10K Tri-Color 3.28ct Aquamarine Filigree Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 10K white gold filigree ring featuring a beautiful new emerald cut aquamarine weighing 3.28 carats. The light blue aqua measures about 9.5mm x 7.5mm. The gem is accented by ...
Aquamarine, 10k Gold
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
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 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
Vintage 1 Carat Art Deco Solitaire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are thrilled to have acquired this stunning vintage solitaire style engagement ring!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 6.5mm Head Height: 5.2...
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
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. This fine an...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Antique Diamond Solitaire Ring, English, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond solitaire ring. Set with a round old cut diamond, K colour, VS2 clarity, with an approximate weight of 4.85 carats, in an open back split claw setting, to an elegant ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 3.00ct Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A total of twenty diamonds adorn the platinum band of this beautiful Art Deco full eternity ring. Each diamond is measured at 0.15 carats, totalling to 3.00 carat. They have been est...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautiful ring that dates back to the Art Deco era. The ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold and features a pave rose cut diamond face that is surrounded by a border of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique yellow and white diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Yellow and white gold 18 Karat ring. Ring set with a center old mine intense yellow diamond of approximately 0.75 Carats, two old oval shape diamonds for a total of approximately 0...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 2.00ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Art Deco full eternity ring features a collection of twenty old mine cut diamonds. Each diamond weighs 0.10 carats for a total of 2.00 carat. The diamonds are grain s...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Ring with Round Sapphire and Diamonds 0.70 ct.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Deco-style ring crafted from 14-karat gold (0.585 fineness) and platinum elements set with diamonds. Origin: Western Europe, first half of the 20th century. Elegant, elongated ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 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
Circa 1920s Platinum .70ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.7 grams Center Diamond Details: .70ct, Old European Brilliant, F Color, V...
Diamond, 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
Art Deco 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Simple yet elegant, this timeless solitaire ring dates to the Art Deco era. A single 0.75 carat old cut sits central to the design, double claw set within platinum. The diamond has a...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning Asscher cut diamond takes pride of place in this Art Deco take on the classic solitaire ring. The 1.00 carat central diamond has a colour of between H and I and a clarity ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.05ct Diamond Bombe Ring, Platinum, Circa 1920, Women's
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This captivating Art Deco diamond bombe ring from the 1920’s is a beautiful expression of period design, sculptural form, and refined platinum craftsmanship. At the center rests an a...
Brown 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 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
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. The center diamond is of VS2 clarit...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.70ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco take on the timeless solitaire engagement ring is stunning with a sparkling old cut diamond taking centre stage. Weighing 1.70 carat the diamond has a colour of between...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,216Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.26 carat. The diamond is has G color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 8.2 (We offer free resizing) We can ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Diamond & Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Ring A striking example of Art Deco elegance, this Van Cleef & Arpels ring exudes sophistication with its bold geometric design ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Antique Turquoise Cabochon Ring of 10k Gold, Circa 1920
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique Turquoise Cabochon Ring in 10k Gold Delicate and timeless, this antique ring features a vibrant blue and brown turquoise cabochon set in warm 10k gold. The stone's natural m...
Turquoise, 10k Gold
Antique 14k Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring, 0.63ct, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 14 karat gold diamond solitaire ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive diamond solitaire ri...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
4.84 carat old cut diamond solitaire ring, English, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
4.84 carat old cut diamond solitaire ring. Set with a round old cut diamond, N colour, SI1 clarity, with a weight of 4.84 carats, in an open back claw setting, to an elegant solitai...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Ring with Diamond 0.65ct and Ruby 0.35ct
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 8.5g Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Ring This ring is an Art Deco Chevalier piece crafted in platinum. It features a central old mine cut diamond with an approximate cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Estate Art Deco Platinum 2.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring - VHK#658a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco Platinum 2.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring - VHK#658a Item Details Year: 1920s Ring Size: 5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.45 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s 3.60 Carat Coral and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1920s 3.60 carat coral and 14 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive gem...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This timeless Art Deco solitaire ring features a beautiful old cut diamond at it’s centre The diamond weighs 0.40 carat with a colour of G and a clarity of VS1 and is elegantly held...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Solitaire Ring, Platinum, 0.25ct Old-Cut Diamond Circa 1920
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
A refined Art Deco platinum solitaire from circa 1920. Elegant, wearable, ideal for engagement ring. Details : Period: Art Deco, circa 1920 Metal: Platinum Central stone: Old-cut...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Plaque Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
An exquisite Art Deco ring, hand-crafted in 18k white gold, authentic from 1930, featuring in the center sparkling Old mine-cut Diamond weighing .50 carat, surrounded by 0,30 carats ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Art Deco Opal and OEC Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Art Deco Opal and OEC Diamond Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set .80 Carat Opal. Surrounded by .75tcw Old...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco 1.18CTW Diamond Three Stone Vintage Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An exquisite engagement ring featuring a trio of European-cut diamonds, each meticulously set in an intricate design. The primary diamond is 0.40 car...
