Art Deco 1.90 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Engagement Ring L VS2
Located in New York, NY
"**Other Details:** Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.90 Carats Additional Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.20 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.6 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .50 carat, total weight Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: G-H Clarity: VS...
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful vintage ring crafted in platinum. The ring features a dark blue central sapphire with a bright white baguette cut diamond on each shoulder. The dark blue of ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This beautiful sapphire and diamond ring dates to the Art Deco era. At its centre sit three vibrant sapphires, elegantly framed on either side by rows of chunky old-cut diamonds. Off...
Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage Inspired Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Brand: Trampet&Horn Center Stone: Emerald Cut: Oval Weight: Approximately 1.25 Carats Color: Green Accent Stone: 12 Diamonds Cut: Round Brilliant Weight: Approximately 0.58 Carats Co...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ring. GIA 2.10ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Carat Weight: Approx 2.10 Carats Color: K Clarity: VS2 Cut: Old European Cut Certification: GIA Accent Stones: Diamonds Total Accent Weight: Approx 0.60 Carat...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.65 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring IVS1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 0.65 Carats Additional Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.23 Carats Cut: Old European Cut Color: Approximately I Clarity: VS1 Jewel...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Watch Ring
Located in New York, NY
Charming Art Deco Watch Ring with a pink crystal. Set in sterling silver with pastes detailing with faceted pink crystal. Made by Lotos, Swiss made. Watch runs when wound, 1920's USA...
Sterling Silver
Art Deco 2 Carat Engagement Ring. Old European Diamond Accent Ring Platinum KSI1
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Carat Weight: Approx. 2.00-Carats Stone Cut: Old European Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Crown Mounting Ring Color: K Color Clarity: SI2...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco Engagement Ring. 1.70ct Old Euro Cut Ring Platinum Engraved KVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Carat Weight: Approx 1.70 Carats Color: K Color Range: J–K–L–M Clarity: VS2 Clarity Range: VS1–VS2 Cut: Old European Cut Jewelry Type: Ring St...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Ring I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 US, Resizable Color: I Color Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite Art Deco-era diamond engagement...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.30 Carat Old Mine Cut Rings. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Stone Age: Antique Carat Weight: Approx 1.30-Carats Stone Cut: Antique Old Mine Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Halo Ring, Stone Accent, Fleur De Lis,...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a splendid Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring. Crafted in platinum, this piece showcases absolutely sublime attention to detail including the handcrafted pierced work, t...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 2.20 Carat Old European Ring. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Approx. 2.20-Carats Stone Cut: Old European Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Crown Mounting Ring Color: K Color Clarity: VS1 Clarity Meta...
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century European 18K Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Sausalito, CA
A refined early 20th century five stone rain crafted in European 18 karat yellow gold, dating to approximately 1910 to 1930. The ring features three richly color blue sapphires total...
Art Deco .20ctw Diamond Navette Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond, single cut/ trans. 1.5 - 2.2 mm approximately .20 total carats GH color/ VS2-SI2 clarity Ring Size 6 Rise Off Of Finger: 2.6 mm Length: 18.6 mm Weight: 1.7 dwts/...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Dome Ring. 0.30ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum H SI1
Located in New York, NY
Color: H Color Clarity: SI1 Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Art Deco Size: Resizable This exquisite original Art Deco ring, handcrafted in platinu...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring. GIA 1.60ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring JVS2
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Certification: GIA Certificate Carat Weight: Approx 1.60-Carats Stone Cut: Old European Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Crown Mounting Ri...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.37 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous Art Deco engagement ring. At the centre of the face we find a bright white round faceted old European cut diamond weighing an impressive 2.37ct. This focal st...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.50 Carat Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Emerald Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.50-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: K Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS1 Clarity Secondary Stone:...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old Euro Ring. 1ct Old European Diamond Accent Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.00-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: I Color Primary ...
Diamond, Platinum
2.0 carat Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, Platinum. This Art Deco engagement ring is set with a sparkly 2.0 carat center stone (L color and SI1 clarity) accented by .20 carats of additional stones. Handmade in p...
Diamond, Platinum
$12,480Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 0.70 Carat Square Emerald Ring. Baguette Diamond Accent Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Primary Stone: Emerald Primary Stone Weight: 0.77 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Square Cut Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold old mine cut diamond ring in navvet designe with estimate diamond weight if 2 carats H colour vs clearity excellect cut and spark with a ring head lenght of 30mm rin...
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold heavy gold weight ring centered with 1 old mine cut diamond diameter of 4.30mm estimate weight of 0.50 carat flanked with smaller old mine cut diamonds estimate weig...
