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Antique 0.75 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald Diamond Cluster White Gold Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique ring, showcasing a 0.75 carat emerald cut emerald, set on a four prong setting
Category

20th Century American Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold .90ct Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring with Report
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K white gold ring featuring an emerald cut Colombian emerald weighing .90cts. The genuine earth
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Emeralds, Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold and White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Particular ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with emeralds and diamonds. This ring was
Category

1950s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Diamond Emerald Ring Marquise 14K White Gold Band
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This estate ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White gold and set with genuine Earth mined Emerald
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Unique 18k White Gold Vintage Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful pre-owned and renewed vintage-style diamond and emerald ring, crafted in 18K white gold
Category

1980s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold

Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring in 14K White Gold (KCM), 1.25ct Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
1.25 carat emerald—lush, bright, and unmistakably alive—framed by a halo of sparkling white diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century American Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

10 Karat Yellow/White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring #14008
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10 Karat Yellow/White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 7 JAGi Certified- This stunning
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

White Gold Band Ring with Emeralds 0.90 carats and White Diamonds
Located in Bergamo, BG
are fully covered by us. -------------------- An elegant band ring crafted in 18 kt white gold
Category

20th Century Italian Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

14K white gold ring with round diamonds and emeralds
Located in Berlin, DE
Charming ladies white gold ring, set with four round diamonds and four emeralds. Diamonds: Approx
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Emeralds, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with three emeralds in the central part
Category

1960s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Emerald and Diamond Filigree Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Emerald and Diamond Filigree Ring in 18k White Gold Introducing this exquisite ring, masterfully
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Unique 14k White Gold Vintage Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This beautifully renewed vintage-inspired cluster ring is crafted in 14K white gold, weighing 5.3
Category

1980s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

18Kt Yellow Gold Ring White Diamond, Rubies Emerald
Located in Bergamo, BG
Ring made of 18kt yellow gold with a white diamond for ct .0.04 an emerald and a brilliant-cut ruby
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

White Gold Ring Set with White Diamonds and Emerald, 14 Karat
Located in Berlin, DE
Charming white gold ring with diamonds and emerald. 14 Karat. Ring is set with countless diamonds
Category

20th Century German Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

18 Kt White Gold Emeralds Diamonds Ring, Filligre Style
Located in Antwerp, BE
WHITE GOLDEN RING WITH DIAMONDS & EMERALDS MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold SIZE: 57 ( can be resized
Category

20th Century European Artisan Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

18Kt Yellow Gold Ring White Diamonds, Emeralds Rubies
Located in Bergamo, BG
Ring made of 18kt yellow gold with natural brilliant-cut diamonds emeralds and rubies Welcome to
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Midcentury Emerald and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring, circa 1950s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This grand mid-century ring, crafted in 14K white gold, showcases an impressive filigree design
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

1.45 Square Emerald-Cut and Diamond Ring, 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A 1.45 Square Emerald-Cut and Diamond Ring made in 18K White Gold. The ring size is US 5.75. The
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Emerald and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This remarkable mid-century bombe ring, crafted in 14K white gold, centers a momentous 30-carat
Category

1950s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century 18K White Gold Emerald Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
ring in lustrous 18K white gold. At its heart lies a vibrant square-cut emerald of approximately 0.50
Category

Mid-20th Century French Post-War Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

18K Yellow Gold Ring with Emerald and White Diamonds
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This exquisite ring features a lush emerald at its center, framed by sparkling white diamonds, all
Category

1970s Italian Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Colombian Emerald Ring 18K White Gold Flower Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This vintage circa 1970s ring is crafted in solid 18K White Gold. 14 marquise cut natural Emeralds
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds Emeralds Pearl White Rose Gold Fantastic Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic 14kt pink and white gold ring with diamonds, emeralds and a central Australian pearl of
Category

1970s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 18k White Gold 1.91ct Emerald 1.70ct Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 18k white gold ring features a 1.91ct emerald as its centerpiece, surrounded by a halo
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold Diamond Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in 14K white gold, highlighting a dazzling diamond at its
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Vintage emerald diamond 14k white gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 14k white gold ring glows with rich emerald hues accented by shimmering diamonds
Category

20th Century Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Vintage 0.92ct Emerald and Diamond 18k White Gold Ring - Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 0.92 carat emerald and 0.08 carat diamond, 18k white gold
Category

