Antique Floral Motif Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This unique antique piece was handcrafted sometime during the Art Deco design period ( 1920-1940 ). The filigree setting is 18k white gold and features a 0.61 carat old mine cut diam...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Ring. 1.40ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Square Ring J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.40-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: J Color Primary ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1920 Platinum GIA certified 1.04ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Hand Made
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920 Platinum GIA certified 1.04ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring This is a spectacular piece, a true hand made platinum engagement ring from the 20's. The center di...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1920s this beautiful ring is classically Art Deco. A single baguette cut diamond sits at it’s centre flanked by further baguette cut diamonds upon stepped shoulders. T...
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
Antique Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1920s 0.92 carat diamond and platinum solitaire engagement ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive anti...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique French Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 0.81 carat sapphire and 0.71 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collectio...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#737A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#737A Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.81 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Tablet Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding emerald and diamond tablet ring crafted at a time when the Art Deco style was at the height of design. An undulating border around the outer edge plays ho...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.88 Carat Basaltic Sapphire and 0.22 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.88 carat Basaltic sapphire and 0.22 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our diverse collection of antique sapphire rings. This stunning, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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
$4,975 / item
Platinum Filigree Ring with 0.81ct OEC Diamond
Located in Bethesda, MD
A stunning platinum filigree ring featuring a 0.81-carat Old European Cut diamond, graded I-SI1, accented by four single cut diamonds totaling 0.04 carats. Circa 1920, this piece sho...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Contemporary 1.09 CT Oval Cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut diamond weighing 1.09 carats - E color with VS1 clarity Set in a pierced basket flanked by cathedral shoulders Flanked by knife edge shoulders Inscribed with ca...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .96 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:6224792240 Weight: .96ct Cut: Old Mine Brillia...
Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum Diamond Swirl Ring Band Size 5
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Year: 1970s Ring Size: 5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.5 grams Diamond Details: .40ct total weight, Antique European Cut, G Color, ...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,489 / set
18K Art Deco Filigree Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 18K white gold filigree ring featuring a round blue sapphire. The genuine earth mined sapphire has royal blue color with a hint of green. The sapphire measures about 6mm and...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Double Natural Pearl and Diamond Tablet Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous tablet ring showcasing the elegance of Art Deco design. This exquisite piece has been crafted from platinum and features two lustrous pearls, one with a subtl...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique 0.50 Carat Emerald and 0.90 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.50 carat emerald and 0.90 carat diamond, platinum square dress ring; part of our emerald jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and impres...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 3.20 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning and impressive antique 3.20 carat diamond and platinum solitaire style engagement ring; part of our collection of 1920s engagement rings. This stunning, fine and impressi...
Diamond, 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. Graded H co...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 0.80 Carat Diamond Sapphire Filigree Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Gold handmade genuine Art Deco ring. It is set in 18k white Gold featuring a large sparkling Old European cut diamond, total weight 0,80 ct. H color VS2 clarity surrounded ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.69 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4.95 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.6 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT # 2201792868 Weight: 1.69 carat Cut: Antique Cushio...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT # 2201758071 Weight: 1.01 carat Cut: Old European B...
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.30ct Diamond Five-Stone Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine Art Deco Period 2.47 Carats GIA Toi et Moi Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Media, PA
A rare and striking antique Art Deco two-stone ("Toi et Moi") bypass engagement ring, featuring two substantial GIA-certified focal diamonds framed by channel-set baguette and round ...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian GIA 5.75 carat Ceylon sapphire 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Edwardian ring, dating to 1920, is set with a cushion brilliant cut sapphire weighing 5.60 carats, GIA-certified as a heated sapphire from Sri Lanka. Its deep, velvety blue colo...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
Art Nouveau 10 Karat Gold Malachite Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Gold Malachite ring set in a wonderfully detailed setting. The ring is a size 9 and can be sized by us or your jeweler. Ring measures .76 in top to bottom x .60 in. Hallmark...
Malachite, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Diamond and sapphire cluster ring. Set to centre with one round old cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 0.75 carats, further set with four calib...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 2.75ct Diamond Vertical Three Stone Ring, c1920s
Located in London, GB
Set vertically down the finger, a trio of stunning old cut diamonds are showcased in this wonderful ring from the 1920s. The centre diamond sits the largest at 0.85 carat, with the s...
