GIA Certified 1.04 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2225084155 Weight: 1.04carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum .55 Carat Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3. grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .55ct total weight Cut: Old European bril...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum .64 Carat Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 3.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .64ct total weight Cut: Old European brilli...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 4 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old Euro Cut Diamond Platinum Ring KSI1
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Material: Platinum This elegant Art Deco engagement ring centers a substantial 4.00-carat old European cut diamond, GIA-certified as K color and SI1 c...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2215621341 Weight: 1.03 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: H...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.3grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 6227725604 Weight: 1.14ct Cut: Antique Cushion Color: Blue...
GIA Certified 1.70 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:5211795078 Weight: 1.60carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .82 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6217737664 Weight: .82 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Diamond Ring. 1.20ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.20 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 1.52 Ct. GIA Certified Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Classic Late Edwardian era 1.52 Ct. Old European Cut Diamond 'Butterfly-Motif' Engagement Ring composed of platinum. The 1.52 carat Old European Cut diamond is GIA certified to hav...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.72 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5222711451 Weight: 1.72ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Art Deco Platinum Filigree and Diamond Ring. 1.50ct Old European Cut Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Art Deco Platinum 2.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring - VHK#658a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco Platinum 2.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring - VHK#658a Item Details Year: 1920s Ring Size: 5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.45 ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.09 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2101770995 Weight: 1.09 carat Cut: Antique Step C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.20 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6214425690 Weight: 1.20 Carat Cut: Old European ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Art Deco old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ring features a gor...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique French Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique diamond engagement ring has been crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Cut Diamond Filigree Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Cut Diamond Filigree Dome Cocktail Ring. This beautiful Antique Edwardian old cut diamond ring is crafted in platinum. The ring features beau...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .92 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.7 grams Diamond Details: GIA Report#:2239085546 Weight: .92ct total weight Cut: Old Eur...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Platinum Ring with Old Mine Diamond and Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
Circa 1920s, this striking Art Deco ring is expertly crafted in platinum and features a captivating center old mine-cut natural diamond weighing approximately 1.10 carats, graded H-I...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Circa 1920s Art Deco Platinum 2.20ct Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920s Art Deco Platinum 2.20ct Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#872A Details Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.2 grams Center D...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s 0.28ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, Unisex
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card Condition This 1920s diamond cocktail ring in gold is fine quality, set with a very high color graded d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cats Eye Chrysoberyl Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is complemented by round and square shape diamonds set around the ring weighing close to 1 carat total.
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.80 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined cluster ring crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. At it's heart lies an emerald cut emerald, boasting a vibrant green colour tone whilst being...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Saddle Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Saddle Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco old mine diamond and sapphire saddle ring is crafted in platinum. This incredibl...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring Belais
By Belais
Located in Montgomery, AL
They were known for manufacturing high quality white gold jewelry during the early 1900's. Ring Details Material: 18K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Designer: Belais Head Widt...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$23,600Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Platinum Three-Stone Diamond Ring with French Cut Sapphires, circa 1920
Located in Sausalito, CA
Art Deco Platinum Three-Stone Diamond Ring with French Cut Sapphires, circa 1920s An exceptional Art Deco platinum three-stone diamond ring from the early 1920s, showcasing refined ...
Diamond
GIA .89 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.7 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5222935888 Weight: .89ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.23 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5222940473 Weight: 1.23ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.36 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 2225942603 Weight: 1.36ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s Art Deco 1.14 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The domed setting of the ring incorporates forty impressive pav© set eight-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Antique 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring - VHK#1011
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Antique 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring - VHK#1011 Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 6.25(Sizable) Metal Type: 18K gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.80 grams ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ring with Natural Ruby and Diamonds, Hungary, 1920s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A vintage ring with an openwork design and geometric Art Deco styling from the turn of the 1920s. Origin: Austria-Hungary, preserved hallmark for Austria-Hungary used from 1872 to 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Art Deco 11.70 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding cocktail ring taken from the height of the Art Deco movement. This platinum piece focally features a remarkable 11.70 carat rectangular cut natural Ceylon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1920s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive antique twist ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s 1.07 Carat Sapphire and 1.54 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive cushion cut sapphire and diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a sweet and charming cluster ring dating back to the Art Deco movement. This elegant piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold and features a single round faceted sapp...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive antique 1920's diamond solitaire engagement ring is fine quality set with a very high color and clarity graded old cut diamond, displaying a fine white colo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Early Art Deco Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing 1.29 carats - transparent medium-deep green Natural Colombian in origin with insignificant traditional clarity enhancement Bezel set with a ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond and Single Cut Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond and Single Cut Engagement Ring. This gorgeous antique Art Deco old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This beau...
Diamond, Platinum
C.D. Peacock, Art Deco 2.87 CTTW Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous Art Deco Engagement Ring by C.D. Peacock boasts a circular brilliant cut diamond weighing 2.17 carats with I color and VS2 clarity. The platinum mounting is beautifully...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .88 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.2 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2221416553 Weight: .88ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Clarity:...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique GIA 2.30 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Ring Platinum JSI2
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum circa 1920, the ring combines substantial diamond presence with beautifully detailed period design.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Low Profile Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Low Profile Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco old European cut diamond low profile engagement ring is crafted in ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 4 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring KSI1
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum circa 1920 and bearing French import marks, the Snow Lake Ring is an elegant example of early Art Deco jewelry, combining a remarkable GIA-certified antique d...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.05 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:2225834805 Weight: 1.05ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.50 Carat Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with Old European cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.50 carats. Circa 1920s Size 8 1/2, resizable
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Engraved Eternity Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Engraved Eternity Band Ring. This amazing antique Art Deco old mine diamond eternity band ring is crafted in platinum. This b...
Diamond, Platinum
Old European Cut 14k White Gold Antique Diamond Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful antique diamond ring was made in the early 1920s with 14k white gold. The north to south styled ring features 5 total diamonds, with the center of the ring showcasing ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.02 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.63grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6227597360 Weight: 1.02ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.22 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:5221313406 Weight: 1.22ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: H C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.56 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2221537042 Weight: 1.56ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .52 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:1463119743 Weight: .52ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Cl...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.08 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6227543469 Weight: 1.08ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: M Clar...
Diamond, Platinum
$22,384Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite antique three-stone engagement ring, dating back over a century to the pre-1920s era, features a stunning 2-carat total diamond weight. The centerpiece is a magnificen...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian Emerald Diamond Bow Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Bold and Sophisticate Bold and Sophisticate Art Deco ear bow designed jewellery got in the first places in the history of 20’s Feminine statements to wear, distinctive art expression...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
1920s Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This 1920s emerald and diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum French Cut Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum French Cut Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco French cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The ring feat...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique French Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920's blue sapphire and diamond ring ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA .73 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5222290574 Weight: .73ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: V...
Diamond, Platinum
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.
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.
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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.