Vintage Art Deco Austrian Ring Chrysoprase Onyx Diamond Sz 7.75 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco chrysoprase, onyx & diamond ring (circa 1925 to 1930s) crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Chrysophrase, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Deco Engagement Ring. 1.70ct Old Euro Cut Ring Platinum Engraved KVS2
Located in New York, NY
Origin: French Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Material: Platinum Ring Size: 6.25, Resizable at No Additional Cost This elegant French Art Deco ring, handcrafted circa 1925, centers a...
Diamond, Platinum
ART DECO 1930 Platinum Cocktail Ring With Star Blue Moonstone & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art-deco platinum ring with moonstone and diamonds.
Diamond, Moonstone, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18K White Gold 1.5ctw Old Cut Diamond and Pearl Openwork Panel Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
This stunning Art Deco ring is set to the centre with a gorgeous old European cut diamond.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.51ct GIA Certified Hexagonal Diamond & Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Los Angeles, US
Art Deco style cocktail ring featuring a 1.51 carat hexagonal Diamond certified by GIA (J color, SI1) along with 0.93 carat of accent Diamonds and 0.56 carat of Blue Sapphires on eac...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring. GIA No Heat 5 Sapphires Platinum Elongated
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stones: Natural No-Heat Sapphires Secondary Stones: Diamonds Sapphire Cut: Oval Cut Diamond Cut: Old Cut Diamonds Certification: GIA Certificate Jewelry T...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2.50 Carat Colombian Emerald 1.12 Carat Diamond Platinum Dress Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Dating from the glamorous 1920s, the ring reflects the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Art Deco era, making it an outstanding gift for milestone birthdays, landmark anniversaries,...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum and 14K White Gold 0.85ctw Old Cut Diamond Trilogy Panel Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
This statuesque Art Deco ring is centred upon a large, old European cut diamond.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Three Stone Engagement Ring. 1TCW Euro Diamond Platinum Ring I-JVS1-VS2
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1.00-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: I-J Color Primary ...
Diamond, Platinum
$33,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Sapphire Art Deco Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Art Deco period target ring represents a quintessential example of 1920s jewelry craftsmanship from Germany. At the heart of the piece sits a stunning 2-carat old mine...
Diamond, Sapphire
Art Deco Platinum Ring with 0.45ct Diamond and Onyx, Circa 1940
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Total diamond weight approx.: 2 carats. Ring Size: 56EU (7.75USA) and can be resized, *The term “Art Deco” comes from the Exposition International des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Marchak, Paris Art Deco sugarloaf onyx, coral, and emerald cocktail ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco onyx, emerald, and coral cocktail ring, centered by a sugarloaf onyx, with diamond-set shoulders centering cabochon coral and emeralds, in an 18k yellow gold and platinum...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.60 Carat Wedding Ring. Old Euro and Transitional Eternity Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Primary Stone: Diamonds Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.60-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Jewelry Type: Eternity Band Jewelry...
Diamond, Platinum
1925s Art Deco Tourmaline Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Antique jewel - Work from 1925. Our opinion : A vivid raspberry pink tourmaline beautifully showcased on this Art Deco diamond ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, P...
