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Ruby And Diamond Checkerboard Ring

This Beautiful Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Checkerboard Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautiful Vintage 14k yellow gold Ruby and Diamond Checkerboard Ring, containing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum Topped Gold Ruby Diamond Checkerboard Ring
Located in New York, NY
features a checkerboard pattern of alternating rubies and diamonds, with diamond along the side of the ring
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

18k Yellow Gold Ring with Carre-Cut Rubies and Checkerboard-Set Diamonds
Located in Bergamo, BG
-cut diamonds arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The vibrant rubies and dazzling diamonds create a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Oscar Heyman Diamond Ruby Platinum 18K Gold Checkerboard Vintage Band Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and diamonds Bead set in platinum as alternating checkerboard pattern Rubies weigh approximately 0.80
Category

Vintage 1960s Band Rings

Materials

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

14K White Gold Checkerboard Cut Blue Topaz and Multi Gem and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
cut. Surrounding the centerpiece are sparkling white and champagne diamonds, accented by rubies
Category

1990s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Blue Topaz, 14k ...

18kt Yellow Gold Band Ring with Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, and Emeralds
Located in Bergamo, BG
captivating checkerboard pattern of dazzling white diamonds and vibrant colored gemstones. Featuring 0.50
Category

20th Century Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby Rose Cut Diamond & Turquoise 18K Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18k gold vintage mens royal ceremonial ring inspired piece. Set with rose cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Turquoise, Ruby, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Ruby faceted buff top 18 K white and yellow gold Engagement ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Ruby faceted buff top 18 K white and yellow gold Engagement ring with 78 white and 78 yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA-Certified 1.06 Carat Ruby in Deco-Era Platinum Ring with 0.7 Carats Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This late Deco Era ring was originally set with an oval diamond but it was weirdly dark -- much too
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

10.96 Carat Rubellite Tourmaline and Diamond Accent Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
10.96 Carat Cushion Checkerboard Cut Rubellite Tourmaline and Round Cut Diamond in Platinum 900
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, Ruby, Tourmaline, Platinum

Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Citrine Halo Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Houston, TX
: 14.40 grams 18K yellow gold diamond citrine and ruby cocktail halo ring with a tapered comfort-fit
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Citrine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

1900s Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Jabot Pin
Located in Poitiers, FR
rubies and antique brilliant- cut diamond. The closure system is a clip that opens and closes to put on
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Brooches

Materials

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

Recent Sales

18Kt Yellow Gold Ring, Blackened Silver, Kunzite, Rubies, White & Black Diamonds
By William Llewellyn Griffiths
Located in Melbourne, Vic
yellow gold and oxidized sterling silver this incredible ring features a central oval, checkerboard cut
Category

2010s Australian Byzantine Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Kunzite, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling...

5.72 Carat Rubellite Tourmaline and Diamond 14K Gold Ring
Located in Fuquay Varina, NC
checkerboard oval cut surrounded by a diamond halo and bezel set in 14k yellow and white gold. Hallmarks: 14K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 14k Gold

Padparacha Sapphire Diamond Gold Band
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Rectangular shaped and checkerboard cut Padparacha sapphire set with two diamonds in a textured 18k
Category

American Band Rings

Zaffiro Black Tourmaline Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Boston, MA
checkerboard black tourmaline, this ring is accented by hand formed 22 karat yellow gold beads along with bezel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Checkerboard Wide Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This 14 karat yellow gold band ring features a captivating combination of rubies and diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Checkerboard Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamond and colorful precious gemstone checkerboard ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The ring
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 3.74 CTW Diamond Ruby Silver 18 Karat Gold Checkerboard Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a silver-topped oblong form displaying a checkerboard motif comprised of rubies and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Platinum Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A spectacular example of a ruby and diamond panel ring. The half carat central diamond is
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Gold, Amethyst, Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
plaque of diamonds and amethyst is a single ruby each weighing 0.15 carat. The body of the ring has been
Category

20th Century American Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Ruby Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Wide Band Ring Size 6
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This modern 18 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Checkerboard Band Ring showcases a striking design
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Ruby Diamond Wide Ring Estate 14k Yellow Gold Cigar Band Sz 6.75 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish ruby & diamond wide cigar band crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 2010s). Faceted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Striking 4.32 Carat EFFY Ruby and Diamond Checkerboard White Gold Wide Band Ring
By Effy
Located in Tustin, CA
Very stylish ladies 14 karat white gold designer “Effy” ruby and diamond wide band ring features a
Category

20th Century American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 14k Gold

18 Karat Gold Platinum Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold, platinum, diamond and ruby cocktail ring from the 1950s. Of bombé
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1.50 Carat Total Ruby, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This checkerboard fashion ring is filled with luxury! Round cut sapphires totaling 1.50 carats and
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tourmaline Ruby Sapphire Diamond Ring 14k Gold 5.1 TCW GIA Certified
Located in Brooklyn, NY
, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond Species & Variety: Natural Tourmaline/Rubellite Stone Cut: Cushion Checkerboard Cut
Category

2010s American Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

18k Gold Pave Sapphire and Diamond Cat Ring, Holding A Tourmaline
Located in Fairfield, CT
paws. The ring is finished by round faceted white diamond spots on the coat, approximately 0.23 TCW and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Rhodi...

