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Vintage Oval Diamond

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Vintage 3.30Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
secures with a clasp fastening. This oval diamond brooch in white gold is hallmarked to the reverse with
Category

1990s Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Oval Sapphire with Round and Baguette Diamond Earrings, 18k
Located in New York, NY
Oval Sapphire with Round and Baguette Diamond Earrings made in 18k Gold. The sapphire weighs appx
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Platinum 6.47 Carat Oval Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
brilliant diamond accents Circa 1970s Details: A striking blue 6.47 carat oval cut aquamarine, very
Category

1970s Modern Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

2.3 Carat Oval Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Halo Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1950's oval Aquamarine Diamond White Gold Halo Ring. The centerpiece of this ring features
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Oval Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
oval ruby of approximately 0.65 carats, beautifully illuminated by two round brilliant diamonds. The
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

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

Oval Cut Aquamarine and Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Cut Aquamarine and Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Ring Description: A graceful Mid-Century ring
Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K Gold Oval cut
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Sapphire Ring 18K Gold Oval cut This estate ring is finely crafted in solid 14K
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.60 Carat Oval Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Fantastic 1960's very bright soft blue natural aquamarine and diamond engagement ring. 4.60cts oval
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

1.50 Carats oval Emerald and diamond cluster ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Vintage diamond and emerald ring. Made of white gold 18 Karat. Ring set with a center oval
Category

Mid-20th Century European Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

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

Natural Tanzanite Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Oval
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Tanzanite Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Oval This gorgeous estate ring is finely crafted in
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vacheron Constantin Geneve Ladies Full Diamond Wristwatch Bracelet in 18K Gold
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Dallas, TX
it is a fine timepiece. It boasts pave-set oval diamond dial; round brilliant and trapezoid diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

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

14 Karat Gold, Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
14 kt., centering one oval ruby approximately 7.50 cts., surrounded by 15 old-mine cut diamonds
Category

20th Century Unknown Artist Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

GIA Natural Emerald Diamond Platinum Oval Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite GIA Genuine Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring is expertly crafted in solid platinum
Category

1990s Modern Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Paraiba 2.26 Carat Oval and Trapezoid Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamonds Circa 1990 Details: 2.26 carat greenish/blue mint color Paraiba tourmaline Scattered natural
Category

1990s Modern Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

24.54 ct Oval Garnet and Diamond Dangle Earrings in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
24.54 ct Oval Garnet and Diamond Dangle Earrings in Platinum Garnet Earrings feature Large Oval
Category

20th Century North American Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Platinum

Oval Ruby and Diamond 2-Tone Gold Vintage Earrings
Located in Montreal, QC
Oval Ruby, weighing approx. 2.91tcw for both earrings. Surrounded by 1.06tcw Diamonds. Hand crafted 12K
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Sapphire Diamond Ring Platinum Oval Halo Sz 6
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Northbrook, IL
Stones: ~7x5mm oval blue Sapphire with round Very white and clear diamonds Weight: 7 grams Condition
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

18K Gold 0.62ct Oval Emerald 0.06ct Brilliant Diamond Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Classic and timeless design ring equipped with green oval emerald with natural inclusions and 2
Category

20th Century Thai Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1.68ct Natural Oval Sapphire Diamond Accent Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
1.68ct Natural Oval Sapphire & Diamond Accent Ring in Platinum Introducing this beautiful ring
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Handmade Platinum Certified Oval Sapphire Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at very elegant sapphire and diamond classic three stone engagement ring crafted in
Category

1990s Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Oval Cut Sapphires and Brilliant Cut Diamonds Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Cut Sapphires and Brilliant Cut Diamonds Cluster Ring Description: A graceful 18K white gold
Category

20th Century Unknown Retro Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Oval Amethyst and Diamond Filigree 14K Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1950s 7 graduating amethyst ovals prong set ~0.40 carats total framed with 2 rows of diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

Diamond Rubellite Pink Tourmaline Ring Oval 18K White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
diamonds (VS2 clarity and J color). They total .44 carat. Twelve bezel set chocolate diamonds are VS2
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1980s 0.70 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold featuring a center Oval cut Sapphire weighing approximately 0.70
Category

1980s Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Diamond Sculpted Twist Bangle Bracelet 4.50 Carats 18KT Yellow Gold 21.1 Grams
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
• Design: Sculpted twist pattern with alternating diamond stations • Fit: Oval hinged bangle for
Category

1990s Contemporary Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Certified Tsavorite Diamond Oval Earring in 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
oval tsavorite garnets, 3.88tcw and round brilliant diamonds within mounting, 2.00tcw. Tsavorites are
Category

20th Century Romantic Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Tourmaline, Diamond, Tsavorite, White Gold

Oval 97.00 Carat Morganite and Diamond 14K White Gold Pendant
Located in Derby, NY
This magnificent 1980s statement pendant showcases a stunning 97.00-carat oval morganite
Category

20th Century Modern Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Oval Cab Pink Opal, Oval-Cut Pink Sapphire Diamond Accents 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
. This Ring is made up of 10x14 mm Oval-Cab (1 pcs) 5.41 carat Pink Opal, 3x4 Oval-cut (13 pcs) 3.13
Category

20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Oval Cut Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.84 carat natural sapphire and 0.48 carat diamond, 18 karat white
Category

1970s Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Moroni Italy Oval Emerald and Round Diamond Bracelet, 18K
By Moroni
Located in New York, NY
An Estate Bracelet of Moroni Italy with Oval Emeralds and Round Diamonds made in 18 Karat Yellow
Category