Art Deco 18K White Gold Thalassa Ring with Blue Sapphires & Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, US
Art Deco ring featuring 0.69 carat of Blue Sapphires and 1.41 carats of Diamonds set in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.0 Ct Twin Diamond Plus 18 KT Filigree ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This absolutely gorgeous double Diamond ring is Art Deco period, 1925 ca Superb filigree work as favorite expression of the Deco period entirely hand made of solid 18 KT gold The fan...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.66 Carat Diamond and 14 Carat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive Art Deco 0.66 carat diamond and 14 carat gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
French, 1925s, Art Deco Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Magnificent Art Deco ring, its setting presents an original shape closed set in the center of a round sapphire of an intense blue, underlined by rose- cut diamonds and two curves of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Art Deco Platinum 1.45 Carat GIA Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American Art Deco era 1.45 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring composed of platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
French 1925s Certified Fine Pearl Baguette, Cut Diamonds Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Platinum ring, dog head hallmark. Charming antique ring from the Art Deco period, it is adorned with a fine pearly white orient pearl, with a baguette-cut diamond on either side in a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
French 1925s Art Deco Fine Pearl Diamond Platinum You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Authentic antique jewel - French work from 1925. Our opinion : Fine pearls are rare and incomparable to cultured pearls, this sublime Art Deco ring is adorned with 2 magnificent spec...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Magnificent Art Deco Black Opal Platinum Plaque Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Stunning black opal ring, rendered in platinum and framed in diamond-studded platinum lace. The ring measures 1 1/8 inches long and looks incredibly elegant on the finger. FInished w...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
French 1925s Art Deco Diamonds Verneuil Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Authentic antique jewel - French work from 1925. Our opinion : This charming Art Deco ring bears witness to an era that saw the emergence of the “Verneuil” synthesis technique, which...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring with GIA Certified 2.50 Carat
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant and finely executed Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring, crafted in platinum circa 1925–1935, featuring a GIA-certified natural Ceylon sapphire of exceptional presence and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
ART DECO 1920 Platinum Cocktail Ring With 26.65 Cwt. In Sapphires And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art-deco platinum ring with large sapphire and diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
French 1925s Art Deco Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Shuttle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Antique jewelry - French work from 1925. Our opinion : The shape of this Art Deco sapphire-diamond ring is original and slender.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Marcasite & Pyrite Sterling Filigree WideBand Silver Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Encrusted with mixed-cut pyrite and marcasite stones for gold and silver reflections, this extremely-sparkly double-rimmed wide thick sterling-silver ring was designed by an artisan ...
Marcasite, Pyrite, Sterling Silver
Art Deco 1.08ct Unheated Purple Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, US
Art Deco ring featuring a 1.08 carat unheated bezel-set Purple Sapphire, 0.63 carat of Blue Sapphires and 0.34 carats of Diamonds set in 18K White Gold.
Purple Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
1920s Platinum Art Deco 1 Carat Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American Size 5.75
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1920s Platinum Art Deco 1 Carat total Diamond weight Toi et Moi Design Antique Ring Size 5.75 9.2 gram Earth mined Diamonds; 28 pieces estimated of 0.02 Carat each single cut di...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 2.10 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Sapphire Engagement Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Certification: GIA Certified Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
$2,235Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco with 0.84ct Diamonds & 0.20ct Emerald in 18k Gold & 925 Silver Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
A rare and beautiful Art Deco ring from the 1925-1930 period, crafted in 18k gold and 925 silver, featuring antique-cut diamonds and a central emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
1920s Platinum Art Deco 1 Carat Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American Size 5.75
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1920s Platinum Art Deco 1 Carat total Diamond weight Toi et Moi Design Antique Ring Size 5.75 9.2 gram Earth mined Diamonds; 28 pieces estimated of 0.02 Carat each single cut diam...
Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring, 1.15ct GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This is a stunning and authentic Art Deco (circa 1925) platinum and diamond engagement ring.
G.I.A. 1.14ct Old European Cut Diamond Antique Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
Center Stone: Weight - 1.14 Carats Cut - Old European Brilliant Color - J Clarity - VS2 Measurement - 6.40 x 6.57 x 4.25mm G.I.A. Report #2201601007 Setting: Side Stones - 12 D...
Diamond, Platinum
3.01 carat Pink Sapphire Art Deco Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, Platinum, American. Perfectly Art Deco, Perfectly pink! This finely detailed twenties ring is set with a 3.01ct pink sapphire with purple tones. and .40 carats of fin...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Diamond Ring. 1.20ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx 1.20 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Color Grade: I Color Clarity Grade: VS2 Jewelry Type: Ring / Engagement Ring Jewe...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Old European Diamond Filigree Ring. 1ct Diamond Platinum Ring K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.10 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: K Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Signed Sterling Onyx Marcasite Rectangular Silver Ring 1921
Located in Chicago, IL
During this period, Cartier set the trend for black-onyx-diamond-platinum rings and watches, which was popularized at the Parisian international design exhibition in 1925 that gave A...
