12 Carat Ring
2010s French Artisan Fashion Rings
Aquamarine, Beryl, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Fashion Rings
2010s Fashion Rings
2010s French Artisan Engagement Rings
Crystal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Tourmaline
21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Peridot, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Peridot, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Peridot, Silver, Sterling Silver
2010s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Peridot, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Peridot, Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Peridot, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Italian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Topaz, Rose Gold
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Topaz, Rose Gold
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Topaz, Rose Gold
2010s Unknown Modern Bridal Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Early 2000s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century French Modernist Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Modern Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Late 20th Century European Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modernist Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Italian Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald
Vintage 1960s French Retro Solitaire Rings
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
2010s Cocktail Rings
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2010s Balinese Byzantine Solitaire Rings
Aquamarine, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dome Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Malagasy Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Antique 18th Century German Baroque Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s French Retro Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Citrine, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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12 Carat Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 12 Carat Ring?
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.
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 rings, vintage 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.
- How big is a 12 carat diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The size of a 12 carat diamond is dependent on diamond cut. A 12 carat round diamond is roughly 15 mm in size.
- What does 12K mean on a ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022On a ring, 12K means that the piece is made out of 12-karat gold. This type of precious metal is half pure gold and half metal alloy. It comes in yellow, white and rose colors. You'll find a selection of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is a 4 carat ring big?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not a 4-carat ring is big is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, 4-carat stones usually do have larger dimensions. Diamonds of this size are usually quite expensive due to their size. Shop a large selection of gemstone rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Hailey Bieber’s engagement ring features a six-carat oval-cut solitaire diamond. It features a simple band that keeps the focus on the stone. On 1stDibs, find a range of solitaire engagement rings from some of the top boutiques around the world.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024There is no rule for how many carats are best for a wedding ring. In fact, some wedding bands feature no gemstones at all and therefore have no carat weight ratings. Also, wedding bands set with multiple stones, like eternity bands, will have higher total carat weights because of the larger number of gems. When selecting wedding rings, focus on what appeals to you and fits your budget. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023There is no rule for how many carats a diamond wedding ring should be. You're free to choose a ring with a carat weight that appeals to you and fits your budget. The average carat weight for diamond wedding rings is 1 to 1.9 carats. Shop an assortment of diamond wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023The most popular carat size for engagement rings varies from country to country. In the US, the average size is around one carat. However, engagement rings tend to be smaller in other places. For example, the average is 0.6 carats in the UK and around 0.5 carats in western Europe. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Whether 2-carat is a good size for an engagement ring is a matter of personal opinion. Due to its size, a 2-carat gemstone will likely stand out and get noticed. However, some people prefer smaller engagement rings, especially if they work with their hands. Carat weight is also not the most important signifier of a stone’s value. A three-carat gem can be less valuable than a one-carat stone, for example, if all of the other attributes are of lesser quality in the larger diamond. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024Elizabeth Taylor's famous diamond ring was 33.19 carats. Although many people believe the Krupp diamond ring was an engagement gift, Richard Burton actually bought the gorgeous Asscher-cut ring to mark their five-year anniversary. For their engagement, Burton presented Taylor with an 18.61-carat emerald and diamond pendant made by Bulgari. The pendant detached from its necklace and could double as a brooch. Explore a large selection of diamond rings on 1stDibs.
Read More
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.