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
Art Deco Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 2.9ct D IF
Located in Fairfield, CT
Art Deco Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 2.90ct D IF This Art Deco engagement ring is centered by a GIA-certified 2.90-carat Asscher-cut diamond graded D color and ...
Diamond, Platinum
Boucheron, France Art Deco turquoise, diamond, and lapis cocktail ring
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco turquoise, lapis, and diamond ring, centered by an oval, cabochon turquoise, with diamond and lapis-set shoulders, in platinum. Boucheron, Paris. * Free shipping * Inclu...
White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Platinum
Antique 1.05 Carat Diamond and 14K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique 1920s 1.05 carat diamond and 14 karat white gold solitaire engagement ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This...
Diamond, White Gold
Modern Dvani 2.83ct Opal & 0.267ct Diamond 14k Rose Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful modern Dvani opal and diamond cluster ring is a romantic design from the 2020’s, centered by a cabochon cut opal weighing 2.83 carats. The opal brings a soft, luminous...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
4.29 carat marquise diamond ring, French, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
4.29 carat marquise diamond ring. Set to centre with a marquise shape old cut diamond, J colour, VS2 clarity, with a weight of 4.29 carats in an open back claw setting, encircled by ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful art deco solitaire is a timeless classic. Crafted by hand in the 1920s this ring features a 0.90 carat old cut diamond at it's centrepiece. The diamond is of high qual...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique rose cut diamond 18k white gold bombe ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful antique diamond bombe ring from the 1920’s captures the romance and artistry of the Art Deco era with a softly domed silhouette and glowing rose cut diamond detail. At...
Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Colombian Emerald 14.00 carats and Diamond Ring, circa 1925
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with a rectangular emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1...
Emerald, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Art Nouveau Lady Motif Fairy Crown Ring - Size 9.5
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This spectacular vintage-styled statement ring features a highly detailed, flowing portrait of a crowned lady, beautifully capturing the essence of classic Art Nouveau design. The ma...
Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic Art Deco solitaire ring showcases a wonderful 0.60 carat old cut diamond at its centre. The diamond has a colour of F and clarity of SI1 and is elegantly held within cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old Europe Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Bethesda, MD
From the Art Deco period a 1.35 carat diamond engagement ring ♦ Metal: Platinum ♦ Old European cut diamond= 1.35 I Color, VS1 Clarity GIA report ♦ 18 Diamonds=.36 carats ♦ Circa 192...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald Diamond Toi et Moi Platinum Ring Circa 1925
Located in Poole, GB
An Art Deco emerald and diamond Toi et Moi ring, set with a square old-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.65 carats opposite an emerald-cut Brazilian emerald weighing approximately...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Engraved Wedding Band Ring - Size 7 1/4
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Engraved Wedding Band Ring - Size 7 1/4. This gorgeous antique Art Deco engraved wedding band is crafted in platinum. This gorgeous ring has faint...
Platinum
18k Gold & Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Size 5
Located in Miami, FL
18k Gold and Platinum Diamond Ring Total Weight: 2.3g Diamond Approx. 0.3ct Old Mine Cut White Diamond Ring Size: 5 Face Measurements: 0.69in x 0.42in Sizable: Yes
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
.25 Carat Total Weight Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: Approximately 6.20 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.9 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Antique European Cut Carat Weight: .25 carat, total wei...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Antique 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring - VHK#1011
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Antique 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring - VHK#1011 Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 6.25(Sizable) Metal Type: 18K gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.80 grams ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.37 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 18 karat White Gold Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2195560656 Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 0.83ct Diamond Cluster ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Eleven sparkling old cut diamonds encircle a central 0.50 carat old cut diamond in this Art Deco cluster ring. The surrounding diamonds total to 0.33 carat, with each stone matching ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Entwined Hearts Ring of Platinum
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A romantic and finely executed Art Deco ring, circa 1920, featuring two entwined hearts set with sparkling transitional cut diamonds and channel-set natural rubies, all mounted in pl...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Art Deco Filigree Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite antique engagement ring captures the romantic essence of the 1920s with its intricate platinum filigree setting. At its heart sits a stunning, natural Old Mine cut dia...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Ring, Size 7.75, Circa 1920s
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: This timeless Art Deco platinum ring is set with 10 single cut diamonds for a truly luxurious look. Its beautiful shoulder detail ensures sophisticated elegance that...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18K .60ct Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold filigree .60ct diamond ring. The round brilliant cut diamond has I1 clarity and G-H color and measures about 5.3mm. The diamond is set in a new bezel. The filigree has...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920, Antique 1.84 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1920s 1.84 carat diamond and platinum, 18 karat white gold set cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.50ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic Art Deco three stone ring showcases a trio of beautiful old cushion cut diamonds. The central diamonds is the largest, at 0.90 carat, with each of the flanking diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
“Antique Art Deco 18k Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1920”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Art Deco mans Ring in 2 tone 18k gold color centered with old mine cut diamond estimate weight 0.60 carats H color white vs clearity flanked with black onyx stones dates back...
