Art Deco 0.90 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Ring Platinum L VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 0.90 Carats Center Diamond Color: L Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Secondary S...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.10 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
A true Art Deco masterpiece, this exquisite ring features a stunning round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 1.20 carats. The center diamond, graded G in color and VVS2 in...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.56 Carat Diamond Solitaire Filigree Vintage Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An elegant art deco engagement ring featuring a 0.56 Carat European-cut diamond, set in a detailed platinum band.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.25 Carat Yellow Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT#2201883948 Weight: 1.25 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: Fa...
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Antique rose cut diamond 18k white gold bombe ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful antique diamond bombe ring from the 1920’s captures the romance and artistry of the Art Deco era with a softly domed silhouette and glowing rose cut diamond detail.
Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Chaumet 5.69ct E Type IIA Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Chaumet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This is a magnificant antique diamond ring. The diamond is an antique emerald cut of 5.69cts. The diamond is E color. Importantly, it is type iia, which means the stone is free of im...
Diamond, Platinum
4.60tcw 18K Natural Sapphire & Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured here is a very special vintage ring from the early 1920's with sapphire and old European cut diamonds!
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,220Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Emerald and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite antique cocktail ring showcases a stunning, vibrant, deep green emerald at its heart, cut in a sophisticated eight-sided step cut. The central gemstone is framed by a ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
A French Platinum Art Deco Ring with Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An art deco platinum ring formed from two optically interlaced surfaces, one set with baguette cut diamonds (app. 1.4 ct, G-H, Vs-Si) and the other surface is set with brilliant cut ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Target Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G, Clarity: SI Ruby Dimensions: 16 (1mm) Total Remaining Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.04ct Tested As: Platinum & 18ct Gold Period: Circa. 1920 Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.85 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Engagement Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 0.85 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secon...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.20 carat sapphire and 0.87 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This ...
Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Platinum Eternity Band Ring with 1.00 Cts in Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite circa 1920s Art Deco eternity band is crafted in platinum and set with 19 natural round-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat in H color and VS clarity. Elega...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.05 Carat Diamond and 14K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive 1920's diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.29 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2213866333 Weight: 1.29carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum GIA 1.30 Carat Diamond Brilliant Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:5231213075 Weight: 1.30ct total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco 1.18 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.9 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.18 Carat Color: H Clarity: VS1 Polish: Go...
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.78 Carat Diamond and Platinum Marquise Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning fine and impressive antique 1.78 carat diamond and platinum, marquise shaped cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.5 grams Ring Size: Q (58) - Resizable Band Width: 4.4mm Face Dimensions: 18.5mm x 13.5mm Ruby Dimensions: 1 (3.5mm x 3mm), 2 (3mm), 2 (3mm x 2mm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA .54 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.6 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5211864490 Weight: .54carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .85 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5212696278 Weight: .85carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
French 1920s Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive French diamond engagement ring has been crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
1920s 1.81 Carat Diamond Trilogy Ring in Palladium
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive diamond ring is supplied with three independent diamond grading report certificates for the feature stones.
Diamond, Palladium, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 1.75 carat old European cut diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Art Deco diamond ring is a classic 1920’s piece, centered by a GIA-certified old European cut diamond weighing 1.75 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.1 grams Ring Size: L 1/2 (52) Band Width: 1.5mm Face Dimensions: 15mm x 8mm Sapphire Dimensions: 4 (3mm x 3mm x 2mm) Centre Diamond Weight: Appr...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA 1.20 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: GIA REPORT #: 5222039509 Weight: 1.20carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Cert Art Deco Period Platinum 1.18 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Media, PA
GIA Certified Vintage Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring (1.18 Carats) A stunning original Art Deco piece, this handcrafted platinum engagement ring centers on a sparkling 1.1...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum 1.00ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920s Platinum 1.00ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#33c Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: ...
Diamond, Platinum
.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 5.5 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Cut Brilliant Carat Weight: .20 carat Color: F Clarity: VS1 Side Ston...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.18ct Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
This ring is from the 1920's, and is in very good condition.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
.65 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .65ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: VS1 Side Diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 16.60 Carat High Zircon and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 16.60 carat high zircon and 0.06 carat diamond, platinum solitaire ring; part of our 1920s jewellery collections.
Diamond, Zircon, Platinum
.40 Carat Total Weight Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
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
Art Deco 1.50 Carat Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Era: Antique, Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Material: Platinum Ring Size: Resizable to any finger size at no additional cost This striking antique ring centers a 1.50-carat old European ...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring. GIA 1.60ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring JVS2
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco, Circa 1920 Material: Platinum Ring Size: 6.25 This elegant antique engagement ring centers a GIA-certified 1.60-carat old European cut diamond in J color and VS2 clar...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.70 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 0.70 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring m. Beautiful ring featuring 7 diamonds totaling 0.70 carat approx. the ring is a size 6.5 and weights 2.2 grams 14k solid gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.01 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.31 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.01ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: H Clarity: SI2 Side Diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautiful diamond cluster ring crafted at a time when the Art Deco style was at the height of design. A round faceted old European cut diamond sits slightly risen in a...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Elongated 18k White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Refined detailing and crisp architectural lines that embody the sophistication and glamour that defined an era. Ring Details Material: 18k White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920-1940 Head L...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: VS Finger to Top...
Diamond, Platinum
.45 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .45ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1 Side Diamonds: .10ct,...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.42 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.42 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse collection of 1920s diamond rings.
Diamond, White Gold
.30 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.65 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .30ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS Finger to To...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.50 Carat Burmese Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous Art Deco ring focally featuring a single 2.50 carat oval faceted pink sapphire at the centre of the face. This vibrant natural stone is of Burmese origin and ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
1.15 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.13 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.15ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: O/P Clarity: VS1 Finger t...
Diamond, Platinum
.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.16 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G-H Clarity: VS Finger to T...
Diamond, Platinum
.51 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .51ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1 Finger to To...
Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.33 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .50ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G-H Clarity: VS/SI Finger to ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco French 0.90 Carat Diamond Solitaire Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring is directly from the Art Deco era circa 1920.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique French Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique French Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. This incredible French Art Deco old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This gorgeo...
Diamond, Platinum
.65 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .65ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: E/F Clarity: VS 2 Side Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
1.35 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.35ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: O-P Clarity: VS1 Finger to Top...
Diamond, Platinum
.70 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 Diamond Details: Weight: .70ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Finger to Top of Sto...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .79 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 2225745139 Weight: .79ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.00 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2221680504 Weight: 1.00ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.84 Carat Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Size P (56.5)
Located in London, GB
Here we have an Art Deco half-eternity ring. This platinum piece features seven bright white round faceted old cut diamonds; all of which have been individually claw set in a single ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.00 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Marquise cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat, F-G color, VS2-SI1 clarity, and two Tapered Baguette cut side Diamonds weighing approximatel...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Cabochon Star Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Cabochon Star Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco star sapphire and diamond cocktail ring is crafted in platinum. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.37 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 18 karat White Gold Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2195560656 Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.00 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 11 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: 1.00ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS Finger to Top of Ston...
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.