.33 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: Approximately 7.70 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.4 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .33 carat Color: I Clarity: V...
White Diamond, Platinum
.82 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Tested] Weight: 3.7 grams Center Stone Details: Weight: .82 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS1 Finger to Top of Stone M...
White Diamond, Platinum
.96 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .96 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: J Clarity: SI2 Finger to ...
White Diamond, Platinum
.75 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .75 carat Color: J Clarity: VS1 Fin...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the 1920s with the French Art Deco Diamond Cocktail Ring, a classic piece that exudes sophistication and history. Crafted in platinum, th...
.90 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: 900 PLATINUM [Hallmarked & Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .90 carat Color: J Cla...
White Diamond, Platinum
$7,500
Art Deco Signet Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k, Switzerland. The visual narrative of this chic Art Deco ring is big and bold … exquisitely deluxe. The finely carved carnelian crest says Pax Concordia et Tranquill...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Deco 1.50 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful Art Deco ring crafted from platinum. At the centre of the face we find captivating round faceted old European-cut diamond, radiating a brilliant white hue. ...
Diamond, Platinum
.40 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .40 carat Color: F Clarity: VS1 Side Stone Details: Shape...
White Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .50 carat Color: G Clarity: VS1 Side Stone Details: Sha...
White Diamond, Platinum
.75 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.95 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .75 carat Color: L Clarity: VS Side Stone Details: Shape...
White Diamond, Platinum
.52 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.35 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .52carat Color: I Clarity: SI2 Side Stone Details: Shape...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.25 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: PLATINUM [Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.25 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: K Clarity: VS1 Accent Diamond Details: W...
White Diamond, Platinum
.95 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.95 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .95 carat Color: J Clarity: VS1 Side Stone Details: Shap...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.45 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.7 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.45 carat Color: J Clarity:SI2 Side Stone Details: Shape...
White Diamond, Platinum
.35 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .35 carat Color: I Clarity: VS1 Side Stone Details: Sha...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.22 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.22 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: K Clarity: VS1 Side Diamo...
White Diamond, Platinum
.51 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .51 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: H Clarity: SI1 Side Diamo...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.15 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.15 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: K Clarity: VS1 Side Dia...
White Diamond, Platinum
.68 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .68 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: I Clarity: VS1 Side Di...
White Diamond, Platinum
.70 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .70 carat Color: J Clarity: VS1 Side Stone ...
White Diamond, Platinum
.55 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 5.7 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .55 carat Color: I Clarity: VS Side Stone D...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.11 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.11 Carat Color: L Clarity: VS1 Side Stone D...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.05 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Carat Weight: 1.05 carat Color: I Clarity: SI2 Side Stone Details: S...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.96 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.95 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.7 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.96 Carat Color: L Clarity: VS1 Side Stone...
White Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .50 Carat Color: I Clarity: VS2 Side Stone D...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.25 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.25 carat Cut: Carre Cut Color: I Clarity: SI2 Side Diamond Detai...
White Diamond, Platinum
.35 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 3.25 Metal Type: 900 PLATINUM [Tested & Hallmark] Weight: 2.4 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .35 carat Color: G C...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A stunning Art Deco three-stone diamond ring, beautifully crafted in platinum and dating to the 1920s–1930s. Set with three chunky old-cut diamonds, the stones are exceptionally well...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.50 Carat Ring. Old European Cut Engagement Ring Platinum L SI1 1925
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 2.50-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: L Color Primary St...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,970Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 1920's Diamond & Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique 1920's Shield Ring .90ct Brilliant Round Diamond White & Sparkly 8 Bright Red Rubies The Top is 18mm x 6mm 4.2 grams Platinum Size 5.5 We are Happy to Include an Ins...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 2 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Dome Engagement Ring Platinum H
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 2-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: H Color Primary Stone...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
16k + Platinum Weight 2.6g Art Deco Style Diamond and Sapphire Ring This ring is an Art Deco piece crafted in 16k + platinum. It features a central old mine cut diamond with an appr...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.60 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Ring Platinum J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Carat Weight: Approx 1.60 Carats Color: J Clarity: VS1 Cut: Old European Cut Accent Stones: Diamonds Accent Stone Weight: Approx 0.26 Carats Jewelry Type: Ri...
Diamond, Platinum
1.50 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a unique ring taken from the later stages of the Art Deco movement. At the heart of this piece is a captivating square green emerald with its vibrant hue drawing immedia...
Diamond, Emerald, 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.