Marcasite, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Antique Old European Diamond Ring. 2ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum K SI1
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Carat Weight: Approx. 2.00-Carats Stone Cut: Old European Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Crown Mounting Ring Color: K Color Clarity: SI2...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.63 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.72 carat diamond and platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive dia...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.90 Carat Emerald Diamond Halo Two Tone Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This exceptional 1915-1925 Art Deco ring features a vivid 1.90 carat emerald, accompanied by a GIA certification, and surrounded by a dazzling diamond and emerald halo.
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco inspired Emeralds in White and Yellow Gold Ring b Alexander Leyser
Located in Kirschweiler, DE
This geometrically playful band ring, reminiscent of the famous Art Deco era, showcases three vibrant green emeralds of the finest color quality.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
EGL Certified .53 Carat Old European Diamond Art Deco White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1925 Art Deco diamond white gold engagement ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1925 Art Deco Blue Zircon and Diamond Platinum Necklace
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a killer Art Deco necklace that features a spectacular genuine Blue Zircon tied together with a gorgeous diamond-studded bow set in Platinum! This utterly delightful jewel wi...
Diamond, Blue Zircon, Platinum
Antique Platinum Engagement Ring. 1ct Old European Cut Diamond Accent Ring JVS1
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.00-Carat Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: J Color Primary Stone Clarity:...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.30 Carat Old Mine Cut Rings. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Stone Age: Antique Carat Weight: Approx 1.30-Carats Stone Cut: Antique Old Mine Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Halo Ring, Stone Accent, Fleur De Lis,...
Diamond, Platinum
Mauboussin Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring, French, circa 1929
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Mauboussin cabochon sapphire and diamond ring. Set to centre with a natural unenhanced cabochon sapphire in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 8.40 carats, em...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique GIA 1.50ct Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum J SI2
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Certification: GIA Certified Primary Stone: Diamonds Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.5-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent engagement ring features a stunning, natural Old European Cut diamond at its center, weighing approximately 2 carats. The diamond is GIA certified and graded as J in...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.50 Carat Diamond Ring. Antique Old European Cut Engagement Ring Platinum L SI1
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 2.50-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: L Color Primary St...
Diamond, Platinum
Old Mine Engagement Ring. 1.30ct Diamond Halo Ring Platinum J VS2 Fleur De Lis
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Carat Weight: Approx 1.30-Carats Stone Cut: Antique Old Mine Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Cluster Ring Color: J Color Clarity: VS2 Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Bailey, Banks & Biddle 1920s Two-Stone Diamond Ring
By Bailey, Banks & Biddle
Located in London, GB
Bailey, Banks and Biddle two stone diamond ring. Set with two round old cut diamonds in open back millegrain collet settings with a total weight of 1.60 carats, the curved bezel also...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 3 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old Euro Cut Diamond Platinum Engraved LVS2
Located in New York, NY
Origin: French Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Material: Platinum Hallmarks: French Hallmark Ring Size: 5.25, Resizable at No Additional Cost This exceptional French Art Deco engageme...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Old European Engagement Ring. GIA 2ct Diamond Sapphire Platinum J SI1
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Certification: GIA Certified Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.00-Carat Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Platinum GIA 1.36ct European Diamond Cultured Pearl Textured Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent antique ring was crafted from solid platinum during the art deco period and features an elegant bypass design that carries a GIA certified old European cut diamond a...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
2.94 Carat Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Cape Town, ZA
A true heirloom, this exceptional Art Deco ring centres a 2.94ct Burmese sapphire in a softly geometric rectangular cushion cut. Its rich, medium-dark blue hue is graded excellent+ f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
9.00Ct Natural African Ruby & Old Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
9.00Ct Natural African Ruby and European Diamond 18K Solid Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring Suggested Replacement Value: $12,000.00 Total Natural Cut Ruby Weight is: Approx. 3.00...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
ART DECO 1925 Stations Necklace Chain In .900 Platinum And European Cut Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art-Deco stations chain with diamonds This is a beautiful station chain created during the American art-deco period, circa 1925.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.20 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Ring Platinum J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.20-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: I Color Primary ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Platinum 0.30ct Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Delicately hand-pierced and hand-engraved, the setting features fine lace-like openwork, a hallmark of the Edwardian to early Art Deco era (circa 1910–1925). The Old European diamond...
Diamond, Palladium, 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.