1940's .49ct TW Diamond 14K Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Sweet 1940's .49ct diamond (total carat weight) ring set in 14K yellow & white gold. This would make a lovely engagement ring! This ring comes with an appraisal. You will no...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco 1.38ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 1,38 carat old cut diamond sits proudly in this timeless Art Deco solitaire ring. With a colour of G and a clarity of VS1 the claw set diamond is of high quality and sits ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .70 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6214393193 Weight: .79 Carat Cut: Old European b...
Diamond, Platinum
$7,373Sale Price|43% Off
Boucheron Art Deco Diamond Coral Platinum Ring C1920
By Boucheron
Located in Firenze, IT
Extremely elegant and rare to find original Art Deco period ring by Boucheron. The ring is centred with a fine quality medium salmon colour natural coral cabochon embellished by 8 ro...
Coral, Diamond, 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
1920s Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with a round old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.92 carats, flanked by eight round...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
.90 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .90ct total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Co...
Platinum
Antique 1.86 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1920's 1.86 carat diamond and platinum solitaire engagement ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and im...
Diamond, Platinum
18k White Gold Old European Cut Cluster Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This 18k white gold diamond cluster ring is gorgeous! The ring features a total of 15 bright white old european cut diamonds, with 7 of them clustered together to form the center, en...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.40 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 1.60 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.40 carat Basaltic sapphire and 1.60 carat diamond, platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate jewelry collection...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Antique Platinum Wedding Band, Stacking Ring, Feb 20 - 1921, Size 5
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: A timeless Art Deco wedding band carrying a beautiful love story. The inscription reads "P.L.Z To R.S. Feb 20 - 1921," a moment of devotion frozen in platinum over a...
Platinum
Art Deco 0.80ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic solitaire ring dates back to the 1920s and the Art Deco period. A 0.80 carat, old cut diamond takes centre stage, claw set into a hand crafted platinum collet. The diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,404Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.9 grams. Totally is main brilliant cut diamond 0.10 ct. Totally is side rose cut diamond 0.25 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2-s...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.27 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.7 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5212548774 Weight: 1.27 carat Cut: Old European b...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .91 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 dwt Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2191947516 Weight: .91 Cut: Old European brilliant...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.27 Carat Diamond and Pearl White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 1.27 carat diamond and pearl, 18 karat white gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate je...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Art Deco Ring with Natural Ruby and Diamonds, Hungary, 1920s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A vintage ring with an openwork design and geometric Art Deco styling from the turn of the 1920s. Origin: Austria-Hungary, preserved hallmark for Austria-Hungary used from 1872 to 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Art Deco 2.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s, this Art Deco solitaire ring is a timeless classic, set with a sparkling Old cut diamond at its centre. Weighing a sizable 2.00 carat, the diamond has an es...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.28 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2211528005 Weight: 1.28 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.55Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, unusual antique 1.55 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set two stone ring; part of our diverse collection of antique 1920s diamond rin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Star Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful Art Deco platinum ring made in the late 1920s. It features a blue star sapphire, weighing approximately 15 carats, which has a rich even violetish-blue color. It is compl...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Art Nouveau 3.05ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This captivating French cluster ring from the Art Nouveau showcases a total of 3.05 carats in old cut diamonds set across an ornate platinum design. The centrepiece trio features a 0...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco platinum ring with a natural sapphire 0.70 ct and diamonds.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A unique Art Deco platinum ring with a sapphire and diamonds. A unique Art Deco ring crafted from platinum (0.950 fineness). The centerpiece is a natural sapphire weighing approxima...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.15ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This timeless solitaire centres around a sparkling 1.15 carat, old cushion cut diamond. The diamond has a colour of H and clarity of VS1 and is claw set into a square platinum collet...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum 1.31ct Diamond Ring GIA Report
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco platinum filigree ring featuring an European cut diamond weighing 1.31cts with GIA report. GIA report #2221447074 states Q-R color and I1 clarity. The diamond measures 6.86m...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring, Approx. 2.00 ct
Located in Braintree, GB
A French Art Deco ring centred on an emerald cut natural Colombian emerald of approximately 2.00 ct, framed by fourteen old cut diamonds. Circa 1920s, in 18KT yellow and white gold. ...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Art Deco 1.85ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful solitaire design was hand crafted in the 1920s. The Art Deco piece showcases a sparkling 1.85 carat transitional cut diamond at it’s centre. The diamond has been given...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Saddle Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Saddle Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco old mine diamond and sapphire saddle ring is crafted in platinum. This incredibl...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14k yellow gold ring set with pink quartz – 11.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with pink quartz – ring size US. 6 – EU. 16.5(52) detailed description: The top of the ring has a diameter of 2.4 cm wide by 1.1 cm high Ring size US 6 –...
Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 5.10ct Black Onyx & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive, antique 5.10 carat black onyx and 0.18 carat diamond, 14 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse onyx jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Colombian emerald and diamond flank solitaire ring, circa 1925
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond flank solitaire ring. Set to centre with a rectangular emerald-cut natural Colombian emerald with minor oil, in an open back claw setting with a weight ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Déco ring with center 1.01 Carats natural diamond
Located in Uccle, BE
Very delicate diamond ring set with a center brilliant cut diamond of 1.01 Carats ( estimated J color - Si clarity ; very pleasant Si on the lower side of the diamond) and 16 brillia...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco cabochon amethyst and diamond cluster ring, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco cabochon amethyst and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a natural round cabochon amethyst in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 12.00 carats, ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring. This beautiful Art Deco old European cut diamond ring is crafted in platinum. This beautiful ring...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Emerald and Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.39 carat emerald and 2.04 carat diamond, 9 karat yellow gold ring; part of our diverse collection of 1920s cluster engagement rings. This s...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Circa 1920s Platinum 1.00ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920s Platinum 1.00ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#33c Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: ...
Diamond, Platinum
ART DECO 18K white gold white and black diamonds ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
A bold interpretation of timeless elegance, this ring is part of the exclusive Art Deco collection by Vitale 1913. Meticulously crafted in 18K white gold, it features a refined combi...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
9.23ct K VS2 GIA Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Art Deco engagement ring crafted in platinum, showcasing a remarkable 9.23 carat Old European cut diamond certified by GIA. Graded K color and VS2 clarity, the center ...
Diamond, White Gold
Circa 1920s Art Deco Platinum 2.20ct Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920s Art Deco Platinum 2.20ct Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#872A Details Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.2 grams Center D...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Estate Art Deco Platinum Filigree Diamond Openwork Ring Size 4.25 3.3g
Located in Addison, TX
Details: Era: Art Deco Metal: Platinum (Tested, Unmarked) Ring Size: 4.25 Weight: 3.3 Grams Gemstones: Natural Diamonds Diamond Count: 13 Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.28 carats M...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Square Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum ring set with four old-cut diamonds in a square. Each stone is mille-griffe set; and on either side of the square is a little triangle set with three old-cut diamonds (tot...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.26 Carat Diamond Platinum Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Product details: The ring features 26 single cut diamonds set in platinum with edging detail on the platinum. Measurements: the band’s width is 2mm. Weight: 1.5 grams. Ring size: 5.5
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.55ct Turquoise and Diamond Ring, hallmarked 1924
Located in London, GB
With Hallmarks dating to 1924 this wonderful carved shank ring showcases a trio of turquoise, accompanied by old cut diamonds. The central turquoise sits the largest at 0.25 carat w...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Orange Blossom Platinum Engraved Diamond Wedding Band Ring
By Orange Blossom
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Orange Blossom Platinum Engraved Diamond Wedding Band Ring. This gorgeous Antique Orange Blossom engraved diamond wedding band is crafted in platinum. This...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian Emerald Diamond Bow Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Bold and Sophisticate Bold and Sophisticate Art Deco ear bow designed jewellery got in the first places in the history of 20’s Feminine statements to wear, distinctive art expression...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
7.30 Carat Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring, French, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural no heat Ceylon sapphire in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 7.30 carats, flanked b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Antique Scroll Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.25 carats - K color with SI1 clarity Set by wide prongs engraved with wheat motif in a striated openwork gallery With pierced scroll ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s 0.41ct Diamond Twist Ring in 14k Yellow & White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.41 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set twist ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections. ...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.38 carat ruby and 0.70 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 5.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Art Deco solitaire ring showcases a breath taking 5.00 carat old cushion cut diamond at its heart, certified by EDR. Graded J to K in colour and SI2 to SI3 in clarity,...
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Saltwater Pearl and Diamond Ring in Platinum, France, 1920s–1930s. A rare and elegant Van Cleef & Arpels pearl and diamond ring from the late Art Deco per...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Art Deco 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This timelessly elegant Art Deco diamond solitaire ring features a beautifully claw set 0.75 carat old cut diamond. The diamond has a colour of G and clarity of SI1. Split claw setti...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.60 Ct Diamond Twist Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Statement Ring This classy statement ring is Art Deco period, hand crafted as unique of solid Platinum Traditional twist ring featuring two Twin Diamonds one opposite to the other be...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco 3.02 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Hidden Halo Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are beyond thrilled to have this vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 9.5mm Head Height: 6.2mm Shank Width: 1mm Weight: 4.7 Gram...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.42 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
Platinum Art Deco Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 4.6g Art Deco Diamond Ring This ring is crafted in platinum. The design features three old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.2 carats, set in a geometric ar...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50ct Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring has a 0.50 carat centre stone which is an Old Cut. It is highlighted by eight cut diamonds totalling 0.40 carat and are grain set. The centre stone is cl...
Diamond, Platinum
$63,200Sale Price|20% Off
Burmese No-Heat 14.53 Sapphire Platinum Ring, GRS Certified
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 14.53 CARATS NO HEAT Burma Blue Sapphire that is very translucent and medium BLUE Color. Great looking piece and .30ct in Si1 H Natural Diamonds. 14.83cts and just under 15ct...
Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring, Italy, 1920s
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
This ring from the Art Deco collection by Vitale 1913 showcases a striking navette-shaped cluster design, set in white gold. A larger central diamond takes center stage, surrounded b...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Sapphire .40 Carat Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Stunning Art Deco Period platinum and sapphire ring—would make a lovely wedding ring! The center stone is estimated .40 carats, and measures 4.9mm round. The filigree is bea...
Sapphire, 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.