Platinum Edwardian Openwork Filigree Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Diamond Details: .50ct total weight, old European cut diamonds, G ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.60 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite cluster ring crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. At the centre of the face we find a striking 1.60 carat round faceted old European cut di...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring. 2.80ct Old European Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
The platinum mounting is further enhanced by an openwork under-gallery and fine milgrain, adding delicate texture and intricate craftsmanship without compromising the clean geometry ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Excellent) Weight: 3.7 grams Ring Size: M (52) Principal Diamond: 2.15 carats, Colour: H, Clarity: VS2 Further Diamonds: Approx. 0.40 carats Marked: French eagles he...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1920s 18K White Gold Filigree Diamond Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous white gold filigree ring comes from the 1920s Art Deco period and showcases a bright white diamond in the center. The round cut, VS1 clarity, G color, .15 carat diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
EGL Certified 1.00 Carat Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This elegant 1920's Art Deco engagement ring features an EGL-certified 1.00 carat diamond, beautifully set in enduring platinum, accented by two single cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.1 grams Size: O (55) Band Width: 1.5mm Face Dimensions: 16mm x 11mm Amethyst Weight: Approx. 2.50ct Diamond Dimensions: Approx. 36 (1mm) Period:...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.10 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #5201986347 Weight: 1.03ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: J Clarit...
White Diamond, Platinum
.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.1 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .40 Carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: J Clarity: V...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT#2201969218 Weight: 1.50 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color:...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.92 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT#2215045965 Weight: 1.92 carat Cut: Old European Color: I Clarity: SI...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .76 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:2211211078 Weight: .76 carat Cut: Old European Brill...
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Oval Cabochon Emerald & Diamonds approx. 0.55 cts. Color/Clarity: Rich Vibrant Green / Diamonds F-G VS Certifications: AGL Certified Size: 6.0 Creator: Tiffany & Co. Me...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.40 Carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: Q-R (Light ...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.13 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2215104049 Weight: 1.13 carat Cut: Old Mine Brilliant, Antique Cus...
White Diamond, Platinum
.55 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .55carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1 Finger to To...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.70 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6213082056 Weight: 1.70 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color...
White Diamond, Platinum
.93 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .93 Carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: K Clarity: V...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.57 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Art deco platinum and diamond engagement ring. The ring plays host to a 2.57 carat old European cut diamond set in a clawed mount. The gallery of the ring features an eleg...
Diamond, Platinum
.44 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: Weight: .44ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS2...
Diamond, Platinum
.20 Carat Total Weight Diamond Wedding Band Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .20 carat, total weight Cut: Antique Single Cut Color: F Clarity: VS1 Finger t...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.05 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: 1.05 carat, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI2/I1...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Diamond and White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive 1920s diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.45 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.45 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: O/P Light Yellow Clarity...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.7 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:2211054397 Weight: 1.17 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color...
White Diamond, Platinum
$5,500
Art Deco Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, Platinum, American. This chic Art Deco diamond ring perfectly catches the light from every angle for a delightfully glittering presence. Set with a brilliant white .65 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Ring 1925
Located in Geneva, CH
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Ring. Old mine cut Diamond. Circa 1925. Total gross weight: 4.66 grams. Size: 5.25 US.
Diamond, Platinum
$4,560Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Filigree Fine .65 Ct. Diamond and 18K White Gold Ring, American, c. 1920
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique filigree diamond 18K white gold ring. The center European cut diamond weighs an estimated .65 cts. It is near colorless (H/I) and very slightly included (VS). This fine di...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum Art Deco 1.1tcw Diamond Motif Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vintage ring is crafted in platinum and showcases a total of 1.1 carats of sparkling diamonds arranged in an intricate Art Deco motif. The geometric design reflects the...
Diamond, Platinum
Kobrin Bros. Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined navette ring crafted by the esteemed Kobrin Bros consortium during the Art Deco period. This platinum piece showcases two prominent bright white round old cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
.30 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 3.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .30carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Side Stone...
Diamond, Platinum
.70 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .70carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI2 Side Stone D...
Diamond, Platinum
.55 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .55 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: E Clarity: VS1 Side Stone ...
Diamond, Platinum
.25 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .25 Carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Ru...
White Diamond, Platinum
.45 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .45carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Side Stone De...
Diamond, Platinum
.90 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .90carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clarity: SI1 Side Stone...
Diamond, Platinum
.60 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: Weight: .60carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1 Side Sto...
Diamond, Platinum
.82 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .82carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clarity: SI2 Side Ston...
Diamond, Platinum
.55 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .55ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI1 Side Stone Det...
Diamond, Platinum
.75 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .75 Carat Cut: Antique Step Cut Color: F Clarity: VS ...
Diamond, Platinum
.85 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.4 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .85 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: SI2 Side Stone ...
Diamond, Platinum
.71 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: .0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .71 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: I-J Clarity: VS Side Stone ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.28 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.28 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI3 (Eye Cle...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.3CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This beauty would make for a great everyday right hand ring!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 14.1mm Head Height: 4.7mm Shank Width: 2mm Weight...
Diamond, Platinum
1.20 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.20carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Clarity: VS1 Measuremen...
Diamond, Platinum
1.99 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.99ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: L Clarity: VS2 Measurements...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Old European Diamond Platinum Orange Blossom Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brogan Stamped for platinum Circa: 1920 Ring Size: 3 1/2 and sizable with possible loss of inscription Measures north to south 10.1 mm and sits 4.4 mm high Total Weight: 2.9 grams St...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond Target Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a lovely French Art Deco 1920s diamond cluster ring. The ring features an elegantly crafted square face which is set with single cut diamonds and a central old cut diamond. T...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Pltainum Old European Diamond and Onyx Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8 grams Center Diamond Details: .55ct, Old European Brilliant, F Color, VS...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful sapphire and diamond cluster ring taken from the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. A single round faceted old mine cut diamond sits proud at the centre of ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified .57 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: 18k white gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT#2205551494 Weight: .57 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Col...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring A white gold art deco ring set with a old minue cushion-cut diamond accented by square-cut emeralds Approximate Emerald Weight: .55 Approximate Di...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
.95 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 14 karat White Gold [Tested & Hallmarked] Weight: 2.1 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .95 carat C...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian diamond ruby 18k yellow gold platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Edwardian ring is alive with intricate detail, set with 21 old mine and rose cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.40 carat in total. Graded H color and SI clarity, the diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This striking Art Deco platinum ring is a masterclass in geometric glamour and vintage elegance. At its center sits a .71 carat emerald-cut diamond, framed by a scintillating array o...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.05 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.6 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 6207320069 Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.05 c...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.39 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:1172618082 Weight: 1.39 carat Cut: Antique Cushion Color: G Clari...
White Diamond, Platinum
.35 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .35 carat Cut: Antique Cushion Color: G Clarity: VS Finger to Top of S...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Ring with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
This stunning Art Deco ring epitomizes the geometric elegance of the 1920s, crafted in lustrous platinum and featuring 20 old mine diamonds totaling 0.80 carats in beautiful H color ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum Ring with Diamonds and Sapphire
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum Art Deco ring in the shape of a navette set with one central old cut diamonds (app. 0.3 carat, VS) and old cut diamonds around (app. 1.20 carat in total, SI) with two angu...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.