Vintage 1930s Engagement
1930s European Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
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1930s Vintage 1930s Engagement
White Diamond, Platinum
1930s Unknown Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Unknown Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s French Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s Unknown Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s American Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold
1930s English Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
20th Century British Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century European Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, White Gold
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
20th Century Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold
1930s British Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1930s Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1930s English Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century American Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Platinum
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s American Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1930s Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1930s Unknown Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Unknown Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s American Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage 1930s Engagement
White Diamond, Platinum
1930s Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century French Vintage 1930s Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
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Vintage 1930s Engagement For Sale on 1stDibs
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A Close Look at art-deco Jewelry
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other 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 ExpertAugust 17, 2021A vintage engagement ring is generally defined as an engagement ring that is 20 to 80 years old. By definition, “antique” applies to anything that is 100 years or older. The most popular vintage styles for engagement rings are Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco. Vintage engagement rings could feature traditional diamonds or colored gemstones. Find a wide variety of vintage engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023What brides wore in the 1930s varied. Some wore long flowing dresses made of satin or silk. Long sleeves were popular and designs often featured only minimal embellishments like appliqués and beading. Because many people faced difficult financial situations due to the Great Depression, brides also sometimes simply wore their best dresses on their wedding days. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of vintage wedding dresses.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023A vintage-style engagement ring is a piece of bridal jewelry designed in the style of rings produced in the past. Many vintage-style engagement rings borrow elements from Victorian, Art Deco or Edwardian jewelry. Although the rings may closely resemble authentic antique or vintage rings, they are actually contemporary pieces produced in recent years. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Yes, vintage engagement rings are popular among some people. Many find the details of rings produced during the last 20 to 99 years to be visually appealing. In fact, some contemporary jewelry makers even draw inspiration from vintage designs. Some people also prefer vintage rings because they inherit them from relatives or because they like the idea of wearing an engagement ring that has a history. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023A vintage engagement ring is generally any engagement ring that dates back 20 to 80 years. Rings that are 100 or more years old are antiques. The design of a vintage engagement ring is influenced by each era's artistic visions, cultural movements and preferences in materials, gemstones and motifs. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023You can buy vintage engagement rings from many sources. Local estate sales, auctions and secondhand shops can be good local sources. Another option is to shop for vintage pieces on trusted online platforms. You can find a large collection of vintage engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023You can find vintage engagement rings in many places. If you want to shop in person, check out second-hand stores, auction houses and estate sales. Browsing the collections of trusted online platforms can also allow you to quickly discover many vintage pieces. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of vintage engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Whether halo engagement rings are vintage depends on their age. Any ring made at least 20 to 80 years ago is vintage, while older pieces are antiques. Halo engagement rings emerged during the Art Deco period and have remained popular since. As a result, you can find many antique and vintage examples, as well as contemporary rings that show off a central gemstone surrounded by a halo of accent stones. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of halo engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023In the 1920s, engagement rings still looked like rings but were representative of a diverse range of styles and influences. Art Deco diamond ring designs took inspiration from the contemporary Cubist movement as well as from ancient Egypt – a revival sparked by the opening of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. Native American, African and Asian motifs also inspired jewelry pieces. Diamonds in square and rectangular shapes incorporating angular steps – like emerald cuts, Asscher cuts and baguettes – were set against black onyx, rubies, sapphires and emeralds to create color-blocking effects. Platinum, 18-karat gold, 14-karat white gold and sterling silver were some of the favored metals of the decade. Find a wide range of Art Deco engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between vintage and antique engagement rings is age. For an engagement ring to be considered an antique, it must be at least 100 years old. Vintage engagement rings are pieces made at least 20 years ago. Shop a collection of vintage and antique engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between vintage and classic engagement rings has to do with taste and time. Vintage engagement rings date back 20 to 80 years and occupy the sweet spot between historic and modern. Whether or not an engagement ring is "classic" may pertain solely to the style of the ring. The solitaire setting is considered a classic setting for engagement rings. Tiffany & Co. broadly helped put diamonds on the map in 1886 by introducing the American marketplace to the solitaire diamond design, which is still the quintessential engagement ring style. Designed to maximize a diamond's sparkle, the trademark Tiffany Setting elevated the stone on six prongs (in contrast to the bezel setting, which was common at the time). In the late 1800s, Cartier sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible, and the house's Solitaire 1895 engagement ring is considered a classic engagement ring. Find antique and vintage engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023Details that reflect the trends of previous eras are what make an engagement ring look vintage. During the 1940s, engagement rings often featured two-tone metal bands and small central stones flanked by accent stones like baguettes. During the 1950s, World War II-era restrictions on platinum were finally lifted, and many people chose platinum engagement rings set with a single brilliant-cut diamond. The 1960s brought colored gemstones into fashion, and engagement rings from the 1970s and ’80s often featured bold, flashy geometric designs. In the 1990s, marquise diamonds and white gold and platinum metals were popular. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024There are several reasons why people buy vintage engagement rings. Some prefer the way jewelry looked in decades past and select vintage pieces that fit their tastes. Others choose vintage engagement rings to get a unique, one-of-a-kind piece or like the idea of their jewelry having a long history. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of vintage engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023In the early 1900s, engagement rings often looked like other jewelry from the Edwardian era, which coincided with the reign of King Edward VII in the United Kingdom from 1901 to 1910. Cutters used new diamond saws and jewelry lathes to refine the old European cut. The resulting stones, designed to sparkle in the light from candles and gas lamps, are beloved by connoisseurs for their inner fire and romantic glow. The invention of the oxyacetylene torch enabled jewelers to use platinum, which had previously been too challenging to work with. This technological advancement made it possible for Edwardian rings to show off lacy filigree and milgrain work. Nature also influenced jewelry in the early 1900s. Flowing and floral garland motifs were so popular that the Edwardian age is sometimes called the "garland era." Find a selection of Edwardian engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 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.
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