0.86 Carat Sapphire 0.66 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 0.86 carat sapphire and 0.66 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry co...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified .98 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6217872784 Weight: .98carat Cut: Antique Cushion Color: K Clari...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.60ct Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning example of Art Deco elegance, this delightful daisy cluster ring centres around a 0.40 carat old cut diamond, rub over set into platinum. Surrounding it, eight 0.15 carat ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent engagement ring features a stunning, natural Old European Cut diamond at its center, weighing approximately 2 carats. The diamond is GIA certified and graded as J in...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring. This incredible Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elegantly crafted circa 1920, this enchanting bombe ring is composed of platinum and 18k white gold. At its center rests a captivating Old European cut fancy yellow diamond of SI cla...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco gold and platinum ring with diamonds and tourmalines, 1920s/1930s
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Deco Tourmaline and Diamond Ring Origin: Western Europe, 1920s/1930s (date engraved on the inner band from 1929) Crafted of 0.750 fine white gold and 0.800-0.900 fine platinum ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
What a stunning ring this is. Encrusted with diamonds, this ring has a lovely sparkle. The centre stone measures 7pts and he surrounding stones measure 4pts. The face of this ring ha...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.17 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Scroll Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing 1.17 carats - L color with VS2 clarity Set with wide arching tab prongs - engraved with foliate motif Featuring a pierced scroll motif open...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 5.00ct Diamond Toi et Moi Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco Toi et Moi ring is truly something special. At its heart, a pair of 2.50 carat old cushion cut diamonds sparkle. The Diamonds have been certified by WGI as H in colour ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Target Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Art Deco target ring features a rare baguette cut diamond at it’s centre. Rub over set in 18 carat yellow gold the diamond is 0.60 carat with a colour of J and clarity ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
3 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Art Deco Style Platinum Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent engagement ring, dating back to the Art Deco era of the 1920s, showcases a brilliant 3 carat old European cut diamond as its centerpiece. Certified by the GIA, this ...
Diamond, Platinum
EGL Certified 1 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Art Deco Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Art Deco engagement ring showcases a stunning center diamond, meticulously hand-crafted in a timeless platinum setting. The focal point of this heirloom piece is a mag...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 2.13 Carat Old European Cut Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Montgomery, AL
We sre thrilled to offer this vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 13mm Head Height: 7.5mm Shank Width: 2.7mm Weight: 5.4 Grams Fin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Filigree Ring Antique Platinum & 14K WG ~ 1.18ct Center
Located in Fairfield, CT
Art Deco Diamond Filigree Ring Antique Platinum & 14K WG ~ 1.18ct Center This antique Art Deco ring showcases an ~1.18 carat old-cut center diamond surrounded by approximately 1.26 ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.11ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Art Deco solitaire is the quintessential engagement ring style. A sparkling 1.11 carat, old cushion cut diamond takes centre stage. Elegant split claws how the diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 18K Gold Square Four Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco beautiful gold cluster ring, set with four diamonds. The gold tests as 18K, and the white metal was usually platinum for this type of ring, not tested. Ring size UK S 1/2, U...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A trio of beautiful old cut diamonds are central in this three stone twist ring from the Art Deco period. The middle of the three is the largest at 0.50 carat with the flanking pair ...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,872Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco Platinum Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.5 grams. Totally is Center diamond 0.45 ct. Totally is side diamond about 0.15 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring si...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Black Opal and Diamond Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Art Deco black opal and diamond ring. Set to centre with an oval cabochon natural black opal in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 2.75 carats, further decora...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
1.23 Carat Diamond Platinum and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 3.25 Metal Type: Platinum and 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.3 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.23 carat Color: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Opal and Diamond Ring of Platinum, Circa 1920
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A breathtaking example of Art Deco elegance, this antique ring (circa 1920) centers on a luminous marquise-cut white opal, its surface alive with shifting flashes of color. Surroundi...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Green Tourmaline and 14 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The deep green tourmaline is gorgeous and set simply up high in this 14 carat gold ring. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Height Off Finger: 5mm Stone Dimensions: 10x5mm Weight: 3.6g
Tourmaline, Gold
Art Deco 18k Gold 14.86ct Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Altrincham, GB
This breath-taking cocktail ring dates from the Art Deco period, and is set with the most gorgeous combination of stones. The main event, a fine quality 14.86ct emerald cut aquamarin...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Fancy intense yellow diamond cluster ring, circa 1925.
Located in London, GB
Fancy intense yellow diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine natural fancy intense yellow diamond, IF clarity, with a weight of 1.24 carats, in an open back...
