Art Deco Platinum Dome Ring, 0.70ct Ruby & 1.56ct Diamond, 1920s
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exquisite Art Deco-era dome ring crafted in platinum, centering an oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 0.70 carats. Surrounding the ruby are 50 antique old mine and small-cut dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Filigree Wide Eternity Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Filigree Wide Eternity Band Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco single cut diamond eternity band is crafted in platinum. The ...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum GIA 1.56 Carat Three Stone Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 6234153818 Weight: .66ct Cut: Old European brilli...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique 1.12 Carat Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive 1920s diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Art Deco Platinum .50ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Diamond Details Center Diamond: .50ct, Old European Brilliant, G Color, SI2 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18KT Gold South Sea Cultured Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A refined Art Deco period ring dating to the 1920s, crafted in solid 18KT gold and centred with a lustrous South Sea cultured pearl. The pearl is framed by a classic cluster of old E...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Art Deco Diamond Ring with Old European Cut Diamonds
Located in San Francisco, CA
Platinum Art Deco diamond ring, from the early Art Deco era, circa 1920s, smothered in Old European Cut diamonds, FG color, VS-SI clarity, approximately 1.06ct. Very delicate milgrai...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique French 2.00 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This antique diamond ring is exceptional quality, set with a stunning feature diamond displaying a fine white colour, brilliance and presence.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA 1.40 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2231052748 Weight: 1.40ct total weig...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco GIA .68 Carat Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2225947668 Weight: .68ct Cut: Old Eu...
Diamond, Platinum
$11,952Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 2.47 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Onyx Ruby Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This cocktail ring, an Art Deco design, centers on a 2.47-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is set with diamond, onyx...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond French Cut Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond French Cut Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The ring features a go...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique 0.83ct Diamond Twist Ring in 18k Gold and Silver
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Estate Art Deco Platinum Filigree Diamond Openwork Ring Size 4.25 3.3g
Located in Addison, TX
Details: Era: Art Deco Metal: Platinum (Tested, Unmarked) Ring Size: 4.25 Weight: 3.3 Grams Gemstones: Natural Diamonds Diamond Count: 13 Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.28 carats M...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco 1.01 Carat Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2239213453 Weight: 1.01ct total weig...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18kt Gold & Paltinum Ring with Green Tourmaline & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite Art Deco filigree ring is crafted in 18kt yellow gold with a platinum top and features a natural emerald-cut green tourmaline with approximately 1.00 carats total weig...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
“Antique 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, 1920s”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 18k yellow gold french ring with natural navy blue sapphire colour estimate weight of 1.20 carars flnaked with 4 old mine cut diamonds with estimate weight of 2 carats H colo...
Antique Art Deco Platinum 0.62ctw Old Diamond All Original Petite Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Circular Cut - Prong Set - H Color - VS1 Clarity - 0.52ct (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single Cut - Pave Set - 0.10ctw...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .91 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:2235121866 Weight: .91ct total weight Cut: Old Euro...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond & Emerald Ribbon Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This truly breathtaking antique diamond engagement ring was crafted in solid platinum during the early art deco period. This ring features a large old European cut diamond that's nea...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Circa 1920s 18K White Gold 1.20ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.9 grams Center Diamond Details: 1.20ct, Natural Diamond, Old Europ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.11 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning 14k yellow and white gold engagement ring from the 1920s. The ring is centered with a sparkling old mine cut diamond that weighs approximately 1.11ct. The color of...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k/Platinum, Switzerland. This beautiful Art Deco ring juxtaposes a charming geometry in sapphire and diamond with a sophisticated pierced sunburst motif. The look is s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Halo Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Halo Engagement Ring - GIA. This beautiful Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA .82 Carat Total Weight 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: 2.8. grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:7235080688 Weight: .82ct total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique 0.26ct Diamond and Pearl 12k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 12k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.2 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .40 carat Color: H Clarity: SI1 Side Stone Det...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
What a stunning ring this is. Encrusted with diamonds, this ring has a lovely sparkle. There are 7 diamonds which total 14pts. The stones are set in platinum. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Art Deco Platinum Dome Ring with European Cut Diamonds – Approx. 2.24 CTW
Located in Fairfield, CT
Art Deco Platinum Dome Ring with European Cut Diamonds – Approx. 2.24 CTW This Art Deco dome ring is made in platinum and set with approximately 2.24 carats total weight of European...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique French 1.48 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique jewelry/estate jewelry. Diamond Quality Color H Clarity P1 Cut Old European Round...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Emerald Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Emerald Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous antique Art Deco old Euro diamond and emerald engagement ring is crafted in plat...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA 1.27 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Diamond Details: GIA Report#:5222947735 Weight: 1.27ct total weight Cut: Old...
