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22k Gold Chain Link Ring in 22k Gold and Diamonds
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
chain-link design meticulously fashioned from rich 22 karat gold. The ring seamlessly blends classic
Category

2010s North American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Blue Sapphire and Diamond 22K Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
piece of artistry. Gold 22K Gold 22.38g Sapphire 5.57ct Diamond 1.0ct Size US6
Category

2010s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 22k Gold

22k Gold and Diamond Hammered Stacking Rings
Located in New York, NY
22k gold hammered stacking rings with diamonds set throughout are perfect together. Perfect to pair
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold

Paris & Lily, 22K Gold, Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
From the Tale of Five Rings Collection, this 22K gold ring has a stunning 4.11 carat aquamarine
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 22k Gold

Handmade, 22k Gold, Pave Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Paris & Lily, one-of-a-kind, handmade, 22K gold, pave diamond ring. The pave diamonds surround a
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

An Indian gold ring in 22K gold and diamond polki
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A ring with spectacular hand engraving done on 22K gold, the forms of engraving represents floral
Category

Early 2000s Indian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

22K gold diamond polki and natural Coral enamel ring
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A 22K gold mughal style diamond ring with a natural oval coral from Mediterranean as the centre
Category

2010s Indian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel

22k Handmade Gold Ring with Uncut Diamonds
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
Handmade in 22k gold with 2.60 cts of uncut diamonds , this statement ring takes its inspiration
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold

Diamond Cigar Band Ring in 22k Gold
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring is a true work of art, handcrafted from luxurious 22k gold and featuring 20
Category

2010s North American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Cosmic Python Diamond RIng in 22k Gold
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
. Crafted from luxurious 22k gold, the ring boasts a swirling band that resembles the intricate patterns of
Category

2010s North American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

22K Gold and Pink Tourmaline Ring
Located in Nantucket, MA
A 22K gold ring with textured tooling featuring a round, brilliant cut pink tourmaline in a bezel
Category

Late 20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, 22k Gold

Paris & Lily, 22K Gold, Black Diamond, Ruby and Grey Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
From the Tale of Five Rings Collection, this 22K gold ring has a stunning 3.24 carat natural black
Category

2010s American Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold

Diamond and Pearl Cocktail Ring in 22k Gold, by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your Pearl Collection with this unique 22k gold organic Mother of Pearl handmade Cocktail
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan More Rings

Materials

Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold

18-22K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Armenta
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Armenta Material: 18K-22K yellow gold and sterling silver Diamond: 40 round brilliant cut
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Paris & Lily, 22K Gold Rubellite Tourmaline and Grey Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
From the Tale of Five Rings Collection, this 22K gold ring has a stunning 5.79 carat smooth
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 22k Gold

Steven Battelle 0.2 Carats Diamond 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
handcrafted small 22K gold twist wire design consisting of multiple circles in a rosette pattern atop a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Marquise Diamond Cigar Band Ring in 22k Gold
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A modern twist on a classic design, this 22 karat gold cigar band ring features a stunning 2 carat
Category

2010s American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Artemis Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring in 22k Gold, by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
Artemis 22k gold ring features salt and pepper diamonds organically set throughout the ring. Hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold

Paris & Lilly 22K Gold, Pear Shaped, Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
From the Tale of Five Rings Collection, this 22K gold ring has a stunning 2.35 carat pink - pear
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 22k Gold

Paris & Lily 22K Gold, Emerald and Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
From Paris & Lily’s A Tale of Five Rings collection - hand made 22K gold ring with 3 oval emeralds
Category

2010s American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Waterfall Of Diamonds Cigar Band Ring in 22k Gold
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
A true statement piece. This 22k Gold cigar band boasts an organic texture and a mesmerizing
Category

2010s American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

22K Gold Kundan Meena Enamel Ring with natural Zambian emerald and diamonds
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A Mughal gold ring set with a clear 25.84ct Zambian Emerald cabochon surrounded by uncut diamond
Category

2010s Indian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Enamel

2ct Emerald and Diamond Forget Me Knot ring in Platinum and 22k gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
22ct yellow gold 2ct Zambian emerald Fine band Emerald cut Over fifty highest quality white diamonds
Category