AJD Cocktails are Perfect with this Green Beryl and Pink Sapphire Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Green Beryl. This lovely round Green Beryl has a checkerboard table and lots of inclusions to reflect
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Beryl, Pink Sapphire, Green Beryl, Sterling Silver

Victorian 18ct Gold, Ruby and Diamond Checkerboard Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A beautiful late Victorian 18ct gold ruby and diamond ring inlaid with ten precious gemstones
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Gold Checkerboard Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Lakewood, NJ
diamonds and eight square step cut rubies in an 18k yellow gold wide ring. Contains 1.30 ct of high quality
Category

Mid-20th Century American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold

Art Deco Style Burma Ruby Asher Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
platinum. The ring has a checkerboard like design with alternating rubies and diamonds. The rubies have
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1950s Checkerboard Design Ruby and Diamond Wide High Polish Yellow Gold Band
Located in New York, NY
American Size 7 And 1/2. Designed In A Checkerboard Motif And Embellishe With Eight Faceted Rubies And
Category

Vintage 1950s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat Resplendent Ruby and Diamond Ring by Julia Boss
Located in Palm Beach, FL
impressive 25 carat, oval checkerboard faceted ruby set in a pie crust bezel. Adding to the splendor are
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

People Also Browsed

Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Natural Diamond & Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Natural Diamond & Sapphire Cocktail Navette Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 4.65 grams Diamonds: 3 old European cut natural diamonds approx. 2.00 CTW...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold Russian old mine cut diamond ring with an estimate 2 old cut diamond weight of 1 carat with white inclusion included in 1 stone flanked with 2 rose cut diamonds with...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold ring with heart natural garnets. Heart garnet eternity ring band. Valentines gift jewelry. Full circle of hearts. January birthstone ring. Heart Garnet gold ring. Love ring...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold

Georgian Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Dazzling & Rare
Located in Southbury, CT
This Georgian-era (circa 1830) ruby and table-cut diamond ring was created entirely by hand over two-hundred years ago, though the shank itself is more recent (though still antique)...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Silver, 15k Gold

Antique Georgian Star Sapphire Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14K Gold Ring Circa 1830
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Georgian Period cabochon star sapphire, diamond, cobalt blue guilloche enamel 14K gold ring. Circa 1830 This beautiful antique ring dates from the George IV/Regency Period. ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold

Edwardian Reddish-Pink Tourmaline and Rose Cut Diamond Ring (1901-1914)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Edwardian Pink Tourmaline and Rose Cut Diamond Ring (1901-1914) Hand fabricated in platinum and 18 Karat yellow Gold, glisten and glows with a bright fuchsia Reddish-Pink Emerald cu...
Category

Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Cocktail Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Cocktail Shield Ring. This classic Art Deco old European diamond cocktail ring is crafted in platinum. This ring features...
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 18k Yellow Gold Victorian Garnet & Starburst Diamond Locket Pendant
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
A gorgeous garnet and diamond locket pendant from the Victorian, circa 1870's era. This marvelous piece is crafted in vibrant 18kt yellow gold and features incredible 3-dimensional d...
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau 1900 Opalescent Enameled Orchid Pendant Brooch In 14Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An art nouveau enamel Orchid pendant-brooch. An exceptional pendant-brooch in the shape of an orchid flower, created in America during the Art Nouveau period, back in the 1900. This...
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Bombe Ring - Burma No Heat
Located in Hummelstown, PA
Crowned with a crystalline magenta red ruby, this lovely Edwardian bombe style ring boasts four rows of richly saturated calibre rubies divided by twinkling single cut diamonds that ...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Antique Edwardian Enamel Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Seed Pearls
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant and finely detailed Edwardian era enamel ring (circa 1900s to 1910s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Created ruby measures 5mm (in very good condition and free of cracks...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Madeira Citrine Diamond Platinum 14 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The Classy Edwardian Must! Genuine Edwardian period Madeira Citrine and Diamond ring crafted of solid Platinum and 14 Kt gold for the back shank, tested 1900 ca Superbly hand crafted...
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian GIA 3.92ctw Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian GIA Shy 4.0ctw OLD EUROPEAN Diamond Engagement Antique Platinum Ring Edwardian Rings represent some of the finest examples of diamond, platinum jewelry in existence. Edwar...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Diamond Pendant Locket 18k Gold Platinum Memorial Enamel
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian era diamond pendant crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum (circa 1910s). 156 old rose cut diamonds total an estimated 0.75 carats (estimated at...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Antique 19th Century Old Mine Diamond Floral Cluster Cocktail Ring Silver Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique 19th Century Old Mine-cut diamond floral cluster cocktail ring in silver and yellow gold, Europe, circa 1880s. This antique jewel is modelled as a scalloped flower, with a wi...
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

14k Gold Rectangular Checkerboard Dark Smoky Quartz and Diamond Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This pretty ring features a rectangular checkerboard cushion, dark brown color smoky quartz center, approximately 11.61 CTS, set with split prongs and flanked b...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Quartz, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

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Ruby And Diamond Checkerboard Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate ruby and diamond checkerboard ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 10 vintage or 4 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect ruby and diamond checkerboard ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A ruby and diamond checkerboard ring from Aria Jewelry Design and Oscar Heyman — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and cushion cut alternatives. Finding a ruby and diamond checkerboard ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 6 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Ruby And Diamond Checkerboard Ring?

On average, a ruby and diamond checkerboard ring at 1stDibs sells for $4,418, while they’re typically $456 on the low end and $8,800 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.