1950s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

18k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.6 grams
Category

1990s Unknown Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

White Gold

Vintage 1970s 3.05 Carat Emerald Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
stunning step square cut emerald ring has been crafted in the Art Deco style in 18 karat white gold. The
Category

1970s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Handcraft 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Emeralds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. Beautiful handmade ring mounted in 18 karat white gold and studded with
Category

1980s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emerald cluster Ring with Diamonds in 14k white gold
Located in Berlin, BE
This exquisite emerald ring is a true symbol of luxury and refinement. Crafted from 14k white gold
Category

Late 20th Century German Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tasteful 18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This elegant 18K white gold cocktail ring is set with one vivid green, oval shape, emerald in the
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Rectangular Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. An elegant vintage ring, its rectangular setting
Category

1970s French Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
shoulders is 28pts. The ring is modelled out of 18ct white gold and the band is engraved with beautiful
Category

1980s British Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Coral, Emerald, Diamonds, Onyx, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central coral on an onyx dish with an
Category

1950s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary 20th Century Diamond and Emerald 18K White Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This contemporary ring from the 20th century is crafted in 18K white gold and features diamonds and
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Brazilian Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. Fantastic 18 karat white gold cocktail ring.Handmade by our artisans
Category

1990s Italian Artisan Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

.50 Carat Diamond Emerald Halo White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
with a halo of 8 round green emeralds in a 14k white gold setting. Follow us on our 1stdibs
Category

Mid-20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Majestic Flower white gold 14k Ring Diamond and emerald
Located in Berlin, BE
Behold the breathtaking beauty of this exquisite 14k white gold ring, a true masterpiece that
Category

1980s Aesthetic Movement Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Characteristic of the cocktail rings of its era
Category

1970s French Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, 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 7.25 This stunning ring features one
Category

20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

French Art Deco emerald diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco ring from the 1930’s features a rich round emerald at its center, surrounded by
Category

1930s Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

14k White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring with GIA Report
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.5 grams
Category

1980s Unknown Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

14K White Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Wedding Ring Set 0.97ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Emerald cut diamond ring set in 14k white gold. Stamped 14kt, .47, and weighs 6.8 grams. The center
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold 1.12ct Oval Emerald 0.35ct Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Bluish-green oval emerald with nice jardin is the center of attention. The ring is also gifted with
Category

20th Century Thai Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Jabel Vintage 18K White Gold Colombian Emerald Diamond Halo Ring Estate
By Jabel
Located in Brambleton, US
Jabel Vintage 18K White Gold Colombian Emerald Diamond Halo Ring Estate What a great ring. It
Category

Late 20th Century Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Coral, Emeralds, Diamonds, Sapphires, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by sapphires
Category

1960s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds, Emerald Flower, 14 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Astonishing cluster ring in 14k white gold. The ring is designed with an hexagonal shape which is
Category

1960s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Called a marquise ring because of its shuttle
Category

1970s French Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Pear Shaped Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring 18k White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
standout. Crafted in luxurious 18k white gold, this ring is designed to enhance the beauty of the center
Category

1990s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold

Ca. 12 Carat Natural Columbian Emerald Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
beautifully crafted 18 carat white gold ring made circa 1960 is a stunning piece of jewelry. The beauty of
Category

20th Century Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Ring with Emerald Stones and Diamonds
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat White Gold Ring with Emerald Stones and Diamonds Elegant white gold ring with 5 rows of
Category

1970s French Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold

Diamonds, Emerald, 18 Karat White Gold Engagement/Solitaire Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful and elegant engagement/solitaire ring realized in 18K white gold mounted with 0.30 ct of
Category

1990s Italian Modern Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s Art Deco Style Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, owl hallmark. With a curved shape, this sublime antique ring is
Category

1950s French Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

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

Art Deco Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Berkeley, CA
18K white gold the emerald is approx 0.6 carats and the total weight for the diamonds are
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Coral, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by diamonds
Category

1950s Italian Retro Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

18k White Gold 1950s Vintage Columbian Emerald Diamond Heavy Ring
Located in New York, NY
beautifully combines classic design with luxurious materials. Crafted from 18k white gold, this exquisite ring
Category

1950s Vintage White Gold Emerald Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White 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.