Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Double Halo Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 5.1 grams Ring Size: P (56) Face Dimensions: 16.5mm x 15mm Sapphire Weight: Approx. 2.0 carats Diamonds: Approx. 0.40 carats, Colour: G-H, Clarity...
Sapphire, White Gold
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
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 18k white gold ring with diamonds and synthetic sapphires, circa 1920
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Deco 18k white gold ring with diamonds and synthetic sapphires, circa 1920
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Art Deco Fancy Sapphire and Diamond Ring GIA No Heat Sri Lanka Circa 1920's
Located in Wailea, HI
This exquisite Art Deco ring features a stunning 1.71-carat fancy-cut sapphire, certified by GIA as having "no heat" treatment and originating from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), known for its ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 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
Rare Art Deco Period Sapphire & Diamond Ring With IGI Report
Located in Media, PA
Title: Rare Platinum Ring with 13.00x10.35mm Lab-Grown Sapphire and Diamond Accents Ring Size 7.5 Description: This bold and modern platinum ring showcases a striking laboratory-g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a sweet and charming cluster ring dating back to the Art Deco movement. This elegant piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold and features a single round faceted sapp...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Asscher Cut Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an intricately crafted ring taken from a time when the Art Deco style was at the height of world design. At its centre we find a single asscher cut diamond, exhibiting a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
White Gold Ring Dark Pink Sapphire Diamond Filigree Art Nouveau 1920's
Located in Wallkill, NY
Lovely 1920's 14K White Gold Ring. Dark Pink Lab Created Sapphire with Diamonds on each side.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
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 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
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 Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a sweet and charming cluster ring dating back to the Art Deco movement. This elegant piece has been crafted from 18ct white gold and features a single round faceted sapp...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Moi et Toi Diamond Sapphire East West Ring, Circa 1920
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, rare Art Deco period platinum Moi et Toi ring featuring an impressive pair of kite cut natural diamond and natural sapphire gemstones in the east-west formation framed by O...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Double Target Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.4 grams Ring Size: P (57) Band Width: 2mm Face Dimensions: 15mm x 12mm Target Dimensions: 2 (6mm) Total Old Cut Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.24 Car...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.60 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite Art Deco ring. Crafted from platinum, this piece focally features a captivating blue sapphire at the centre of the face. This round faceted principal stone ...
Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco old cut diamond sapphire navette platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Art Deco navette ring showcases two beautifully matched old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, displaying a soft and elegant brilliance with H-I ...
Blue Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 1.52 carat diamond sapphire platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional Art Deco engagement ring is a beautifully detailed jewel from the 1920’s, centered by a GIA-certified cushion brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.52 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Platinum Ring with Old Mine Diamond and Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
Circa 1920s, this striking Art Deco ring is expertly crafted in platinum and features a captivating center old mine-cut natural diamond weighing approximately 1.10 carats, graded H-I...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco diamond synthetic sapphire 18k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Art Deco diamond and synthetic sapphire ring is a timeless 1920’s design, centered by an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.50 carat.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Halo Ring with 0.29ct Sapphire & 0.22ct Diamonds
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco platinum ring from the 1920s showcases a vibrant sapphire, accented by sparkling old European cut diamonds, capturing timeless elegance with vintage charm.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Dainty Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
A beautiful Art Deco cocktail ring showcasing rich blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds in an elegant, timeless design that celebrates vintage craftsmanship.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond And Sapphire Ring. Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring Platinum Filigree
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.45ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: I1 Secondary Stones: Sapphi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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
1920s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.22 carat sapphire and 0.62 carat diamond, 14k yellow gold and 14k white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 18k Gold & Platinum Ring with Sapphires & Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: 1920´s Style: Art Deco Metal: 18Kt yellow Gold and Platinum Stone: Natural Diamonds & Sapphire Ring size: 6 1/4 (sizable).