20th Century Italian Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18K Gold 0.58ct Oval Ruby 0.12ct Diamond Horseshoe Pendant Enhancer
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
= 1.51x0.93cm Ruby: Natural, pinkish red, oval cut, heat-treatment, total 0.58 carats Diamonds: Natural
Category

20th Century Thai Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1950s Oval Cut Garnet and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.80 carat garnet and 0.63 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Platinum

Vintage 1950s 3.00 Carat Oval Ruby 2.00 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K white gold with an Oval cut Ruby weighing approximately 3.00 carats, and
Category

1950s Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Oval Emerald in Double Halo Diamond Ring 14k Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
. Center Stone: Oval-shaped emerald, offering a rich and vibrant green color Diamond Halo: Double halo of
Category

Late 20th Century Edwardian Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

TIFFANY Co. - 18K YELLOW GOLD OVAL BLACK ONYX + DIAMOND CUFFLINKS
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
TIFFANY & Co. - 18K YELLOW GOLD OVAL BLACK ONYX + DIAMOND CUFFLINKS Details: 18k yellow gold Cuffs
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A 1.25 carat Oval Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The ring size is US
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Classic Platinum GIA 2.21ctw Oval Sapphire Baguette Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Very Nice Blue Color - Heated
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

18kt Yellow Gold Oval Amethyst 7.24ct. Diamond 0.76ct. Ring
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18 karat yellow gold ring set with a beautiful intense oval amethyst center. The large oval
Category

1980s Retro Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

6.8 Carat Oval Cut Colombian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
: Green Cut: Oval Origin: Colombia Side Stone Details: Total Diamonds: 20 Round Diamonds, 22 Baguette
Category

1990s Modern Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1.54 Carat Oval Ruby Engagement Ring with Diamond Halo, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
An Oval Ruby Engagement Ring with Diamond Halo made in Platinum. Ruby Weight: 1.54 carats, Diamond
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Timeless 0.80Ct Oval Cut Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
An engagement ring featuring an oval cut diamond of 0.80 carats. Flanked by two brilliant cut
Category

1990s Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18K Gold 1.20ct Oval Emerald 0.12ct Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
spectacular. The diamonds accents are bright. A very popular design and timeless. Product Details: Metal
Category

20th Century Thai Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1990s Oval Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 6.15 carat oval cut aquamarine and 0.42 carat diamond, 14 karat
Category

1990s Unknown Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Jade Cabochon Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.2 Grams Diamond Count: 2 Diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Jade, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Oval Kunzite and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Oval Kunzite and Diamond Ring in Platinum Large Oval Kunzite and Diamond Ring features a
Category

20th Century North American Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Platinum

Oscar Heyman, 22.00 Carat Oval Shape Diamond Riviere Necklace
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous diamond necklace designed by the renowned designer, Oscar Heyman, boasts 72 oval
Category

Late 20th Century American Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified Plat 4.19 Carat Elongated Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA-Certified 4.19 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ballerina Ring in Platinum, Circa 1970s A stunning
Category

1970s Artisan Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage oval cut emerald diamond 14k yellow gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, centered around a vivid oval cut emerald weighing 2.05 carats. The emerald’s lush green hue and elongated
Category

1990s Contemporary Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

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

Vintage Platinum 10.47ctw Large Old Cut Oval Peridot w/ Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Peridot - Old Oval Cut - Prong Set - Nice Yellow Green Color
Category

20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Platinum

GIA Certified 14.32 Carat Oval Red Ruby Diamond Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Oval Natural cabochon fine translucent red Ruby and diamond dangle platinum earrings. Each earring
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

14K White Gold Bracelet with Oval Sapphires and Triangular Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This elegant 14K white gold bracelet showcases nine richly hued oval sapphires, each suspended
Category

1950s Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

.88 Oval Ruby Diamond Halo Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
14k yellow gold Ruby and diamond engagement ring. Oval ruby set in a cluster style ring. Cluster is
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

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

14k Yellow Gold Oval Citrine and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
oval and two vertical oval faceted, medium orange color citrines, approximately 1.26 TCW, separated by
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

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

GIA Certified Oval Cabochon Jadeite Jade Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
Embrace the elegance of GIA certified oval jadeite jade diamond gold earrings, an exquisite blend
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Angela Cummings for Tiffany Co. Turquoise and Diamond Oval Earrings
By Angela Cummings for Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Turquoise and Diamond Oval Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold Description: These elegant
Category

1950s American Retro Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

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

Diamond Gold Oval Textured Cufflinks
Located in Stamford, CT
1960 elliptical design hand textured cufflinks in 14k yellow gold with Diamond accents. 6 round
Category

1960s Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

3.70 Carat Oval Garnet Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Reddish brown 3.70 carat garnet and 8 round accent diamonds in an 18k yellow gold setting. 1 oval
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage Oval Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Vintage Oval Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate vintage oval diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 642 antique edition and 93 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect vintage oval diamond among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. A vintage oval diamond from Alberto, Five Star Jewelry and Diamonds Mine — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. See these pages for an oval cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also round cut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. Finding a vintage oval diamond for sale for women should be easy, but there are 150 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Vintage Oval Diamond?

Prices for a vintage oval diamond can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $395 and can go as high as $502,552, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,676.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

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

Questions About Vintage Oval Diamond
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    One of the best settings for oval diamonds is the prong. The most frequent and classic setting type, it exposes the majority of the diamond and lets more light penetrate, increasing its brightness and shine.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    A 2 carat oval diamond is approximately 10.23mm × 6.82mm × 4.16mm in size. These diamonds usually have an approximate face-up area of 57.21 mm². Find a variety of diamonds on 1stDibs.
  • 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.
  • 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.