Yellow Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6214863056 Weight: 1.08ct Cut: Antique Cushion Color: K Clarity...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Halo Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This delicate little cluster ring features a chunky old cut diamond, weighing 0.67 carat. It would have been hand cut specifically for this ring and has been beautifully claw set wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 8.70ct Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in London, GB
- Art Deco aquamarine & diamond cocktail ring - 8.70ct geometric fancy-cut aquamarine 18.09x12.25x6.91mm - Rose-cut diamond step-down geometric shoulders, totalling approx 0.05...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique inspired diamond ruby 18k gold toi et moi ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting antique-inspired toi et moi ring is a timeless expression of love and balance, thoughtfully designed to celebrate the union of two distinct yet harmonious gemstones. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Halo Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 4.25 /2.55gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ring from ca. late 19th early 20th cent. with Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm/ ca. 0.45ct and 10 old diamond cut Ø 1.5 mm / 0.015 ct each = Rock Crystal / White Quartz, White Spine...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Platinum .62ct Diamond Ring GIA report
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco platinum filigree ring featuring an European cut diamond weighing .62cts with GIA report. GIA report #2225056999 states H color and I1 clarity. The diamond measures 5.41mm x...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.56 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.6 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5221177663 Weight: 1.56ct Cut: Antique Cushion (Old Mine Brillia...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,000Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 14k Gold Estate Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 14k Gold Estate Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring In very good condition. Total weigh...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$98,400Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 3.25ct Old Marquise Diamond Platinum Ring GIA Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent antique engagement ring from the 1920s Art Deco period showcases a rare and impressive Old Marquise Cut diamond, weighing 3.25 carats, graded VS2 clarity and I color...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s 1.07 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine, and impressive 1.07 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set solitaire ring; part of our diverse collection of antique jewelry and estate jewelry. This...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.40ct Sapphire Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s this beautiful cluster ring features a mid blue sapphire at its centre. The old cushion cut sapphire weighs 0.40 carat and is claw set within a cluster of ol...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
4.60tcw 18K Natural Sapphire & Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Featured here is a very special vintage ring from the early 1920's with sapphire and old European cut diamonds! This Art Deco piece is quite impressive and it is sure to get her noti...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1920s Art Deco 1.14 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s Art Deco 1.14 carat diamond and platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique Art Deco jewellery collections. This stunning, fine...
Diamond, Platinum
1926 Engraved Art Deco Unheated Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1926 (Engraved on shank) Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 grams Center Stone Details: GIA Report#:2235156476 Weight: ....
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 3.03 Carat Round Brilliant-Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Houston, TX
An Art Deco round brilliant-cut diamond illusion-set ring with step down shoulders lined with prong-set single-cut diamonds, set in platinum with openwork, millegrain, and engraving ...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,100Sale Price|40% Off
Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Ring in Platinum
Located in Dallas, TX
Ladies Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Ring in Platinum. The ring features a .61 natural round full cut ruby, AA quality. Complimenting the center stone are 14 single cut round diamonds,...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco style diamond sapphire 18k yellow gold platinum target ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Inspired by the geometric confidence of the 1920s and 30s, this contemporary target ring reinterprets the classic Art Deco silhouette for the modern hand. Concentric rings of diamond...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$33,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Sapphire Art Deco Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Art Deco period target ring represents a quintessential example of 1920s jewelry craftsmanship from Germany. At the heart of the piece sits a stunning 2-carat old mine...
Diamond, Sapphire
1930s Diamond 18 Karat White Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white and yellow gold. A delicate antique solitaire ring, it is adorned with a brilliant-cut diamond set in eight prongs at its center. The sides and inside of the r...
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring .67ct Old Mine Cut Original 1920's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920's Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring .67ct Old Mine Cut Featuring a Genuine Natural Mined .55ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Center 90% Platinum and 10% I...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Natural Three-Stone Diamond European Cut Navette Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Art Deco Platinum Natural Three-Stone Diamond European Cut Navette Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 4.34 grams Diamonds: 3 old European cut natural diamonds. Approx. 1.10 CTW H-I SI1-Si...
Diamond, Platinum
1920 Art Deco 18kt yellow Gold & Platinum Diamonds Ring
Located in Aventura, FL
This beautiful geometric Art Deco ring, dating to circa 1910s–1920s, is finely crafted in 18K yellow gold with a platinum top. The design is set with 19 natural rose-cut diamonds wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Art Deco 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant blue sapphire is flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds in this stunning 1920s trilogy ring. The central sapphire is a baguette cut stone weighing 0.50 carat. The two diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 0.78ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This uniquely styled ring was crafted in the Art Deco period. Crafted in 18 carat white gold the piece centres around two 0.25 carat, old cut diamonds. Surrounding these stones set w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring. This beautiful ring is crafted in platinum. The ring holds old mine, old European, and rose cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Platinum
Early Art Deco Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing 1.29 carats - transparent medium-deep green Natural Colombian in origin with insignificant traditional clarity enhancement Bezel set with a ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
.80 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .80ct Cut: Antique Marquise Color: F Clarity: VS Side Diamond Detail...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,544Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is old cut diamond 0.10 ct. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.30 ct. Ring size is US 11 We can make any size. The box is not in...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco .60ct Old European Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details: .60ct, Old European Brilliant, H Color, SI1 Clarity Side Diamonds: Antique Marqu...
Platinum
Old mine diamond and ruby target ring, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Old mine diamond and ruby target ring. Set to center with a cushion shape old mine diamond in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 3.30 carats, enclosed by sixteen...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.75ct 14k gold 2.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with old mine-cut diamond up to 0.75 ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 – EU 16(50) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 3.7 mm high. ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring by Vitale 1913, Italy
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
This ring belongs to the Art Deco collection by Vitale 1913, known for its traditional fine jewellery craftsmanship. Crafted in white gold, it features a bold grid-inspired design wi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1925s Art Deco Calibrated Sapphire Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum. Magnificent Art Deco ring, it forms an openwork dome of plant decorations set with diamonds. In the center an antique brilliant- cut diamond is closed set millegrai...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an original Art Deco emerald and diamond plaque ring. An octagonal platinum face plays host to a daring natural emerald possessing a vivd green colour tone. This princip...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Cut Diamond Filigree Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Cut Diamond Filigree Dome Cocktail Ring. This beautiful Antique Edwardian old cut diamond ring is crafted in platinum. The ring features beau...
Diamond, 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.