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

1960s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1.29ct Diamond Double Halo Ring, c.1960s

$6,809

Impressive Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eternity Band

Located in New York, NY

round brilliant cut diamonds. Each diamond is perfectly matched in color and clarity and is individually

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Impressive Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eternity Band

$4,600

Vintage French 2.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in London, GB

formed of three rows of bright white round brilliant cut diamonds. Each stone is perfectly matched in

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage French 2.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring

$9,435

0.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring

Located in London, GB

diamonds. The ring is been wonderfully made and the diamonds are excellently matched for colour and clarity

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

0.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring

$2,379

Certified Natural Emerald Diamond Ring Estate Platinum Gemstone Engagement

Located in Torrance, CA

and free of cracks or chips. Two closely matched emerald cut diamonds, total weight 0.66 carats, G-H

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Certified Natural Emerald Diamond Ring Estate Platinum Gemstone Engagement

$2,950

1990s Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

. All eighteen diamonds are very high color graded, perfectly color matched diamonds. These diamond

Category

1990s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1990s Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings

$1,346

Tiffany Co. Emerald Baguette Brilliant Diamond Platinum Ring, circa 1950

By Tiffany Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

cut diamonds weighing collectively 0.35 carat; all diamonds are well-matched, eye-clean, and white

Category

1950s Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Emerald Baguette Brilliant Diamond Platinum Ring, circa 1950

$9,900

18 Karat Yellow Gold 8.60 Carat Diamond Earrings

Located in Dallas, TX

Beautifully matched baguette-cut diamonds in these pierced earrings. Estimated total weight is

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold 8.60 Carat Diamond Earrings

$13,200

1950s Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

high color graded, very well color matched diamonds displaying fine white color and brilliance. The

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings

$2,249

Vintage 4.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have a truly beautiful old cut diamond ring dating back to the mid 20th century. The ring

Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 4.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring

$9,763

Platinum Eternity Baguette Diamond Band Ring Hand Carved

Located in Miami, FL

A well-executed, hand-made, hand-engraved eternity band ring featuring matched baguette cut

Category

1970s Unknown Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Eternity Baguette Diamond Band Ring Hand Carved

$4,450

Waslikoff 7.20 Carat Diamond and Platinum Line Tennis Bracelet

Located in Philadelphia, PA

carats total, F/G color VS to SI clarity (most VS) The diamonds are so well matched and cut that the

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Waslikoff 7.20 Carat Diamond and Platinum Line Tennis Bracelet

$14,000

14KT 2.25 Carat Diamond Fashion/Cocktail Ring

Located in Towson, MD

diamonds set in mix-match pattern. There's no other ring that looks like this, so if you want to be the

Category

1960s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14KT 2.25 Carat Diamond Fashion/Cocktail Ring

$3,495

1990s Diamond and Yellow Gold Drop Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

matched diamonds. The earrings are a very good gauge of gold and are in excellent condition, with clear

Category

1990s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1990s Diamond and Yellow Gold Drop Earrings

$2,399

1950s Retro 1.07 Carat Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

elegantly accented by swirls of vibrant royal blue sapphires and numerous well-matched diamonds. Hand

Category

1950s American Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1950s Retro 1.07 Carat Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring

$5,500

1950s Retro 1.07 Carat Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

elegantly accented by swirls of vibrant royal blue sapphires and numerous well-matched diamonds. Hand

Category

1950s American Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

1950s Retro 1.07 Carat Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring

$5,500

1950s 2.39 Carat Diamond and Platinum Stud Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

stud earrings are fine quality set with very well colour matched diamonds, displaying a fine white

Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1950s 2.39 Carat Diamond and Platinum Stud Earrings

$14,070

J.E. Caldwell Baguette Diamond Platinum Stacking Band Rin, circa 1950

By J.E. Caldwell Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Diamonds are very well-matched F/G color with VS clarity and weigh approximately 0.26 carat total Numbered

Category

1950s Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

J.E. Caldwell Baguette Diamond Platinum Stacking Band Rin, circa 1950

$865

Three-Prong Martini Setting Round Diamond Stud Earrings 2.05 Carat

Located in Aventura, FL

setting, most of which remains hidden behind the diamond while worn. A beautifully matched pair of round

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond

Three-Prong Martini Setting Round Diamond Stud Earrings 2.05 Carat

$4,850

18K and Diamond Vintage Butterfly Brooch, c. 1990

Located in Aspen, CO

18K yellow gold and fine brilliant cut diamond butterfly brooch. The diamonds are all well matched

