$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 7.3 grams. Tota...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.75 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Delray Beach, FL
An extraordinary example of Art Deco, this vintage platinum ring features a central bezel-set marquise-cut diamond with milgrain detail weighing approximately 0.75 carats. The settin...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique French Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French 0.68 carat diamond solitaire ring in 18 karat white gold; part of our antique engagament ring collections. This stunning, fine and imp...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
$20,996Sale Price|20% Off
EGL Certified 1 Carat Cushion Diamond Sapphire Art Deco Style Halo Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Art Deco style halo ring features a stunning cushion-cut diamond as its focal point, weighing approximately 1 carat. The center diamond, graded G in color and VS1 in c...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Art Deco 14K White Gold Old European Cut Diamond Ring, Size 7.75
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: Make your outfit unforgettable with this magnificent Art Deco Ring! This unique piece of jewelry is crafted with a spectacular Old European Cut Diamond boasting cla...
Diamond, White Gold
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. There are 7 diamonds which total 14pts. The stones are set in platinum. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Art Deco Platinum 6ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring, Signed, Circa 1925
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in New York, NY
An absolute masterpiece of historic Swiss haute joaillerie — an important, fully signed Art Deco plaque ring by the legendary house of GÜBELIN, masterfully handcrafted in solid plati...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.18ct Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Stunning Art Deco 1.18ct diamond ring, with sweet floral pansy filigree in 18K white gold. This ring is from the 1920's, and is in very good condition. The shoulders of the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Art Deco GIA 4.50 carat Ceylon no heat sapphire diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary French Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring is a refined 1920’s jewel, centered by a GIA-certified cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 4.50 carats. Documente...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Art Deco old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ring features a gor...
Diamond, Platinum
$120,000Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Burma No Heat Oval Ruby And Diamond Ring, AGL Certified.
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Art Deco ring centers around a vivid Burma ruby of exceptional pedigree- untreated, unheated, and alive with a rich, velvety red hue thta has long been revered as the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 0.39ct Ruby and 0.63ct Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.39 carat ruby and 0.63 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set kite shaped cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and jewelry collectio...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautifully detailed ring crafted at a time when the Art Deco style was at the height of design. The tone of the piece is set by four triangular cut sapphires which ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Amethyst and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Amethyst and Diamond Engagement Ring. This beautiful Art Deco amethyst and diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ring featu...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Antique Star-Diopside Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine antique from the Art Deco era, circa 1920, in original condition. It features a black star diopside which shows a 4 rayed star when a light shines over the stone. It is accent...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.05ct Cognac Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
The Art Deco era’s opulent style is on display in this beautiful diamond halo ring. The unusual cognac coloured diamond is an old cut stone weighing 1.05 carat. With a colour of fanc...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.75ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five glistening old cut diamonds are on display in this stunning Art Deco ring. The central diamonds sits the biggest weighing 0.95 carat, the two flanking stones are 0.65 carat each...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.02Ctw Old European Cut Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
An Art Deco engagement ring featuring a 1.5 carat Old European cut diamond. The diamond exhibits a J color and VS1 clarity, showcasing the elegance of early 20th-century craftsmanshi...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A timeless engagement ring set with one old cut diamond. The diamond, set in a gorgeous platinum collet with eight claws, has been estimated as H in colour and SI1 in clarity with a ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum French Cut Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum French Cut Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco French cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The ring feat...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco old marquise cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The ring f...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 3 Cts European Cut Diamond Filigree Platinum Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This diamond ring, made in platinum, comes from the Art Deco period and features fine filigree and engravings. The ring features a total of 5 matching, bright white, European cut dia...
Diamond, Platinum
.65 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .65ct Cut: Antique Cushion Color: J Clarity: VS1 Finger to Top of Sto...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA Certified 2.04ct Old European Cut Diamond & Sapphire Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
This is a gorgeous art deco 'target' ring that was made around 1920 in Germany. The main stone is a 2.04ct old european cut diamond, that is M color and SI1 clarity. The diamond is...
Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold
White Gold Pearls Art Deco Two-Stone Bypass Ring - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Style: Two-Stone Bypass Measurement...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco style 1.35 carat old European cut diamond sapphire platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Art Deco style diamond and sapphire ring brings together antique-inspired romance, rich color, and refined contemporary craftsmanship. At its center rests an old Europ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Light Purple Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Light Purple Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Art Deco natural light purple diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum....
Diamond, Platinum
René Boivin marquise diamond coronet cluster ring, French, circa 1920.
By René Boivin
Located in London, GB
René Boivin marquise diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with a marquise shape old cut diamond in an open back grain setting, with an approximate weight of 1.00 carat, encirc...
