, well color matched eight-cut diamonds

Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Diamond and Yellow Gold Band Ring

$2,473

1.02ct Tiffany Co Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Gold Platinum Soleste Halo Ring

By Tiffany Co.

Located in Birmingham, GB

Fine Tiffany & Co. Fancy Intense Yellow And White Diamond 18k Gold & Platinum Soleste Halo Cluster

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...

1.02ct Tiffany Co Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Gold Platinum Soleste Halo Ring

$10,335

Victorian Platinum Three-Stone Diamond Drop Earrings, 2 Carats

Located in Miami, FL

offer a graceful silhouette at just 0.75 inches long. The diamonds are bright and well-matched, with

Category

Mid-20th Century English Victorian Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Platinum Three-Stone Diamond Drop Earrings, 2 Carats

$5,500

JADE DIAMONDS Art Deco style 18K White Gold Ring

Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire

three-stone diamond shoulders, set with lively, well-matched diamonds that add crisp sparkle and frame

Category

1980s Asian Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold

JADE DIAMONDS Art Deco style 18K White Gold Ring

$1,998

Vintage Ruby Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

color and brilliance. The very well color matched diamonds display fine white color and brilliance

Category

1990s Italian Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

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

Vintage Ruby Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Bracelet

$16,467

9.06 Carat Aquamarine and 8.25 Carat Diamond Earrings in Platinum

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

, brilliance and presence. The impressive well color matched diamonds display a fine white color, brilliance

Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

9.06 Carat Aquamarine and 8.25 Carat Diamond Earrings in Platinum

$19,224

18 karat Yellow and White Gold Diamonds Band Ring

Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette

bands are set with pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds, carefully matched for quality and brilliance. The

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18 karat Yellow and White Gold Diamonds Band Ring

$4,564

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Vintage Diamond Matches For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of vintage diamond matches for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and platinum. Find a collection of 4104 vintage versions or 3 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 20th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of vintage diamond matches includes designs that are universally popular, but Art Deco and contemporary styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Tiffany Co., Cartier and Van Cleef Arpels each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Browse our collection of 2257 diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for round cut vintage diamond matches and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and brilliant cut alternatives. Most of our vintage diamond matches for sale are for women, but there are 1231 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Vintage Diamond Matches?

Prices for vintage diamond matches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $52 and can go as high as $1,050,000, while vintage diamond matches, on average, fetch $4,940.

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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.

Questions About Vintage Diamond Matches

What is a vintage diamond?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A vintage diamond — as in, “a vintage diamond engagement ring” — refers to a ring that is at least 20 years old. Antique rings were made more than 100 years ago. Vintage diamond jewelry is not old enough to qualify as antique but it is at least two decades old. Find a collection of antique and vintage diamond jewelry on 1stDibs today.
Are vintage diamond rings worth more?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
Whether vintage diamond rings are worth more varies. Many factors influence the potential selling price of vintage and contemporary rings, including their maker, style and condition. The type of precious metal and the diamond's color, clarity, cut and carat weight will also impact the ring's price. Explore a wide variety of vintage diamond rings on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a vintage diamond ring is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To tell if a vintage diamond ring is real, you can first research the maker using trusted online resources. Hallmarks found on the inside of the band can provide a starting point for identifying a maker. By reading about the maker, you can find out if they typically produced fine jewelry or costume jewelry. If the maker of your ring was a fine jewelry maker, your ring is more likely to contain a real diamond. Another option is to take your ring to a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler who can assist in identifying the stone. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage diamond rings.