Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Entwined Hearts Ring of Platinum
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A romantic and finely executed Art Deco ring, circa 1920, featuring two entwined hearts set with sparkling transitional cut diamonds and channel-set natural rubies, all mounted in pl...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1920s 1.15 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The posterior portion of the ring shank is plain and unembellished. This diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate for the feature diamond in addition...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18k White Gold Euro Cut Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous filigree ring was made in 1920's Art Deco period in 18k white gold with a bright white Old European cut diamond in the center.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring. This magnificent Art Deco old cut marquise cocktail ring is crafted in platinum. The ring feature...
Diamond, Platinum
.40 Carat Diamond Platinum and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum & 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Total Diamond Weight: .80ct Center Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct Cut: Old Europea...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.40Ct Sapphire and 2.02Ct Diamond, 9k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The sapphire is surrounded by ten 14k white gold set Old European cut diamonds. The subtly elevated ring shoulders each feature a pavé set Old European cut diamond, integrating with...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 14K White Gold Order of the Eastern Star Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This 14k white gold ring features over a half carat of diamonds and bears the symbol of the Order of the Eastern Star. A chapter of Freemasonry, the Order of the Eastern Star was fou...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Ring. 1.80ct Old Euro Cut and Sapphire Ring J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted circa 1920, the Amsterdam ring brings together antique diamond cutting, geometric sapphire accents, and finely detailed platinum craftsmanship.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - GIA. This beautiful Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This be...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring. This gorgeous engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The center holds a beautiful white old Europe...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Diamond Platinum Antique Scroll Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.62 carats - H color with SI1 clarity Prong set in an octagonal form head flanked by pierced scalloped shoulders Accente...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco 1.30cttw Diamond Filigree Ring - VEG#19a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco 1.30cttw Diamond Filigree Ring - VEG#19a Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.5 grams Cen...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Garnet & Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k, Platinum. This Art Deco ring features a rich wine-colored garnet surrounded by .50 carats of fine white diamonds (H color, SI1 clarity) in a fabulous period setting...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Ring, Marquise Diamond Plaque
Located in Braintree, GB
An Art Deco diamond ring of beautifully drawn geometry — a square platinum plaque set on the diagonal, its centre an old-cut marquise diamond framed by a lozenge of old-cut brilliant...
Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and French Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
orgeous Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and French Cut Ruby Ring. A beautiful Art Deco ring finely made and features 4 large French cut rubies going down the center. The ring is al...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 2.02Ctw Old European Cut Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
An Art Deco engagement ring featuring a 1.5 carat Old European cut diamond. The diamond exhibits a J color and VS1 clarity, showcasing the elegance of early 20th-century craftsmanshi...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Cushion Cut Santa Maria Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An extraordinary original Art Deco ring, beautifully crafted in platinum and showcasing an impressive approximately 11-carat natural aquamarine in a captivating, richly saturated San...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Single Cut Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Single Cut Diamond Filigree Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco old cut diamond ring is crafted in platinum. The ring features old Euro...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible old mine cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This gorgeous ring ...
Diamond, Platinum
0.32tcw 14K Natural Sapphire & Diamond Floral Petite Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
0.32 TCW Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Natural Genuine Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Cocktail Ring. The piece was hand made with solid yellow gold. The round shape sapphires are 100% genuine wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.53tcw 14K Marquise Sapphire & Diamond Dainty Vintage Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
0.53 TCW Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Natural Genuine Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Cocktail Ring. The piece was hand made with solid yellow gold. The pear and marquise shape sapphires are 100...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1920s Diamond and Rose Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique unisex ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This beautiful Antique Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. T...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous antique Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. Th...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Opal and Diamond Engraved Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Opal and Diamond Engraved Cocktail Ring. This amazing Art Deco natural opal and diamond cocktail ring is crafted in platinum. The ring fea...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique Platinum Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Pearl Three Row Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Platinum Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Pearl Three Row Ring. This gorgeous antique Art Deco old mine diamond and pearl three row ring is crafted in platinum. This b...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
.95 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .95ct total weight Cut: Old European brill...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco GIA 1.53 carat diamond 18k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful French Art Deco diamond engagement ring is a distinctive 1920’s design, centered by a GIA-certified round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.53 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 (with ring sizing ball, 6 without) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.9 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct, total weight Cut: Old European Cut C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .77 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 6224872492 Weight: .77ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum GIA 1.21ct Antique Step Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 8 (Resizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:1236289611 Weight: 1.21ct total...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian Insignificant Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
Date Circa 1920 __________________________________ Metal Platinum Stone Diamond: approx o.6ct ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$120,000Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Burma No Heat Oval Ruby And Diamond Ring, AGL Certified.