Diamond, Platinum
1920 Art Deco .74 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.20 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 5181577909 Shape: Circular Brilliant Carat...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian Emerald Rose Cut Diamond ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Ever Green Charming early Art Deco Emerald & Diamond ring, unusually set with bright white rose cut Diamonds Hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold, tested 1920 ca Designed with ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Art Deco Old European Diamond Platinum Vintage Scrolling Palm Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 0.92 carats total - I color with SI1 clarity Compass set with split prongs with an ornately pierced bombé shaped surround Shoulders are...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.40ct Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
An ethereal Opal sits surrounded by old cut diamonds in this Art Deco cluster ring. The cabochon cut opal weighs 2.40 carat and has been claw set in platinum. The thirteen diamonds ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Enamel Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Enamel Cocktail Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco amethyst and enamel cocktail ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. This amazing rin...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Estate Art Deco 1.00ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#951a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco 1.00ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#951a Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K & Palladium [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight:...
Yellow Diamond
Art Deco Platinum and French Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum half eternity band ring set with seven french cut diamonds (circa 1.12 carat) in a row. weight: 3.83 grams size: 17.25 mm / 7 US width: 2 - 3 mm
Diamond, Platinum
Original Art Deco Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Original Art Deco Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring mounted in Platinum. A refreshingly cool light blue hue colors the billowy cushion-cut aquamarine that glistens. The gem...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
French Square Platinum Art Deco Ring with Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum ring set with four old cut diamonds in a square each set in a mille griffe border with on each side a sloped triangle set with three diamonds (app. 0.7 carat), with a beau...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Natural Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring. Set to centre with a rectangular emerald-cut natural unenhanced sapphire in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 2.10 carats...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
1920 14K Yellow Gold 1.25cttw Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920 Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Diamond Details: Natural Diamonds Old Mine Cut 1.25cttw Color: H-I Clar...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 1920 Unisex 14k Rosy Yellow Gold 10.2mm Wide Flat Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 14k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 7.12 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 ( fitted on finger, item can be sized) Ring Width: 10.2mm (0.40")(top of the ring, north to south) Ring Height: 1.2mm...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Art Deco Diamond Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive Art Deco 0.03 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine and imp...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.75ct Diamond and Sapphire Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful old cut diamond is accompanied by two sapphires in this elegant three stone ring. The central diamond is 0.75 carat, and has been given a grading of I in colour and SI1 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 2.07 Carat Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920's 2.07 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold ring; part of our diverse men's jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and impressive ant...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1920s Antique 1.53 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.53 carat diamond and platinum twist style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning,...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,404Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Art Deco Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.30 ct. Totally is old cut diamond 0.10 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Old European Cut 14k White Gold Antique Diamond Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful antique diamond ring was made in the early 1920s with 14k white gold. The north to south styled ring features 5 total diamonds, with the center of the ring showcasing ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s this stunning cluster ring features a natural sapphire at its centre. The oval cut sapphire weighs 1.50 carat and is claw set within a halo of old cut diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified Circular Brilliant Emerald Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2181569563 Shape: Circular Brill...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
The diamond in this ring is an Old European Brilliant cut, 4 small accents sapphires One on each corner, Set in 14K Gold. This ring is so lovely, workmanship that is hard to find in ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Art Deco 0.45ct Diamond Hexagonal Cluster Ring in 14K Yellow Gold & Platinum
Located in London, GB
- Art Deco diamond cluster engagement ring - Seven Old European-cut diamonds - Two side diamonds of the same cut - Totalling approx. 0.45ct - Antique Art Deco, circa 1919-1939 - Se...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
AGL Cert. 12 Carat Colombian Emerald Art Deco Antique Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique AGL-certified 12 carat square emerald cut Colombian emerald in platinum Art Deco filigree setting with old mine cut diamond accents and milgrain detailing. Ring size 4.5, adj...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum .64 Carat Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 3.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .64ct total weight Cut: Old European brilli...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum .55 Carat Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3. grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .55ct total weight Cut: Old European bril...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring. Centrally set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphire in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 9.30 carats, flanke...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1.03 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 1.03 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire ring; part of our collection of Art Deco jewelry. This stunning, fine and impre...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco 5.00ct Tourmaline and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s this wonderful cluster ring features an enchanting pink tourmaline at its centre. The cabochon cut gem weighs an impressive 5.00 carat and is claw set into p...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Art Deco 1.25ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Twenty-five old cut diamonds glitter across this 1920s full eternity ring. The diamonds, totalling 1.25 carat, match in colour at H and range in clarity from VS to SI. Each stone is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum 8ct Burma Sapphire & Baguette Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Altrincham, GB
If you know sapphires, you'll know that an 8 carat no-heat Burma sapphire isn't to be taken lightly... Here, mounted in a beautiful, diamond set platinum ring mount, is an exceptiona...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Art Deco Ring - 10k Etched
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $30 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Onyx Natural Diamond Carat(s): .03c...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920 Antique Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
1920 Antique old european cut diamond ring in platinum. The details are as follows : Diamond weight : 1.60 carat ( H color and VS2 clarity ) Diamond weight : 0.50 carat ( small di...
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.