.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
$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
Edwardian 14k Rose Gold Amethyst and Diamond Halo Ring - VHK#221
Located in Hicksville, NY
Edwardian 14k Rose Gold Amethyst and Diamond Halo Ring - VHK#221 Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14k Rose Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8 grams Diamond Details: Old...
Amethyst, Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Emerald Cut Diamond Baguette Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Emerald Cut Diamond Baguette Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The center holds an exceptional emer...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco GIA 1.02ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2231203418 Weight: 1.02ct total weight ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco diamond cluster ring, circa 1925.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with an octagonal Asscher cut diamond, J colour, VS1 clarity, with a weight of 2.65 carats in an open back claw setting, surrounded twent...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 0.20 ct diamond and ruby ring, 1920s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An old gold ring in the Art Deco style made of yellow gold (approx. 0.700) with silver elements (0.990). Made in the 1920s in Germany. A centrally placed round diamond in an "old" ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1.37 Carat Diamond and White Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The stunning antique diamond ring displays five Old European cut diamonds graduating in size, held within platinum white gold claw settings.
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Birks Platinum Old European Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Birks Platinum Old European Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring. This incredible Art Deco old European cut diamond and emerald ring is crafted in platinum. This r...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring. This beautiful shield ring is crafted in platinum. There are old european cut diamonds and French cut s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum GIA 1.32ctw Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Circular Cut - Dual Prong Set - G Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.97ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Inf...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring A ring set with diamonds & two triangle cut rubies. Approximate diamond weight: 1.10 carats Approximate ruby Weight: .30 carat Ring Size: 6.5...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 1.50 Carat Star Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Star Ruby weighing approximately 1.50 carat, and Single cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.60 carat. Circa 1920s Size 6 1/4, ...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Baguette & Round Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Marquise Cut - Bezel Set - VS2 Clarity / G Color - 0.50ct (approx.) (18) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Marquise, Baguette & Round Cut...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.30 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.22 carats total - M color with VS2 clarity Set with wide prongs and flanked by single cut diamonds bead set in shoulder...
Diamond, Platinum
Deco Platinum Filigree 3 Cts. of European Cut Diamond Ring Size 8.5
Located in Lexington, KY
This absolutely remarkable Deco ring is in platinum with fine filigree and engraved details and boasts five breathtakingly fiery white mine cut diamonds. The unique layout of the rin...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 14K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Venice, CA
A beautiful period piece from the Art Deco era, this 14k white gold ring has all the classic elements that makes the Art Deco era special. The central diamond is held in an elongated...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Platinum Heart Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in Aventura, FL
This enchanting Art Deco style ring captures romance and sophistication, crafted in lustrous platinum and 18kt yellow gold and featuring a magnificent 1.75-carat heart-shaped emerald...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring - Size 6
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring - Size 6. This beautiful Art Deco single cut diamond eternity ring is crafted in platinum. This beautiful ri...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Floral Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Floral Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ring features a gorgeou...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring - Size 5 1/2
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring - Size 5 1/2. This gorgeous Art Deco single cut diamond eternity band is crafted in platinum. This beautiful...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Jung & Klitz Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Filigree Wedding Ring. This breathtaking antique old mine three stone diamond ring is crafted in platinum. The ri...
Diamond, Platinum
14K & Platinum GIA .72ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#2311a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold & Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.8 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 1232444047 Weight:...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined Art Deco three-stone ring . At the centre of the face we find an oval faceted red ruby with slight pinky undertone commanding attention. This principal stone i...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified Circular Brilliant Emerald Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2181569563 Shape: Circular Brill...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.5 Carat Marquise Diamond Platinum Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite antique engagement ring features a stunning approximate 2.5 carat marquise-cut diamond, elegantly set in lustrous platinum. Its timeless design is further enhanced by ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.20 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.20ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: M Clarity: VS1 Finger ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Sugarloaf Emerald and Baguette Diamond Ring, GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Sugarloaf Emerald and Baguette Diamond Ring. This stunning ring has a large 4.73 ct sugarloaf emerald in a deep green color that is set in a plati...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Moonstone Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Moonstone Shield Ring. This incredible shield ring has old european cut diamonds all over it in a gorgeous design with a ...
Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum
French Art Deco Jade Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
French Art Deco Jade Diamond Ring Center Diamond approx 1.02 ct Set in Platinum. French Stamp Made In France Circa 1925 Sizable to any size
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.85 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 0.85 carat, and 4 accenting Single-cut Diamonds. Circa 1920s Size 7 3/4, resizable
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.29 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing approximately 1.29 Carats, E-F color, VS clarity. The ring features 6 smaller Diamonds on the setting that...
Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .50 carat total weight Cut: Antique Rose Cut Color: G Clarity: VS...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The brilliant cut diamond set within this gorgeous 18ct gold band is so sparkly and bright. It measures 50pts so is a great size! Ring Size: T 1/4 or 9 3/4 Band Width: 6mm Height ...
Diamond, Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.01 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.01 carat, M-N color, VS2 clarity. The ring features small accenting Old European cut Diamonds on ...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s 18K White Gold Filigree Diamond Love Bird Ring with GIA Report
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a breathtaking 18K white gold ring from the 1920s that showcases gorgeous filigree and a stunning bright white diamond! Eight prongs secure an icy white diamond that is sure ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1920s Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Navette Evil Eye 18k Gold Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Two rows of old mine cut diamonds, hand-set in scalloped settings, arranged in a sweet navette silhouette that curves across the finger. The face of the ring is all sparkle, with twe...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
.70 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum & 14 Karat WG Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum Head & 14 Karat White Gold Shank [Tested] Weight: 2.9 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .70 Carat Total Weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
.15 Carat Total Weight Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 18 karat White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .15 carat total weight Cut: Old European brilliant ...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond, Platinum and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This cluster holds bags of detail and sparkle. The cluster holds 9 diamond points and are set in platinum and the ring is modelled in 18carat gold. Ring Size: I or 4 1/4 Cluster D...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat, K color, VS1 clarity. The ring features smaller accenting Old European cut Diamonds on ...
Diamond, Platinum
1925 Art Deco Platinum & Diamond Bypass Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This stunning bypass ring comes from the 1925 Art Deco period and was made in platinum with shimmering diamonds. The sleek design is brought to life by the larger endpoint diamonds t...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.80 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 0.80 carat, G color, SI1 clarity The ring features accenting small Diamonds on the setting weighing...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum and 1 Carat Diamond Ring. Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary St...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural unenhanced sapphire in an open back rubover millegrain setting with an approximate weight of 2.00 carat...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing 0.87 carat, H color, VS2. The ring features 2 additional Old European cut side Diamonds weighing a ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#313a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#313a Year: 1920s Item Details: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams (All Items Total) Cente...
Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Old European cut Diamond at the center weighing 1.87 carat, K Color, VS1 Clarity, GIA #5121821168. The ring features 6 additional smal...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Marquise Diamond and Emerald Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Marquise Diamond and Emerald Shield Ring. This gorgeous antique shield ring is crafted in platinum. The ring has old cut diamonds and an ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
.20 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum & 14 Karat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum Top & 14 Karat Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: . grams Diamond Details: Weight: .20 carat total weight Cut: Old European br...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s Tiffany & Co. 1.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Old European cut Diamond center stone weighing approximately 1.00 carat and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds surrounding it weighing approximately a tot...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Diamond Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive Art Deco ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 2.20 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old Mine cut Diamond weighing approximately 2.20 carats, I-J color, SI2 clarity. The ring features small Old European cut Diamonds on the setting w...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA Diamond Sapphire Engagement Ring Old Euro Mined 1ct Platinum
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920s Art Deco GIA 1ct Diamond Sapphire Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring Featuring a SPECTACULAR GIA Certified .72ct Old European Cut Natural Mined D...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 7.12 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Old European cut Diamond weighing 7.12 carats, J color, VS2 clarity, GIA #2175777646. The ring features accenting Baguette and Round c...
Diamond, Platinum
An Art-Deco Willis & Sons 0.60ct Sapphire, Diamond 15K Gold & Platinum Halo Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of timeless Solitaire with Accents design this handmade piece is dating back to an Art-Deco period – c1920’s By prominent Melbourne-based jeweller Willis & Sons Centrally se...
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 2.15 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Old European cut Diamond weighing 2.15 carats, F color, SI1 clarity, GIA #1146620231. The ring features small accenting Old European c...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Old Cut Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Old Cut Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The center holds a beautiful natural...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Old Mine White & Champagne Diamond You and Me Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Old Mine White & Champagne Diamond You and Me Ring An Art Deco ring featuring a brown and a white old mine diamond, accented with baguette and round-cut diamonds on bot...
White Diamond, Brown 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.