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Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

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2.13 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond 3-Stone Ring Certificated
Located in London, GB
IMPORTANT 2.13 ct. COLOMBIAN EMERALD AND DIAMOND 3-STONE RING, set with a natural Colombian emerald
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.37 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring Certificated
Located in London, GB
1.37 ct. COLOMBIAN EMERALD AND DIAMOND 3-STONE RING, set with a central octagonal cut Colombian
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Aquamarine Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
. Mounted in 18 K white gold. Total weight: 16,89 g. Ring size: 57 ( US 8 ) Resizable
Category

1970s European Post-War Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold

Eternity Diamonds Ring with over 4.50 Carats Emerald and Round Brilliant Cut
Located in Surfside, FL
Eternity diamonds ring with approx 4.50 carats emerald and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18K
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Gold

Spectacular Colored Stone Pearl Diamond gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
The very large, domed ring designed like a giant bubble of cabochon rubies, sapphires and emeralds
Category

1960s American Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

18kt White Gold 3 1/2 ct Sapphire and 4 ct Baguette Diamond Ballerina Style Ring
Located in Walnut Creek, CA
Stunning 18 karat white gold ballerina style ring with an approximately 3 1/2 carat emerald cut
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Diamond and Emerald Band
By Thomas Michaels
Located in Pikesville, MD
A timeless and sleek polished 18 karat yellow gold band ring featuring high quality round brilliant
Category

1990s American Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Ruby and Diamond Cluster Gold Ring in Art Deco Style
Located in Berlin, DE
gold. Millegrain setting. Ring band decorated with diamonds on both sides and hallmarked inside. Weight
Category

20th Century Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Retro Pink Kunzite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Munich, DE
This ring was crafted in the 1970s in 18 karat yellow gold in Europe. The Kunzite has circa 26
Category

1960s German Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

14k Two Tone Gold Citrine Cocktail Ring with Diamond Accents Size 6.5
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
14k Two Tone Gold Citrine Cocktail Ring with Diamond Accents Size 6.5 Gorgeous Emerald-Cut Citrine
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Asch Grossbardt Gold Diamond and Multi-Gem Inlay Wide Ring
By Asch Grossbardt
Located in Pikesville, MD
gold wide ring features seven different carved cabochon gemstones and white round brilliant diamonds
Category

1990s American Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Coral, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pear...

Charles Krypell 18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Wide Band
By Charles Krypell
Located in Pikesville, MD
, high quality rectangular cut green emeralds and .97 carats of sparkling bright white round brilliant
Category

1990s American Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1980 s Multicolored Stones with Fancy Diamonds Large Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
One Ladies 18kt Rose Gold Ring Size 7 {SIZEABLE} . Large Cocktail Ring Embellished With Numerous
Category

1980s Italian Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire...

Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Lombard, IL
This lively aquamarine hand-assembled halo style mid-century cocktail ring is a fabulous find. One
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

43.08 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Atlanta, GA
18 Karat White Gold, Aquamarine and Diamond Ring • Step-cut aquamarine weighing 43.08 carats • 12
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Aquamarine and Diamond Ladies Cocktail Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Big and bold, this 18ct white gold aquamarine and diamond dress ring is platinum set with a medium
Category

1950s British Modernist Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

18 Karat Marquise Shape Pave Diamond Modern Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
Created in 1977, this 18 karat yellow gold modern elongated marquise-shape statement ring is
Category

1970s Unknown Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

40 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in QLD , AU
faraway island. Mounted in 18k white gold with a sprinkling of bright white diamonds on each side. This
Category

20th Century American Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring in 15ct Aqua
Located in Kendal, GB
A magnificent vintage cocktail ring made in the Art Deco fashion with a colossal emerald cut
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold

Villa Signed Certified 12.08 Carat Heated Ceylon Sapphire Two-Layer Ring
By VILLA
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Ring Size: 5.75 (Adjustable) Total Weight: 9.34g Composition: One 12.08 Emerald-Cut
Category

1990s American Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

18 Karat Three-Row Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
An incredibly beautiful ring with a classic design and high quality stones. This 18 karat gold ring
Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Ring by Elizabeth Gu Defner
Located in Paris, IDF
Erotic ring, white gold, emerald cabochon, diamonds, signed, circa 1970
Category

1970s Austrian Modernist Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Art Deco Aquamarine Ring Em-Cut 15.53 Cts GGTL Certified
Located in Geneva, CH
Vintage Aquamarine Em-Cut 15.53 carats Ring Mounted in an 18K White Gold Ring The ring size is 53
Category

1960s Swiss Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat and Platinum Three-Stone Blue Sapphire and Diamond Wide Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
A simple and chic, well made polished 18 karat yellow gold three stone style wide ring featuring a
Category

1980s Unknown Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Art Deco Style Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
18ct White Gold Art Deco Style Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring. Set with a
Category

1970s British Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

18 Karat Modern Moi Et Toi Ring with Tourmaline, Iolite and Diamonds
Located in Pikesville, MD
Very well made solid polished 18 karat yellow gold modern stacked moi et toi style ring featuring a
Category