Diamond, Platinum
C.D. Peacock Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum and diamond Art Deco ring set with old cut diamonds (app. 0.9 carats), signed: Peacock, for C.D. Peacock from Chigaco, American, circa 1920. ring size: 16- mm. 5 ¼ US. we...
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Deco Platinum Pearl & Old Erou cut Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A timeless vintage platinum pearl and diamond ring showcasing a luminous 9mm cultured pearl at its center. The pearl is beautifully framed by a delicate floral motif set with approxi...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
1.50 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 1.15 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.50 carat Basaltic sapphire and 1.15 carat Old European diamond, platinum cluster ring; part of our sapphire engagement rings collection. Th...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Circa 1920s GIA 1.08ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2235353896 Weight: 1.08ct total weig...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.50 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Intricate art deco architecture encircles a 2.50 carat emerald. Boasting striking color and excellent transparency, the stone sits protected in its platinum bezel and complimented by...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 0.80ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Art Deco era comes this timeless diamond solitaire ring. At its heart is set a 0.80 carat old cut diamond. The diamond is of I colour and VS clarity and is claw set int...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1920s GIA .99ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.9 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2233692580 Weight: .99ct total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s GIA 1.10ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2231691515 Weight: 1.10 ct total wei...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco French Cut Diamond Ring, Platinum, 0.90 ct, Size 6.75
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: This timeless Art Deco French Cut Diamond Ring is an exquisite piece of history. Crafted from platinum and featuring 20 rare french cut diamonds, this vintage master...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 13.41 Carat Amethyst and 0.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 13.41 carat amethyst and 0.20 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our 1920s gemstone jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and impressive...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Antique JR Wood White Gold Wedding Ring, Band, Circa 1920
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: Are you looking for the perfect timeless wedding band with a romantic history? This classic white gold band features an intricate floral pattern that still looks be...
White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#313a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#313a Year: 1920s Item Details: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams (All Items Total) Cente...
Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Rhodolite Garnet & Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this vintage beauty! She is perfect for everyday love & wear. Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 7.9mm Head Height: 4.2mm Shank Widt...
Diamond, Garnet, Platinum
Ring Rose Gold Malachite Russia ca. 1915
Located in Berlin, DE
Beautifully carved malachite and rose gold dome ring made in Russia, ca. 1915. The rich color in shades of green is enhanced by the expertise of the carver. A statement piece for th...
Malachite, Rose Gold
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
Art Deco 1.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco take on the timeless solitaire engagement ring features a sparkling old cut diamond at its centre. Weighing 1.60 carat the diamond is of good quality at G to H in colou...
Diamond, 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. Graded J-K color and...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Vintage Chinese 14K Gold Chrysoprase Ring, Artisan Design, Circa 1925
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This vintage Chinese ring is exquisitely crafted in 14K gold, showcasing traditional artistry combined with elegant design. The centerpiece features a stunning chrysoprase cabochon i...
14k Gold
Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This timeless Art Deco solitaire ring showcases a sparkling old cut diamond at its centre. The 1.00 carat diamond has been given an I in colour and VS1 in clarity, and is claw set i...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian INSIGNIFICANT Emerald and Diamond Ring Circa 1920
Located in London, GB
A striking Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, centred on a certified 3.31 carat Colombian emerald of vivid green hue, framed by two concentric octagonal borders of sparkling old-cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, 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
.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
Platinum Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring - European .69ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .51ct Cut: European Color: J Clarity: SI1 Carat(s): .18ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Tot...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Featuring a glistening old cut diamond at it’s centre, this hand crafted ring from the art deco period is truly stunning. The 0.90 carat diamond has been graded H in colour and VS1 i...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Platinum 1.25 Carat Diamonds Wedding Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Platinum 1.25 Carats Diamonds Wedding Ring Center Diamond weight approx 0.85ct H/VS2 Side Diamonds weight approx 0.40ct Stamped PT-950 Circa 1920's
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 4.09ct F VS1
Located in Fairfield, CT
Art Deco Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 4.09ct F VS1 This platinum engagement ring centers on a GIA-certified 4.09-carat Asscher-cut diamond graded F color and VS1...
Diamond, Platinum
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
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. This stunning, fine and imp...
Diamond, Zircon, 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.