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Victorian Diamond and Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This exquisite Victorian ring handcrafted in the late nineteenth century in 14kt yellow and rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.05ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This timeless Victorian solitaire ring centres around a beautiful 1.05 carat old cut diamond. The
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian .35 Ct Diamond Solitaire Gent Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
A fine Victorian period Diamond solitaire ring, 1900 ca Hand crafted of 15 KT gold Traditional
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Victorian 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautifully traditional engagement ring, this solitaire ring dates to the Victorian period
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Belcher-Set Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This Victorian solitaire ring crafted in 14K yellow gold is centered with an Old European-cut
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18kt Gold Solitaire Ring with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
of the ring. Period: Late 19th Century  Style: Victorian Metal: 18Kt Gold  Stone: Natural Diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian GIA Certified Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This shimmering GIA certified Old European cut diamond center stone measuring 1.01 carats, L color
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous old cut diamond is the centre of this Victorian era engagement ring. The diamond is 0.50
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an antique 18ct rose gold, rose cut diamond and ruby ring. The rose cut diamond sits in a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian 0.90ct Diamond and Enamel Solitaire Ring, c.1860s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1860s this timeless diamond solitaire ring features a beautiful enamelled halo
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Enamel

Victorian 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Boston, MA
An original victorian period diamond solitaire engagement ring in 14 karat rose gold. Centered by a
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Victorian GIA 1.02 carat diamond 14k yellow gold solitaire ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the early 1900s, this Victorian ring showcases a GIA-certified 1.02-carat old mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 14k Gold 0.82ct Old Cushion Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
during the Victorian era. The ring features an old mine cushion cut diamond solitaire which is claw prong
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Looking Rosecut Solitaire Diamond Ring in Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian Looking Resecut Pear shape Solitaire Diamond Ring in Gold and Silver is an old
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Yellow Gold 0.30ctw Old Belcher Diamond Solitaire Gypsy Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut- Belcher Prong Set - H Color - VS1
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Rosy Yellow Gold 0.85ct Old Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
) Ring Height: 5.8mm rise off the finger Condition: Antique, Victorian. Original finish and patina
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Looking Rosecut Solitaire Diamond Ring in Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian Looking Resecut Pear shape Solitaire Diamond Ring in Gold and Silver is an old
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Early Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Gold GIA 1.03ct Old European Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Prong Set - N Color - SI1 Clarity
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 10k Gold 0.48ct Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Flower Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
shank) Ring Height: 5.5mm rise off the finger Condition: Antique, Victorian. Original finish and patina
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold

Antique Victorian 14k Gold Gia .50ct Diamond Repousse Scroll Work Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Multi Prong Set - F Color - SI1
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 14k Gold GIA Belcher Set European Diamond Solitaire Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
European diamond solitaire at its center. This very fine quality diamond is GIA certified, displaying
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold 0.54ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Belcher Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising one cushion-shaped old mine cut diamond, set
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 14k Gold 0.60ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Floral Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Multi Prong Set - J Color - VS2
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold 0.61ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Belcher Solitaire Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising one old mine cut diamond, set in 18 karat
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.61ct Old Cut Diamond Belcher Solitaire Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising one large old mine cut diamond, set in 18 karat
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian .55 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Rare Solitaire Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Glorious Victorian! This absolutely unique genuine Victorian ring is 1890/1900 ca Outstanding
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Etruscan Revival Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 14k Gold Oval Opal Solitaire Ring W/ 0.80ctw Old Diamond Halo
Located in Montclair, NJ
This super cute Victorian era ring is crafted in solid 14k gold and features an oval cabochon opal
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Emerald and Solitaire Diamond Ring in Platinum Estate
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian Emerald & Solitaire Diamond Ring In Platinum Estate Size 5 Old Treasure
Category

Early 20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Victorian 1.00 CTW Old European Cut Diamond 14 Karat Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat - J color with VS2 clarity
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old Mine Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Old mine diamond solitaire ring. Set centrally with a cushion shape old mine diamond, L colour, SI2
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Solitaire Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
This beautiful antique 18kt gold diamond solitaire ring really shines. A handsome piece set into
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old Mine Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful and exquisite diamond ring showcasing a bold design that embodies timeless
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.20ct Diamond Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
A distinguished Victorian ring with a 1.20 carat old cushion cut diamond as the focal point. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18ct Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring. Est 025ct.
Located in Canterbury, England
This unisex old cut diamond solitaire ring is set in 18ct yellow gold. Diamond est 0.25ct and this
Category

Antique 1840s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond

Victorian 0.60ct Diamond Signet Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
understated engagement ring. It features a single 0.60 carat old cut diamond which has been graded as an I in
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.65ct Yellow Diamond Ring, hallmarked 1887
Located in London, GB
Centring around a 0.65 carat old oval cut diamond this charming ring has original Chester hallmarks
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.6 grams.. Totally is diamond 0.51 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Peridot and Diamond Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Victorian peridot and diamond ring. Set with one central cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Victorian 0.50 Carat Diamond Signet Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This classic Victorian ring features a half carat diamond, 0.50 carat, in the claw setting which is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring 18KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This amazing antique Diamond solitaire ring is 19th Century Transitional between Georgian
Category

Antique 1830s European Early Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Handcrafted Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.10 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.25ct Diamond and Enamel Ring, c.1860s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the mid Victorian era, this beautiful ring is a true rarity. At it's centre a 0.25 carat
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has F
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.13 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.39 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Late Georgian / Early Victorian Era Rose cut Diamond Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Early Victorian Era Rose cut Diamond Men Ring (1837-1860) Antique Victorian Era Diamond Men’s Ring
Category

Antique 1850s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Rose and White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This delicate Victorian engagement ring, crafted in a combination of 14K rose gold and 18K white
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.17 ct. The diamond is has I
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.33 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Asian Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Dimention is diamond 0.50 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Turkish Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.9 grams. Totally is diamond about 1.80 ct. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.76 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 10k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 1.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has
Category

Antique Early 1900s Turkish Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.37 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Asian Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.05 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Ottoman Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
brilliant cut 1.24 ct. The diamond is has generally H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 6 (We
Category

Antique Early 1900s Turkish Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

0.30 Ct Solitaire Diamond Unisex Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring which perfectly goes with your personality and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Antique Circa 1890s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total is weight 2.4 grams. Totally is main old mine cut diamond about 0.85
Category

Antique 1890s European Late Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique 14k Gold Circa 1900s Natural Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.47 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian 18k with Gold & Diamond Ring Size 5 3/4
Located in Montreal, QC
Victorian 18k with gold filigree and solitaire European cut diamond, size 5 3/4. The diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

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Victorian Solitaire Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate victorian solitaire diamond ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 169 vintage or 19 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a victorian solitaire diamond ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A victorian solitaire diamond ring from Intini Jewels, Antinori Fine Jewels and Paris Precious Craft House — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. See these pages for an old european cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old mine cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our victorian solitaire diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 83 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Victorian Solitaire Diamond Ring?

The price for a victorian solitaire diamond ring starts at $350 and tops out at $104,474 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,206.

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.