1980s Unknown Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Synthetic Emerald Crystal Cluster, White Sapphire, Yellow Gold Ring, Earrings
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Including one ring; featuring one large cluster of 12 hexagonal synthetic emerald crystals of
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Artisan Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Convertible Emerald Diamond Ring Pendant
Located in Atlanta, GA
18 Karat White Gold, Emerald and Diamond Convertible Ring/Pendant • Marked 18k D184 E1451, with
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Colombian Emerald Diamond Infinity Set, Comprising a Ring and Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
certified natural diamonds and 37 carats of certified Colombian and African emeralds, set in white gold
Category

1980s British Art Nouveau Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Colombian 37 Carat Emerald and Diamond Infinity Set Ring and Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
certified natural diamonds and 37 carats of certified Colombian and African emeralds, set in white gold
Category

1980s British Art Nouveau Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Colombian 37 Carat Emerald and Diamond Infinity Set Ring and Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
certified natural diamonds and 37 carats of certified Colombian and African emeralds, set in white gold
Category

1980s British Art Nouveau Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Ravishing 0.60 Carat Diamond Emerald White Gold Ring
Located in Boston, MA
A stunning emerald and diamond engagement ring in 14 karat white gold. Centered by a sparkling
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

14.33 Carat Colombian Emerald 18k White Red Gold Coktail Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
od colombian very clear emerald. It'S setting is from 1970'S Italy. The size of this ring is US 7.5
Category

1970s Italian Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

IGSL Certified Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
This amazing emerald cocktail ring is with Octagon Faceted Cut Natural Emerald in the middle and
Category

1990s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Vintage Engagement Ring Platinum 0.63 Carat Emerald Cut G-VS1, circa 1950s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Classic 1950s platinum engagement ring featuring a bright and lively EGL certified 0.63ct emerald
Category

1950s Unknown Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Midcentury 19 Carat VVS Aquamarine Diamond Baguette Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in Shaker Heights, OH
This impressive statement ring features a large emerald cut aquamarine (estimated 16.65 carats set
Category

1950s American Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Emerald Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Fratelli Piccini
Located in Florence, Tuscany
18KT yellow gold ring with emeralds and diamonds. It mounts an emerald of carats 0,49 and diamonds
Category

1980s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Fine Natural Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
carat SI1/ F/G Total Weight 10.8g White Gold. Ring Size 5.5 A UGL Certificado accompany the ring
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Emerald Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
Vibrant 1.50 carats of emeralds accented with .20 carats of diamonds set in 18 karat white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emerald Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
to the lush emerald. Set in 14k white gold, this ring combines classic beauty with vintage charm. The
Category

1990s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Emerald Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
A majestic idea is executed expertly in this amazing ring made of luxurious 18K white gold which is
Category

20th Century Unknown Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Wonderfully arranged across the splendidly bright surface of 18K white gold, the resplendent
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Oval Cut Emerald Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning ring features a 1.85ct oval cut Emerald with 1.0CTW of diamonds. The ring weighs 5.7g
Category

1980s Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

Diamond Emerald White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
cut diamonds for a total of 0.5 cts circa. Mounted in 18Kt white gold Finger size: 7 Weight: 3.3 gr
Category

1960s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emeralds, Diamonds, White Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Stunning fashion ring in 14k white gold designed with a
Category

1980s Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Emerald, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central emerald in a frame of diamonds
Category

1970s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Emerald Amethyst Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold. This striking antique white gold ring is set with a central round
Category

1970s French Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Emerald Diamond Yellow and White Gold Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Made of a prestigious blend of 18K yellow and white gold, this marvelous ring boasts a gracefully
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

14k White Gold Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Specifications: Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 8.6 Gr Main Stone: Emerald Cut Emerald
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Emerald Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Austrian, Vienna, circa 1960s A mid-century finely crafted 14K white gold openwork cluster ring is
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Chanel Comète Diamond and Emerald White Gold Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
white gold and it is embellished with dazzling diamonds and with striking emeralds. Included Items
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 7- This stunning ring features one
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 6.75- This spectacular ring features one
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, White Gold

Diamond Emerald 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautifully crafted emerald and diamond cocktail ring. An 1.50 carat green emerald is set in the
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 5.5 This stunning ring features one
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Gold

White Gold Elongated Emerald and Diamond Spray Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat White Gold Ring Featuring A 1.70 Carat Rectangular Cut Emerald Surrounded By 24 Marquise
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Columbian Green Emerald Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 9 (resizing
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold

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Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact vintage white gold emerald ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, White Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 297 vintage or 32 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a vintage white gold emerald ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing vintage white gold emerald ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Alberto, DGI and Boucheron each produced a popular version that is worth a look. While most can agree that any vintage white gold emerald ring from our collection can easily elevate most outfits, but the choice of a Emerald version from the 166 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. See these pages for an emerald cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also round cut cut and oval cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a vintage white gold emerald ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring?

On average, a vintage white gold emerald ring at 1stDibs sells for $2,622, while they’re typically $360 on the low end and $227,749 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.  

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.