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
.80 Carat Total Weight Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.2 grams Stone Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Total Carat Weight: .80 carat total weight Color: F Clarity: VS ...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Pearl Diamond Sapphire Ring 3.8g 0.35ct
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 3.8g Art Deco Pearl and Diamond Ring This ring is an authentic Art Deco piece crafted in platinum. It features a central white pearl, surrounded by old mine cut diam...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Platinum
0.32tcw 14K Natural Sapphire & Diamond Floral Petite Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
0.32 TCW Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Natural Genuine Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Cocktail Ring. The piece was hand made with solid yellow gold. The round shape sapphires are 100% genuine wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.53tcw 14K Marquise Sapphire & Diamond Dainty Vintage Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
0.53 TCW Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Natural Genuine Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Cocktail Ring. The piece was hand made with solid yellow gold. The pear and marquise shape sapphires are 100...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s 1.07 Carat Sapphire and 1.54 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1920's Art Deco 18ct Gold & Platinum French Sapphire, Coral & Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cocktail Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum French Stamped- The owl and the Mascaron hallmark of the head of the bearded man. Circa 1920s This stunning 1920s cocktail ring is...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique French Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique 1920's blue sapphire and diamond cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring Belais
By Belais
Located in Montgomery, AL
They were known for manufacturing high quality white gold jewelry during the early 1900's. Ring Details Material: 18K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Designer: Belais Head Widt...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 11.70 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding cocktail ring taken from the height of the Art Deco movement. This platinum piece focally features a remarkable 11.70 carat rectangular cut natural Ceylon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Filigree Ring, Synthetic Sapphire Accents, Circa 1920s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Three old European cut diamonds step down the center of this ring in a vertical row, each one bezel-set so the metal frames the stone in an unbroken circle of light rather than letti...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Saddle Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Saddle Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco old mine diamond and sapphire saddle ring is crafted in platinum. This incredibl...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco GIA Certified 2.04ct Old European Cut Diamond & Sapphire Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This is a gorgeous art deco 'target' ring that was made around 1920 in Germany. The main stone is a 2.04ct old european cut diamond, that is M color and SI1 clarity.
Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold
8.46 carat Diamond and sapphire target ring, early 20th Century.
Located in London, GB
8.46 carat Diamond and sapphire target ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape old mine cut diamond, O-P colour, SI1 clarity with a weight of 8.46 carats, in an open back rubover se...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Blue Sapphire And Diamond Ring handcrafted In Platinum. The details are as follows : Diamond weight : 1.40 carat approx ( GH color and VS clarity ) Ring size : 6
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1925 Antique Platinum Cluster Ring with Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.28 carat sapphire and 0.48 carat diamond, platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$3,560Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Deco Platinum 2.51ctw Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 1 Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Oval Cut - Prong Set - I1 Clarity - Light Yellow Color - 8x5.8x3.11mm - 1.01ctw approx. 128 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European & ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Two Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A simply stunning sapphire and diamond ring dating back to the early 20th century. The ring is crafted in platinum and features an antique emerald cut diamond that sits above or belo...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.40Ct Sapphire and 2.02Ct Diamond, 9k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive sapphire and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1920s Unheated Pink Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Sapphire Center Stone Details: Weight: 1.00ct total weight Cut: Old Mine Oval C...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum French Sugarloaf Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum French Sugarloaf Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring. This incredible engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The center holds a natural sugarloaf sa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1920s 1.45 Carat Diamond 1.58 Carat Sapphire Platinum Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This stunning antique 1920's sapphire and diamond ring is fine quality set with a natural blue sapphire and a very high color graded old cut diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum 5.25 Carat Diamond & Sapphire ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Elegant Art Deco Platinum ring featuring 17 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 5.25 carats, with H-I color and VS2-Sl1 clarity, accented by 4 blue sapphires totaling...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Round Diamond & Calibre Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Ring, circa 1920s Round-cut center stone of 1.35 carats with color J-K, clarity SI1-SI2; remaining diamonds weigh 0.50 carat; calibre-cut sapphires of 1 ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Double Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Double Ring. This gorgeous Antique Art Deco old European diamond and sapphire ring is crafted in platinum. The ring ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Full Eternity Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Art Deco Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Full Eternity Band Ring delightful sapphire and diamond stone ring, truly sparkles The item comes without the box in the photos but will be...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.07 Carat GIA Transitional Cut Diamond & Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Super quality Art Deco era 1.07 Carat "Transitional" Cut Diamond & Sapphire Navette Ring composed of platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Palladium 1.13 CTW Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Ocala, FL
A distinctive vintage palladium ring showcasing an elegant asymmetrical bypass design accented with diamonds and sapphires. The composition features two old European-cut diamonds tot...
Diamond, Sapphire, Palladium
Antique Platinum 0.75ctw Center Old European Cut Diamond & 0.32ctw Sapphire Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This exquisite antique ring showcases timeless elegance with its 0.75-carat Old European cut diamond (JK Color & SI2 Clarity) at the center, celebrated for its romantic sparkle a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
French Art Deco GIA 4.50 carat Ceylon no heat sapphire diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary French Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring is a refined 1920’s jewel, centered by a GIA-certified cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 4.50 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds one sapphire measuring 35pts and the diamond total is 14pts. The glossy gold band is modelled in 18ct gold and the stones are set in platinum. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
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
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.