2010s Oceanic Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Platinum

Paris & Lily, Handmade, 22k Gold, Yellow Pave Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Paris & Lily, one-of-a-kind, handmade, 22K gold, pave yellow diamond ring. The yellow pave
Category

2010s American Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Paris & Lily Handmade 22K Gold, Diamond Halo, Pearl Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Paris & Lily handmade, 22K gold, diamond halo and pearl ring. Brilliant cut diamonds surround this
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 22k Gold

The Ankh Ring in 22k gold
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite diamond Ankh ring is a stunning piece that combines modern design with timeless
Category

2010s North American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Steven Battelle 54 Carat Aquamarine Diamonds 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
22K matt-finish hammered shank and a pair of flanking 2mm diamonds . Probably the finest large
Category

2010s Indonesian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 22k Gold

18k/22k Gold Emerald Cts 0.25 and Round Diamond Bezel Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At the heart of this ring is a round emerald, 0.25 carats, nestled between two round diamonds, 0.2
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, 22k Gold

Vintage Retro 22k Carved Yellow Gold and Round Ball Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
-world glamour. The 22k carved gold shank is the perfect complement to the ball-shaped diamond cluster
Category

20th Century North American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold

22K gold Indian diamond Polki ring with green and red enamel at back
Located in Bangkok,, TH
A 22K gold ring with its top in rectangular form studied with many uncut diamonds. The diamonds are
Category

2010s Indian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel

22k Gold Ring with .92ct Cape-Color Marquise-Cut Diamond
By Jaqueline Powers
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Inspired by the timeless elegance of ancient gold jewelry, this ring is a testament to both history
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

The Venus Diamond and Sapphire Cocktail Ring in 22k Gold by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
22k Gold Venus cocktail ring features multi colored sapphires and white diamonds organically set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold

Steven Battelle 3.6 Carat Emerald Diamonds 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
2.2 mm VS1 sparkling diamonds. A substantial matte-finish wide band currently sized 7 completes this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 22k Gold

David Tishbi 22K Gold Emerald Cut Salt and Pepper Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Pacific Palisades, CA
This 22 Karat Gold Emerald Shape Salt and Pepper Diamond Solitaire Ring is a unique, one of a kind
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

RIMA Jewels 22k Gold and Fancy Yellow Diamond Pavé Shooting Star Ring
By RIMA JEWELS
Located in New York, NY
The seven pointed shooting star ring is hand carved from wax and cast in 22k gold then set with
Category

2010s American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 22k Gold

22k gold 1.27cts Polki Diamond & 0.50cts diamond & 14.50cts Ruby Light Ring
Located in jaipur, IN
gold nw 12.724gm 22k ring polki 1.27cts diamond 0.50cts ruby light 14.50cts Its very hard to
Category

2010s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold

22k Gold Hammered Thick Stacking Rings with Diamonds, by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
22k gold hand hammered, hand textured stacking rings are perfect with the added touch of diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold

22k Gold Chunky Foil Stacking Rings with Diamonds, by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
22k gold Diamond Stacking Rings are the perfect stacking rings to make a statement. The color and
Category

2010s American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

22k Gold Diamond Eternity Band, Petite
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite eternity band features 32 sparkling diamonds, each meticulously set and flanked with
Category

2010s North American Artisan Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

22k Gold Citrine Birthstone Cocktail Ring with Diamonds, by Tagili
By Lisa Leone Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This 22k Gold Citrine Birthstone Cocktail Ring is a stunner! Features a central Citrine set in a
Category

2010s American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 22k Gold

Paris & Lily, Handmade 22K & 14K Gold, Pearl Ring with Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
Paris & Lily, handmade pearl & pave diamond ring. The ring band is made of hand rolled 14K gold
Category

2010s North American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 22k Gold

1.75 Total Carat Pear and Baguette Diamond 22K Gold 3-Stone Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Handmade 22k yellow gold ring featuring a 1.50ct fancy coffee-colored pear-shaped center diamond
Category

2010s American Artisan Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

1.03 ct white loupe clean Rose cut diamond and Enamel ring in 22K gold
Located in Bangkok,, TH
testament to true enamelling artistry born in early 18th century. The ring done in 22K gold has blue
Category