Category

1990s Contemporary Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18K and Diamond Vintage Butterfly Brooch, c. 1990

$920

Cartier 1.35 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

expected from Cartier the diamonds are perfectly matched and of an excellent quality. Condition: Used

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier 1.35 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring

$6,973

Cartier 19.80 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Cluster Earrings

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

diamond was carefully selected, perfectly matched and arranged in enchanting flower designs, capturing the

Category

1990s American Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Cartier 19.80 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Cluster Earrings

$278,000

0.10 Carat Two Stone Diamond Crossover Ring

Located in London, GB

18ct yellow and white gold band entwined. Both the diamonds are perfectly matched for colour, clarity

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

0.10 Carat Two Stone Diamond Crossover Ring

$478

1950s Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

well color matched diamonds. The earrings are a very good gauge of gold and are in excellent condition

Category

1950s Unknown Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1950s Diamond and White Gold Stud Earrings

$1,798

Diamond Jade Rose Brooch and Matching Earrings 18K

Located in North Hollywood, CA

This gorgeous set includes a pair of earrings that match the large Diamond brooch. These sets are

Category

1960s British Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold

Diamond Jade Rose Brooch and Matching Earrings 18K

$16,000 / set

Antique Art Deco 3.86ct Diamond and Platinum Bracelet

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

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

Category

20th Century Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 3.86ct Diamond and Platinum Bracelet

$16,340

Exquisite Vintage Diamond and Pearl Floral Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Miami, FL

around the end of the Pearl are 15 beautifully matched marquise shaped Diamonds with a tapered ribbon of

Category

1990s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Exquisite Vintage Diamond and Pearl Floral Platinum Cocktail Ring

$15,499

7.56 Carat GIA Cert Fancy Yellow Diamond Gold Platinum Cluster Earrings

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

major yellow diamonds set in 18k yellow gold. The center natural fancy yellow diamonds are an ideal

Category

1960s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

7.56 Carat GIA Cert Fancy Yellow Diamond Gold Platinum Cluster Earrings

$155,000

Mid Century 3.60 Carat Diamond Eternity Wedding Band

Located in Santa Barbara, CA

continuous, shimmering circle. Each diamond was hand-selected, matched for color and clarity, showcasing its

Category

1960s Neoclassical Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century 3.60 Carat Diamond Eternity Wedding Band

$10,850

Untreated Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring 3.04 Carats

Located in New Orleans, LA

matched white diamonds. The cushion modified brilliant cut stones each weigh 1.01 carats, displaying G

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Untreated Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring 3.04 Carats

$138,500

Diamond Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Stud Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

graded, well color matched diamonds. The earrings are a very good gauge of gold and are in excellent

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Stud Earrings

$2,071

Cartier Penelope Diamond Gold Double C 5 Row Bracelet

By Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

and well matched diamonds covering the entirety of the double C's in the clasp. The bracelet itself is

Category

1990s French Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Penelope Diamond Gold Double C 5 Row Bracelet

$17,500

Vintage 3.21 Carat Diamond Solitaire with Baguette Rings, circa 1980s

Located in London, GB

channel set baguette cut diamonds on the shoulders which match the centre diamond for quality. They have a

Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 3.21 Carat Diamond Solitaire with Baguette Rings, circa 1980s

$48,406

Ruby, Diamond and Gold Vintage Ring, circa 1960

Located in Aspen, CO

Invisibly set natural bright vivid rubies are accented on both sides by brilliant cut diamonds

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Ruby, Diamond and Gold Vintage Ring, circa 1960

$3,000

Vintage Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone Gypsy Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have a vintage old cut diamond three stone ring. The ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold

Category

20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone Gypsy Ring

$2,803

Vintage 0.72 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Bracelet

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage 1980s 0.72 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold bracelet; part of

Category

1980s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.72 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Bracelet

$4,033

Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Ballerina Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

matched diamonds and impressive sapphires. The brooch is a very good gauge of gold and is in excellent

Category

1990s British Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

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

Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Ballerina Brooch

$2,550

Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Twist Trilogy Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

matched diamonds. The ring is a very good gauge of gold and is in excellent condition with very clear

Category

1990s British Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Twist Trilogy Engagement Ring

$2,399

Vintage 0.65 Carat Emerald 0.46 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1940

