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Antique Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1886
Located in London, GB
This wonderful antique Victorian ring is beautifully set with five old mine cut diamonds, weighing
Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Old Mine Diamond Five Stone Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Old Mine Diamond Five Stone Ring - GIA. This
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Five Stone 0.10 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
centre stone is an old mine cut and is approximately 0.04 carats. The remaining old cut diamonds on
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond

Victorian Five Stone 0.80 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
diamonds. The centre stone is an old mine cut and is approximately 0.30 carats. The remaining old cut
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique English 18K Gold and Five Stone Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
: 5 old mine-cut diamonds (approximate total weight 0.70 carat); 8 rose-cut diamonds (approximate
Category

Late 20th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1920 Five Stones Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
features five graduated old mine-cut diamonds, collectively weighing approximately 0.32 carats. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1920 five stones Ring in 18kt Gold and Silver with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
refined artistry that define this iconic design era. Adorning the ring are five graduated old mine-cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

18K Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Five Stone Signature Ring
Located in Venice, CA
together five well-matched Old Mine Cut diamonds into a signature piece inspired by the Victorian era. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Georgian Old Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly wonderful Georgian diamond ring. The ring features five chunky old cut
Category

Antique 1820s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
18ct yellow gold and features a row of five round faceted old mine cut diamonds, each exuding a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Roman Malakov 2.96 Carat Total Old Mine Cut Diamond Five-Stone Wedding Band
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A unique and classy wedding band showcasing five (antique) old mine cut diamonds set in a six-prong
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Edwardian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Five Stone Diamond Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Five Stone Diamond Band Ring. This classic
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Five Stone Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Five Stone Band. This
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Five Stone Old Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
We date this beautiful antique five stone old cut diamond ring to around the turn of the twentieth
Category

Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Five Stone Band - Size 9 1/4
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Five Stone Band - Size 9 1/4. This
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique European Ring 1.3 ctw / 5Diamonds 23K/18K Gold Silver ØUS 5.25/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Gold and face side made of Silver covered with peculiar Patina holding five rose hand cut Diamonds with
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 24k Gold, Silver

Late Victorian 1.45 Carat Old Cut Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
From the late Victorian years comes this five stone old cut diamond ring centring a 0.45 carat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold 0.17ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising five old mine cut diamonds, set in 18 karat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Five-Stone 0.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Five old cut diamonds sparkle side by side in pierced platinum galleries atop an 18 carat yellow
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.75 Carat Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Five old cut diamonds are set side-by-side in platinum to accentuate their bright white F colour
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This 18 carat gold five-stone ring is truly stunning, seamlessly combining antique charm with
Category

Vintage 1920s English Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Blue Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
-stone ring. The fantastic piece features three old cut diamonds, with an approximate combined weight of
Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Emerald and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1896
Located in London, GB
Introducing a truly exceptional antique five-stone ring, dating to 1896, that showcases the
Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique 0.82ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Dome Ring, I Color, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Stone Cut: Old European Cut, Old Mine Cut Style: Edwardian Total Weight: 6.5 Grams
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian Sapphire Old Mine Cut Diamond Bracelet Gold Silver 1890s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mine-cut, Old European brilliant-cut and rose-cut diamonds. The bracelet is designed as five stylized
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Old Mine Cut Ring 0.85ct Diamond Engagement Ring, Platinum, Circa 1920
Located in New York, NY
Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old Mine Cut Primary Stone Color: K Color Primary Stone Clarity: SI1 Clarity
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Georgian Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
chunky old cut diamonds that graduate in size with the largest in the centre. The stones are set in a
Category

Antique 1820s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold Victorian diamond five stone ring ring. The diamonds are
Category

Antique 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 5 Stone 3 Carat Ultra Fine Old Mine Cut Diamonds 18k Gold Enamel Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 5 Stone 3 Carat Ultra Fine Old Mine Cut Diamonds 18k Gold Enamel Ring Description: Just
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
yellow gold and features five round faceted old cut diamonds which graduate in size towards the centre in
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 2.40ct Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This exceptional Victorian diamond ring, featuring five old cut diamonds. Starting in the centre is
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
platinum, whilst the shank is 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Five-Stone Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
are then accentuated by a dazzling frame of round faceted old mine cut diamonds around the outer edge
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.00ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
collets and sat upon a slim tapering band. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.00
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 18k & Platinum Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
ring features five mine cut diamonds running horizontally across the front of the ring. All of the
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Victorian 1.00ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, Hallmarked 1891
Located in London, GB
This beautiful five stone ring dates back to 1891. The old cut stones graduate in size, with the
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.40ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful piece of Victorian design, this five stone ring showcases a sparkling collection of old
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Five-Stone and Platinum Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening old mine cut diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple open work claw setting
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian 3.10ct Five Stone Diamond Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Five gorgeous old cut diamonds glisten in expertly hand-crafted platinum collets. To the centre
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 2.30ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 2.60 Colour: H – I Clarity: VS-SI Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 2.75ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five glistening old cut diamonds are on display in this stunning Art Deco ring. The central
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 2.20ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five bright old cut diamonds are set within a platinum claw set ring. To the centre sits the
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 0.85 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
1880s. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.85 Colour: G Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.10 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
A classic Victorian five stone diamond ring, featuring old cut diamonds. The diamonds, hand cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 2.40ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Old Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring, meticulously handcrafted in the 1930s. The centre
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
. The two diamonds, which make five, are old cut diamonds each weighing 0.40 carat. They have been
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening old mine cut diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple setting modelled in 18ct
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five old cushion cut diamonds are displayed in this beautiful Art Deco ring. The central diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.50ct Diamond and Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian five stone ring features a trio of old cut diamonds, with two blue
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.40ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A trio of old cut diamonds are set between a pair of vibrant rubies in this Victorian five stone
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.95ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
stones at either end. All three diamonds are high quality old cuts with colour ranging from F to g and a
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Five Stone 1.80 Ct. Diamond Natural Pearl Half Hoop ring
Located in Napoli, IT
2 old mine cut Diamonds of 1.80 Ct for both stones – superb chunky cut and true quality– rated G VVS
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.70ct Diamond and Pink Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian five stone ring features a stunning combination of old cut diamonds and pink
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Five Stone Ring (1901-1915)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
has been claw set with three graduated old mine cut diamonds with a total weight of approx. more than
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian sapphire and diamond five stone ring, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
Victorian sapphire and diamond five stone ring. Horizontally set with two cushion shape old cut
Category

Antique 1890s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
fashion across the face. At the centre we find a single round faceted old mine cut diamond which is
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.0 Ct. Diamond 1.0 Ct. Sapphire Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped Setting comprises a selection of 3 bright white old mine cut Diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening old mine cut diamonds sit fabulously within a simple setting modelled in 18ct gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

0.66ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique platinum five-stone ring showcases a captivating old mine-cut diamond at its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Sterling Silver Cuff with Five Blue Gem Turquoise Stones
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Hoskie and the stones were sourced, cut, and polished by Bruce Eckhardt. The stamped and applique 1
Category

Late 20th Century Native American Cuff Bracelets

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Five Stone Old Mine Cut For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact five stone old mine cut 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, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 476 vintage editions and 12 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a five stone old mine cut may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating a five stone old mine cut has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by John Hardy, Roman Malakov and Cartier are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an old mine cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and round cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a five stone old mine cut, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Five Stone Old Mine Cut?

Prices for a five stone old mine cut can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $260 and can go as high as $440,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,714.

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.