2010s Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel

2.29 Total Carat Round Diamond 22K Gold 3-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
, flanked by champagne-colored diamonds on each side, creating a rich, warm effect. The 22K yellow gold
Category

2010s American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

2.65 Total Carat Round Diamond 22K Gold 3-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This breathtaking engagement 3 stone ring features three round-cut diamonds totaling 2.65 carats
Category

2010s American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Bezeled Solitaire Engagement Ring – 1.35ct Natural Diamond in 22K Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
solid 22K yellow gold. The hammered finish on the setting and band adds an artisanal touch, while the
Category

2010s American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Steven Battelle 7.2 Carats Blue Zircon Diamonds 22k Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
An 8 x 10 mm slightly cushion shaped faceted blue zircon accompanied by two 1.8 mm VS1 diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Zircon, Zircon, 22k Gold

David Tishbi 22K Three Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Pacific Palisades, CA
This 22 Karat Gold Three Diamond Engagement Ring is one of a kind and handcrafted in the Pacific
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Steven Battelle 11.3 Carats Cabochon Aquamarine Diamonds 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
signature "4 point with jawan" handmade high karat gold design. Stacked geometric "jawan" granulation adorn
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 22k Gold

3.54 Carat Marquise Diamond Ring in 22K Yellow Gold with Fancy Colored Diamond
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisitely handcrafted 22k yellow gold ring features a gorgeous marquise-shaped fancy light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

18/22k Gold Oval-Shaped Rubellite Cts 2 Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A bold expression of love, this stunning Oval Rubellite and Diamond Engagement Ring is a symbol of
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, 22k Gold

Natural Ruby Cabochon stackable ring with diamonds handcrafted in 22K gold
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A beautiful Natural Ruby Cabochon band ring handcrafted in 22k Matte Gold with brown diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold

Emerald Cabochon Statement Ring with Diamond Baguettes Handmade in 22k Gold
By Jay Rawat
Located in Jaipur, IN
A chic Emerald Cabochon Ring with 2 Diamond Baguettes set on both side. The ring is handcrafted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 22k Gold

Darlene deSedle Medieval Cro Ring – Diamonds & Pink Sapphires 22K Gold & Silver
Located in Santa Monica, CA
framed in a 22K gold bezel, a perfect contrast of strength and opulence. Designed for both power and
Category

2010s American Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Custom Made 18k & 22k Bezel Set Diamond Band Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Custom made ring crafted in 18k & 22k white and yellow gold, set with bezel set Round Brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, 22k Gold

Vintage 7.02ct Jadeite and 0.70ct Diamond 22k Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage gemstone dress ring has been crafted in 22k yellow gold with a platinum setting. The vintage ring
Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

22K Gold Mughal Peacock enamel kundan meena ring studded with diamond polkis
Located in Bangkok,, TH
head curved showing it in its utmost naturalistic beauty. The ring is done in 22K gold and has been
Category

2010s Indian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Enamel

1800's Cochin India Lord Vishnu Coin Diamonds 22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
handmade double row stacked "jawan" granulated ring design flanked by two 1.8 mm VS1 diamonds. This ring is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

0.88 Carat Emerald Cut Cinnamon Diamond 22K Gold Split-Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
natural diamond, SI1 clarity, fancy cinnamon brown color - Metal: 22K yellow gold - Size: 6 ½ (resizable
Category

2010s American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold

Vintage 22K Fine Gold 1852 Liberty Head Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Vintage unisex 1852 $1 Dollar gold coin ring surrounded by diamond accents. Heavy with the ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 22k Gold

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22k Gold And Diamond Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of 22k gold and diamond rings available on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 22k Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Find a collection of 87 vintage versions or 147 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. Contemporary and Modern are consistently popular styles when it comes to 22k gold and diamond rings. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Vicki Orr, Alberto and Scrives are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A selection of round cut, oval cut and emerald cut can be found today on these pages. When shopping our range of 22k gold and diamond rings, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are 22k Gold And Diamond Rings?

Prices for 22k gold and diamond rings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $394 and can go as high as $170,000, while 22k gold and diamond rings, on average, fetch $4,082.

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.