Old European 1 Carat
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Unknown Cufflinks
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Rose Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Drop Earrings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Link Bracelets
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
2010s American Link Bracelets
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1950s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Wedding Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wedding Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
20th Century Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Palladium
20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Band Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Bangles
White Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Link Bracelets
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century North American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Platinum
Vintage 1930s Unknown Link Bracelets
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Link Bracelets
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Bridal Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2010s Belgian Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century French Modern Signet Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
20th Century Italian Art Deco Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Stud Earrings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Vintage 1980s French Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold
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Old European 1 Carat For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an Old European 1 Carat?
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.
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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.