Pear Estate Ring
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Cluster Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Platinum
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Cluster Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Artisan Fashion Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings
Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Cluster Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s Modern Cluster Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Opal, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Brown Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Band Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold
2010s Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Tanzanite, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Peridot, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Fashion Rings
Coral, Onyx, Platinum
Early 2000s Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1960s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Paraiba, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Japanese Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Solitaire Rings
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
Late 20th Century Modern Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Wedding Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Gold
Early 2000s Cluster Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver
Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
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Pear Estate Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Pear Estate 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, many people think that pear engagement rings are timeless due to the long history of the shape. The cut dates back to 1475 when Flemish jeweler Lodewyk van Bercken first unveiled it. Brides have continuously worn rings in the shape ever since, and during the 1960s, it was one of the most popular diamond cuts. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of pear engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, pear-shaped engagement rings can be nice. The elongated shape makes gemstones appear larger, and the 58 facets that form the pear cut provide a lot of sparkle. Plus, the shape is highly versatile and can complement everything from casual attire to office wear to dressy ensembles. There are no rules for engagement ring shape, so feel free to choose the one that appeals most to you. Find a wide range of pear-shaped engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021While a pear-shaped ring can be worn either way, most commonly it is worn with the tip of the diamond facing upwards to look like a falling teardrop when the hand is raised. This also helps create the impression of longer fingers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The difference between vintage, antique and estate engagement rings comes down to age and history. Rings that are over 100 years old are antiques, while those produced 20 to 99 years ago are vintage. Estate engagement rings are any rings that have had a previous owner. They can include antique, vintage and even contemporary rings produced during the last 20 years. Shop a large selection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Although trends in bridal jewelry change over time, pear-shaped diamond engagement rings tend to remain popular. Jewelry makers have produced pear-shaped diamonds since the 15th century, when a Flemish diamond cutter named Lodewyk van Bercken first mastered the technique. Many people love the sparkle of the cut and find its mix of curves and points to be visually appealing. Find a diverse assortment of pear-shaped diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023How you wear a wedding band with a pear-shaped engagement ring is up to you. However, it's most common to put the wedding band on first and then wear the engagement ring on top. Not only does this follow the tradition of wearing your wedding ring closest to your heart, but it also serves as a nice balance to the shape of the engagement ring, which is wider and fuller at the bottom. Curved and contoured wedding bands are especially good companions for pear-shaped engagement rings because they complement the curves of the gemstone. Find a large collection of wedding bands on 1stDibs.
Read More
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Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
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[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
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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.