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Engraved Eternity Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Engraved Eternity Band Ring. This amazing antique Art Deco old mine diamond eternity band ring is crafted in platinum. This b...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite antique three-stone engagement ring, dating back over a century to the pre-1920s era, features a stunning 2-carat total diamond weight. The centerpiece is a magnificen...
Diamond, Platinum
.15 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.8 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .15 carat total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS Finger...
Diamond, Platinum
Contemporary 3.00 carat black and white diamond 18k blackened gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This contemporary ring makes a bold, graphic statement, set with 187 round brilliant cut diamonds in a striking black and white palette. Together weighing approximately 3.00 carats a...
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
.50 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .50 carat total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F C...
Diamond, Platinum
.15 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .15 Carat Total Weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F C...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.52ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This charming Art Deco full eternity ring features a collection of twenty-six old cut diamonds. Each diamond weighs 0.02 carats for a total of 0.52 carat. The diamonds are grain set ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond and Single Cut Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond and Single Cut Engagement Ring. This gorgeous antique Art Deco old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This beau...
Diamond, Platinum
2.50 Carat Colombian Emerald 1.12 Carat Diamond Platinum Dress Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.50 carat Colombian emerald and 1.12 carat diamond, platinum dress ring; part of our 1920s jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and impre...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a rectangular emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald with no colour enhancement and insignificant clarity enhancement in...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1920s A rare and elegant Art Deco emerald and diamond ring dating from the 1920s, featuring a striking shield-shaped design with refi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Lapis Lazuli Diamond Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This authentic Cartier ring from the Art Deco period features a bold lapis lazuli accented with round brilliant-cut diamonds. The centerpiece is a striking sugarloaf-cut lapis lazuli...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Low Profile Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Low Profile Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco old European cut diamond low profile engagement ring is crafted in ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 0.56 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold, platinum set solitaire engagement ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections. This fine an...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A glorious old cut diamond weighing 1.60 carat sits proudly in this Art Deco solitaire ring. It has been estimated as H in colour and SI2 in clarity. The platinum gallery is beautifu...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 24.02 Carat Amethyst and 0.28 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 24.02 carat amethyst and 0.28 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our diverse collection of antique amethyst jewelry. This stunning, fine a...
Amethyst, 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 European cut Diamond weighing .90 carat, surrounded by 0,10 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Bombe Ring - VHK#285A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Bombe Ring - VHK#285A Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.9 gram...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .85 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2203297776 Shape: Circular Brilliant Carat Weight: .85 car...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Emerald and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat emerald and 0.22 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set twist ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2215426666 Weight: 1.00 Cut: Old Eur...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique 0.83ct Diamond Twist Ring in 18k Gold and Silver
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.83 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, silver set twist ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.36 Carat Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.36 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold ring with platinum settings; part of our diverse diamond cocktail ring collections. This stunning, fi...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.30 Carat Garnet and 0.30 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1920's 2.30 carat garnet and 0.30 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique ring...
Diamond, Garnet, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.61 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Tested & Hallmarked] Weight: 3.8 grams Center Stone Details: GIA REPORT # 6204406613 Weight: 1.61 carat Cut: Old European Brillia...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Antique Platinum Wedding Band, Stacking Ring, 5-4-24, Size 7.75
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: A timeless Art Deco wedding band carrying the intimate inscription "H.E. to D.P. 5-4-24," a beautiful reminder of a cherished moment in time. The engraved pattern ha...
Platinum
.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
Ceylon sapphire and diamond octagonal cluster ring, French, early 20th Century.
Located in London, GB
Ceylon sapphire and diamond octagonal cluster ring. Set with one central oval old cut natural no heat Ceylon sapphire in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1....
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Muzo Colombian 9.47ct Emerald Ring, 18k Gold, Gubelin Certified
Located in London, GB
This remarkable ring has a central Muzo Colombian old mine cut insignificant oil emerald weighing 9.47 carats. The stone dates back to 1920s. It has been placed in this setting in 20...
Emerald, 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.