Diamond, Platinum
2.0 carat Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, Platinum. This Art Deco engagement ring is set with a sparkly 2.0 carat center stone (L color and SI1 clarity) accented by .20 carats of additional stones. Handmade in p...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.20 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: 2.6 grams Diamond Details: GIA Report Number: 2231041072 Weight: 1.20ct total weigh...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.63 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique gold diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Diamond and Blue Sapphire Art Deco Ring in 18 White Gold
By Kothari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful white diamond round and blue sapphire square ring. Handmade in 18k white gold. Ring size 3.5.
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
1920s Art Deco Platinum 1.09 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Sapphires
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 1.09 carat Color: H Clarity: SI1 Side Stone Det...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold Plate
1920s Antique Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This emerald and diamond ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Shield Ring. This beautiful ring features old european cut diamonds and synthetic sapphires in a long shield rin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Estate Art Deco .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#878a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#878a Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 11 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.50 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing approximately 1.50 carats, and smaller Old European cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.00 ca...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.28 Carat Sapphire and 1.20 Carat Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive 1920s white gold sapphire diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
ART NOUVEAU Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top of the ring is 4.5 mm wide Ring size U...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Jade Diamond Gold Cluster Ring c. 1930
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1930 The 18K white gold ring features a large cabochon cut natural jadeite jade of a soft green color encircled by 14 sparkling bright white (F-G color, VS1-SI clarity) old Eu...
Diamond, Jade
Platinum Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a stunning 3 stone diamond engagement ring from the 1920s Art Deco period made in a platinum setting. The ring is a north to south design with three, bright white, Old Europe...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA certified Antique Art- Deco 2.10 carat Diamond, Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
GIA certified Antique Art-Deco Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring mounted in Platinum Art Deco engagement ring, sizzles in the center with a bright-white and sparkling European-cut diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA .88 Carat Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: 18Karat White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6214923298 Weight: .88carat Cut: Old European brillian...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco 1920s GIA 2.70ct Old European Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Art Deco 1920s GIA 2.70ct Old European Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring - VEG#7b Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 3 Stone 1.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.9 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6224420700 Weight: 1.40ct, total weight Cut: Old European brill...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.52 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring with Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Emerald cut Diamond weighing 0.52 carat and accenting Rubies weighing approximately a total of 1.40 carats. Circa 1920s Size 6 3/4, resizable
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 1.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Bethesda, MD
An exquisite Art Deco platinum diamond ring featuring a stunning approximately 1.25 carat Old European Cut diamond with warm M-O color and VS1 clarity. The timeless design is enhance...
Diamond, Platinum
1925s Art Deco Diamonds Platinum Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum. This Art Deco signet ring features a wide, tapered band, and the setting is adorned with symmetrical geometric lines and 8/8-cut diamonds. At the center, an antique...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.38 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.38 carat, I color, VS clarity, accented by Single cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 2.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old Mine cut center Diamond weighing approximately 2.50 carat, O-P color, VS clarity. The ring features smaller Old Mine and Old European cut diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Rare Antique Tiffany & Co 1.52ct E VVS1 Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Media, PA
Rare Antique Art Deco Tiffany & Co. 1.52ct E VVS1 Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring An extraordinary piece of fine jewelry history, this authentic antique Tiffany & Co. Art De...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 2.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 2.00 carats. The ring features Single cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.50 carats an...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.77 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 1.86 Carat Diamond Platinum Marquise Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Filigree Ring Antique Platinum & 14K WG ~ 1.18ct Center
Located in Fairfield, CT
Art Deco Diamond Filigree Ring Antique Platinum & 14K WG ~ 1.18ct Center This antique Art Deco ring showcases an ~1.18 carat old-cut center diamond surrounded by approximately 1.26 ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$20,300Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Toi-Et-Moi Ring In Platinum.
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Art Deco Toi-et-moi engagement ring in Platinum featuring a total of 3.5 carats approximately of exceptional old mine cut diamonds. This elegant composition showcases ...
Diamond, Platinum
.80 Carat Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat YG & Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: 18karat Yellow Gold & Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .80carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F-G Clarity...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, 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.