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

presence. The well color matched diamonds display a fine white color and brilliance. This diamond and

Category

1940s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 0.65 Carat Emerald 0.46 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1940

$4,033

Vintage 1.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s

Located in London, GB

An impressive 1.70 carat sapphire sits amongst a cluster of round brilliant diamonds in this

Category

1970s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 1.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s

$7,301

Asscher Cut 4.00 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet

Located in Miami, FL

set are 25 beautifully matched Asscher Cut Diamonds weighing appx. 4.00 carats and are of F-G color

Category

1980s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Asscher Cut 4.00 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Bangle Bracelet

$3,999

Diamond and 18 Karat White Gold Brooch, circa 1950

Located in Aspen, CO

Diamond brooch set with 18 fine white well matched pear cut diamonds. This 18K white gold hand

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Diamond and 18 Karat White Gold Brooch, circa 1950

$4,250

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

Located in London, GB

along the shoulders to further 0.12 carat of diamonds. All the stones used match perfectly in quality at

Category

1980s British Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

$8,122

French 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

slightly curved for a lifelike appearance. The diamonds are well-matched, enhancing the richness of the

Category

1980s French Modern Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

French 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring

$5,950

Cartier Emerald Cut Diamond Gold Ring 5.03 Carat GIA Certified

By Cartier

Located in Mayfair, London, London

An exquisite diamond ring by Cartier. The central 5.03ct emerald cut diamond is F in colour and VS2

Category

1990s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier Emerald Cut Diamond Gold Ring 5.03 Carat GIA Certified

$225,622

1940s French Diamond and Yellow Gold Cross Pendant

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

very high color graded, very well color matched diamonds. The pendant is a very good gauge of gold and

Category

1940s French Retro Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s French Diamond and Yellow Gold Cross Pendant

$2,399

Vintage 2.35 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cluster Pendant

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage 2.35 carat blue sapphire and 0.32 carat diamond, platinum cluster

Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 2.35 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cluster Pendant

$2,727

Vintage 2.00ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Earrings, Hallmarked 1956

Located in London, GB

old cut diamonds. The diamonds all match in quality, being graded F in colour and VS in clarity. All

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 2.00ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Earrings, Hallmarked 1956

$10,255

6.05 Carat Five-Row Diamond Band, Signed Kurt Wayne

By Kurt Wayne

Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

of brilliant white diamonds. The stones are ideally matched and exhibit F-G color with Vs 1-2 clarity

Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

6.05 Carat Five-Row Diamond Band, Signed Kurt Wayne

Tiffany Co. Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum Estate Jewelry

By Tiffany Co.

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

famous for using perfectly matched diamonds for each pair of stud earrings. This pair comes with the GIA

Category

1990s American Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany Co. Diamond Stud Earrings in Platinum Estate Jewelry

$25,500

1930s Antique Ruby and 2.23 Carat Diamond Brooch

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.97 carat ruby and 2.23 carat diamond, 14 karat

Category

1940s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

1930s Antique Ruby and 2.23 Carat Diamond Brooch

$6,084

Vintage 1.40ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone, c.1950s

Located in London, GB

Made in the 1950s is this gorgeous Emerald and diamond trilogy ring. To the centre a 1.40 carat

Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.40ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone, c.1950s

$9,271

Pink Tourmaline 5.40 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ear-Clip Earrings

Located in Philadelphia, PA

by two fanned halos of round brilliant cut diamonds weighing in total approximately 3.08 carats

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

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

Pink Tourmaline 5.40 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ear-Clip Earrings

$6,700

Vintage 3.95 Carat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

color matched diamonds and evenly color matched rubies, showing minor surface wear in keeping with age

Category

1950s Unknown Post-War Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Vintage 3.95 Carat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

$3,986

1950s Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This impressive vintage diamond trilogy ring is fine quality set with very well color matched diamonds

Category

1950s Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1950s Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring

$2,399

Vintage Ruby and Diamond White Gold Cluster Earrings

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

rubies displaying fine color, brilliance and presence. The impressive well color matched diamonds display

Category

1960s Unknown Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

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

Vintage Ruby and Diamond White Gold Cluster Earrings

$2,591

Late Deco 3.22 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

diamonds. Each one weighs 0.50 carat and they match the centre diamond for quality. The ring dates to the

Category

1940s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Diamond Matches

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Deco 3.22 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1940s

$57,431

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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.