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Art Deco ring centers around a vivid Burma ruby of exceptional pedigree- untreated, unheated, and alive with a rich, velvety red hue thta has long been revered as the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.02 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.9 grams This ring includes 3 GIA reports for each of of the 3 center stones. Diamond 1 (Center Stone) Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Amethyst & Old Mine Cut Diamond Illusion Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We were so thrilled when we acquired this unique vintage gem!! Ring Details Material: 14K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Engraved Inside Shank: M.L.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
.33 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: Approximately 7.70 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.4 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .33 carat Color: I Clarity: V...
White Diamond, Platinum
.77 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .77ct total weight Cut: Old European brill...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.30ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Boston, MA
The diamond is of G color with VS2 clarity. The intricate detailing on the band enhances the ring's unique design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.47 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.9 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report #6224977016 Weight: 1.47ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Cl...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.4 grams Diamond Details: GIA Report#:2239139553 Weight: 1.08ct total weight Cut: O...
Diamond, Platinum
8.46 carat Diamond and sapphire target ring, early 20th Century.
Located in London, GB
8.46 carat Diamond and sapphire target ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape old mine cut diamond, O-P colour, SI1 clarity with a weight of 8.46 carats, in an open back rubover se...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 4.09ct F VS1
Located in Fairfield, CT
Art Deco Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 4.09ct F VS1 This platinum engagement ring centers on a GIA-certified 4.09-carat Asscher-cut diamond graded F color and VS1...
Diamond, Platinum
1.10 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Center Natural Diamond Details: Weight: 1.10ct total weight Cut: Old Europ...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum, Emerald, and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring features a cushion-shaped emerald, surrounded by 10 round old European cut diamonds with additional faceted diamonds on shanks. - Emerald weighs approximately 2.60 carats ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
.20 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Wedding Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .20ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Shank/...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco GIA Certified .44 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
1920s Art Deco 18K White Gold GIA Certified .44 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Blue Sapphires & Filigree Work Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold W...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
.40 Carat Total Weight Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring - VHK#301
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct, total weight Cut: Old European Clarity: F-G Color: VS Band Width: 1...
Diamond, Platinum
.70 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Wedding Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.9 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .70 ct total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clari...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.52 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:2225882394 Weight: 1.52ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:6224862556 Weight: 1.00ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Clarit...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring. This beautiful art deco diamond engagement ring features a gorgeous old mine cut diamond in the center of a ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.06 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5221794366 Weight: 1.06ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.57 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.4grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:5221848949 Weight: 1.57ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K C...
Diamond, Platinum
.55 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 5.7 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .55 carat Color: I Clarity: VS Side Stone D...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.11 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.11 Carat Color: L Clarity: VS1 Side Stone D...
White Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .50 Carat Color: I Clarity: VS2 Side Stone D...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.05 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Carat Weight: 1.05 carat Color: I Clarity: SI2 Side Stone Details: S...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.13 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.9grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 1226860061 Weight: 1.13ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: I C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.31 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.1 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:5222792073 Weight: 1.31ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: Light...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.02 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 6455888095 Weight: 1.02ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color...
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.