Diamond, Platinum
Drop shape old mine diamond and Colombian emerald ring, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Drop shape old mine diamond and Colombian emerald ring. Set to the centre with a drop shape old mine diamond, F colour, VS2 clarity, with a weight of 1.56 carats, flanked by two drop...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Asscher Cut Diamond Marquise Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Asscher Cut Diamond Marquise Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible antique Art Deco Asscher cut diamond marquise diamond engagement ring is craft...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Jadeite Jade & Diamond Halo Platinum 900 Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning antique ring features a richly saturated old mine Jadeite Jade cabochon framed by 22 bright round diamonds in a classic halo design. Crafted in platinum 900 with a stra...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 0.48 carat emerald and 1.12 carat diamond, platinum Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, f...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Platinum Navette Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Vintage Navette Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set .70 Carat Old European Cut Diamond. ...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Elongated 18k White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
A striking example of Art Deco design, this elongated 18K white gold cocktail ring showcases a collection of sparkling old European diamonds arranged in an intricate geometric openw...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.65 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1.65 carat diamond and platinum Art Deco style solitaire ring; part of our collection of diamond engagement rings. This stunning, fine and impressive antique diam...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.80ct Diamond Solitaire Flower Blossom Motif Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An art deco period engagement ring featuring a 0.80 carat Old European cut diamond, set in a classic prong setting. The diamond boasts an H color gr...
Diamond, Platinum
11.55ct Unheated Sri Lankan Sapphire and Diamond Ring with GRS Certificate
Located in London, GB
An extraordinary 11.55ct natural sapphire takes centre stage in this magnificent sapphire and diamond ring. Certified by GRS (Report No. GRS2013-053918), the sapphire is confirmed as...
Sapphire
Art Deco Opal and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set in 9ct yellow & white gold. The glossy and colourful stone s set in simple claws. Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/4 Stone Dimensions: 10x8mm Weight: 1.7 grams
Opal, Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Art Deco old cut marquise diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This gor...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified Antique 1.61 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, antique 1.61 carat diamond and platinum GIA Certified ring; part of our diverse collection of antique engagement rings. This stunning, fine and impr...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.22ct Emerald and 0.70ct Diamond, Platinum Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.22 carat emerald and 0.70 carat diamond, platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse 1920s emerald jewellery collections. This fine and impressive eme...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco purple sapphire and diamond cluster ring, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco purple sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a natural no heat octagonal emerald-cut purple sapphire in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight ...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Cabochon Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring, Approx. 4.00 ct
Located in Braintree, GB
An Art Deco platinum ring centred on a cabochon natural sapphire of approximately 4.00 ct, encircled by twenty two old cut diamonds. The sapphire is cut as a high domed round caboch...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1920s Antique French Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 0.74 carat diamond and platinum solitaire style engagement ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impre...
Diamond, 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. Graded K color and I1 clarity, the diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
French 6.20 Carat Sapphire 0.43 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920's 6.20 carat sapphire and 0.43 carat diamond, platinum cluster style dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring, Circa 1920s
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This glamorous ring is reminiscent of the cosmos bursting with life! The starry spotlight sets the perfect stage for its constellation of twinkling diamonds and radiant rays of rubie...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Circa 1920s Platinum .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.6 grams CenterDiamond Details: .50ct, old European brilliant, G color, VS Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco .60 Carat Marquise cut Diamond & Sapphire Ring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Handcrafted in platinum circa 1920, this captivating Art Deco ring features a marquise-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.60 carats, J color, SI clarity. The diamond is elegantly f...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 2 Toned Gold and Sapphire Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Unusual Art Deco White and Yellow 18k Gold ring with cornflower blue sapphire. 2 tones of 18k gold are laminated to form a slightly domed hand engraved band, set with a lovely .35 po...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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.