50 Carat Ring
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian More Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Italian Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Retro Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Tanzanite, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Tanzanite, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, White Gold
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Dome Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Fashion Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Band Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
1990s Unknown Contemporary Bridal Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Engagement Rings
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
- 1
50 Carat Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 50 Carat Ring?
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 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.
- What does .50 mean on a ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The numbers stamped inside a diamond ring indicate the carat weight of the diamond in the ring. The number .50 would indicate the diamond is half a carat. This can be confirmed by the certificate or appraisal paperwork. Shop a selection of diamond rings and 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.