ART NOUVEAU Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.50ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top of the ring is 4.5 mm wide Ring size U...
Diamond, Gold, 14k 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 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
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
1.77 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 1.86 Carat Diamond Platinum Marquise Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.77 carat natural blue Basaltic sapphire and 1.86 carat diamond, platinum marquise shape ring; part of our antique jewelry collections. This...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Yellow Gold Glass Vintage Solitaire Ring 10k SZ 6 1/2
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Glass Cut: Emerald Style: Solitaire Features: Etched Detailing Measurements Face Height (north to sou...
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
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
Vintage Art Deco 2.05 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Height: 4.8mm Head Width: 5.8mm Shank Width: Tapering to 1.2mm Weight: 3.7 Grams F...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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
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
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
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
Antique Art Deco 14k Gold 0.17ctw European Diamond Open Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Bead Pave Set - G Color - SI1 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.17 (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ Solid 14k ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Halo Ring with 0.29ct Sapphire & 0.22ct Diamonds
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco platinum ring from the 1920s showcases a vibrant sapphire, accented by sparkling old European cut diamonds, capturing timeless elegance with vintage charm. Center ston...
Diamond, 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 Art Deco 18K White Gold Natural Sapphire Engraved Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Natural Sapphire Engraved Engagement Ring - GIA. This amazing antique Art Deco natural sapphire engraved engagement ring is crafted in 18k w...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Old Mine Pear Shape Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 4.06ct G VS1
Located in Fairfield, CT
Art Deco Old Mine Pear Shape Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 4.06ct G VS1 This Art Deco engagement ring is centered by a GIA-certified 4.06-carat pear-shaped Old Mine Brilliant...
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
.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
Circa 1920s Art Deco Platinum Ornate Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.6 grams Note: Incredible details and engraving work. In pristine conditio...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Engagement Ring. GIA 3ct Diamond Filigree Platinum JVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx. 3.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Baguette Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Baguette Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ...
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
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
Yellow Gold Art Deco Flower Blossom Baby Band - 10k Ring SZ Baby
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: Baby Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Style: Band Theme: Flower Blossom Features: Flower blossom design spanning the ring's entire perimeter Measurements Face ...
10k Gold, Yellow Gold
C1920 18K and Platinum Eternity Band with a Horizontal Array of Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Clever eternity band set in an East West configuration with platinum on one half and 18K on the other. We love the contrast of the round diamonds on the outside of the band and the s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,919Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.45 ct. The diamond is has G color and vvs1-vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.5 We can make any size. The box is n...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco style 1.15 carat emerald diamond platinum cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This modern Art Deco-inspired platinum ring features a 1.15 carat pear shape emerald, framed by sparkling old European cut diamonds and vivid calibre cut emeralds for timeless elegan...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 2.35ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This striking Art Deco cluster ring showcases a vibrant 1.35ct sapphire at its centre, flanked by two additional rich blue sapphires, each weighing 0.50 carat. Each stone is oval cut...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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
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
5.10 Carats rich deep blue Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Art Déco inspired sapphire and diamond ring. The ring is set with a center blue Ceylon cushion sapphire of 5.10 carats. The blue is very rich and intense. On the sides of the sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.40ct Diamond Two Stone Twist Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A pair of sparkling old cut diamonds take centre stage in this two stone twist ring from the Art Deco era. Each diamond weighs 0.70 carat and is claw set into a refined platinum coll...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Art Deco old emerald cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ring ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Engraved Wedding Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Engraved Wedding Band Ring. This beautiful Art Deco single cut diamond wedding band is crafted in platinum. The ring features s...
Diamond, 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 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
Antique 1.25Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.25 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold ring with platinum settings; part of our diverse diamond cluster rings collection. This stunning, fin...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Citrine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous pale citrine is cut in a way that has a glitter ball feel and reflects the light beautiful. The ring has an open work gallery and decorative band modelled in 9ct gold. ...
Citrine, Gold
Belle Époque 1.01 CTW European Diamond Platinum Antique Garland Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.01 carats - J color with SI1 clarity Bead set in an octagonal form head with pierced milgrain surround Accented by an o...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Solitaire 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 Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 2.2 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
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
.90 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .90ct total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I/J Clarity: VS Type: Nat...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s GIA 2.04ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 6237257385 Weight: 2.04ct total weight Cut...
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
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
Circa 1920s Platinum GIA .79ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.4grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 6237225262 Weight: .79ct total ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 9.39 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Emerald cut Diamond weighing 9.39 carats, K color, VS1 clarity, GIA #14894473. The ring also features 4 accenting Baguette cut Diamond...
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 0.31ct Diamond Twist Ring, 14k Yellow & White Gold, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.31 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set twist style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collectio...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø US9 / 2.7gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo type Ring featuring solid 14K Yellow Gold frame with 10 rose cut Diamonds /foiled under with closed backs. No hallmarks, likely German ring, ca. 1900s -1930s. The band ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Floral Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Floral Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco old European cut diamond floral engagement ring is crafted in platinum. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum 2.28tgw Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Panel Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, sapphire, and platinum ring, comprising fifteen transitional and old European cut diamonds, and ten calibre cut sapphires, in platinum. My favourite thing abou...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Baguette & Round Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Marquise Cut - Bezel Set - VS2 Clarity / G Color - 0.50ct (approx.) (18) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Marquise, Baguette & Round Cut...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s 1.30ct Sapphire and 1.65ct Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive Cushion cut 1.30 carat sapphire and 1.65 carat diamond, 18k white gold cluster ring; part of our sapphire jewellery collection. This fine and impress...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1920s Platinum GIA 1.12ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:2235255641 Weight: 1.12ct total weight Cut: Old Europ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum GIA 1.32ctw Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Circular Cut - Dual Prong Set - G Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.97ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Inf...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s 1.45 Carat Diamond 1.58 Carat Sapphire Platinum Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.45 carat diamond and 1.58 carat natural blue sapphire twist ring in platinum; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collect...
Diamond, 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.