Jean Després Art Deco Modernist Sterling Silver Black Onyx Ring, 1920s
By Jean Despres
Located in Monaco, MC
This exceptional signet ring by French modernist master Jean Després stands as a bold testament to 1920s avant-garde design. Crafted in solid sterling silver with a commanding presen...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
1920s Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique German 0.24 carat natural emerald and 0.23 carat diamond, 14k yellow gold and 14k white gold set cocktail ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate j...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Tablet Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a remarkably unique ring that was crafted at a time when the Art Deco style was at the height of design. An exceptional backdrop of square and triangular calibrated sapp...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique GIA 1.10 Ct Old European Diamond Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This fascinating genuine Art Deco antique diamond engagement ring is special and unparalleled. Displaying a unique asymmetrical design abounding in intricate filigree and embedded wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Aquamarine and Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Aquamarine and Old Cut Diamond Ring. This incredible Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring is crafted in platinum. The ring features a gorgeous blu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Engagement Ring. 1.50ct Diamond Sapphire Accent Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Vintage Lotus Ring Platinum 18k Emerald Ruby Diamonds Statement Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Vintage one-of-a-kind Lotus Flower Ring Excellent condition Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold Finger size 7.5 (can be resized by a professional jeweler) Design size approx 37 x 17mm (1.5...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold
Art Deco inspired GIA 1.24 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco inspired engagement ring centers on a 1.25 carat old mine cut diamond certified by GIA under report number 2235903914. The diamond is graded M color, giving it a warm, ...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,880Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong 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 Strong Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 9.7 gra...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful daisy cluster ring was hand crafted during the Art Deco period. A slightly raised central 0.20 carat diamond is surrounded by eight 0.10 carat stones for a total of 1....
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K White Gold .44ct tw Diamond Filigree Ring size 3.75
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold filigree ring with platinum top and diamonds. There are 9 round diamonds weighing about .44cts total. The natural earth mined diamonds are a mix of round brilliant cut...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1920s Art Deco 1.14 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.14 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse 1920s diamond jewellery collection. This stunning, fine and imp...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum and Fancy Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This Art Deco beauty twines together stunning white diamonds with a knockout fancy yellow diamond center stone all on a gorgeous split V platinum setting. This ring boasts the timele...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.5 /2.3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Ca. 1900s - 1930s , hallmarked 765. Openwork Crown : 9.3 mm x 8.5mm x 4.3mm deep. Bezel set natural Blue ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA .89 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.7 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5222935888 Weight: .89ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.23 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5222940473 Weight: 1.23ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.36 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 2225942603 Weight: 1.36ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.63 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.63 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressiv...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Art Deco .46ct Emerald Ring Size 5
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold Art Deco ring featuring a genuine earth mined emerald. The fine emerald cut emerald measures about 5.3mm x 4mm and has bright grass green color. There is hand engraved...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,088Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Hand crafted Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.75 ct. Totally is brilliant cut diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs1-s1 clarity. Ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco Natural Diamond And Pearl Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Antique Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco Natural Diamond And Pearl Decorated Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
$30,000Sale Price|33% Off
GIA Certified Art Deco 2.17 Carat Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Penelope GIA certified over 2 carat marquise cut diamond engagement ring. An estate Art Deco vintage solitaire with an icy, sparkling personality that throws off glittering fire ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.56ct Old Cut Diamond & Platinum Antique Engagement Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Introducing an absolutely stunning platinum engagement ring, dating back to around the 1920s The exquisite ring centres a wonderful 1.56 carat transitional cut diamond beautifully m...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Filigree Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This cluster ring is a fabulous handmade piece of jewellery. It features four rub over set diamonds, the two in the middle weighing 0.40 carat each and the two on the outside 0.25 ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA 1.05 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:2225834805 Weight: 1.05ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Solitaire Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning Diamond solitaire ring supported by lovely deep blue sapphires, this ring is completely art deco. The centre stone is an old cut diamond, weighing 0.64 carats and has a gr...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Gia Certified .89 Carat 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:2225638405 Weight: .89ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: L...
White Gold
Art Deco 1.42 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 1.42 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections. Thi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.95 CTW Diamond Platinum Antique Scrolling Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.40 carat - O color with SI1 clarity Set by talon prongs with a halo surround of bead set old European cut diamonds Weighing...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring Belais
By Belais
Located in Montgomery, AL
We always love finding Belais & Company pieces!! They were known for manufacturing high quality white gold jewelry during the early 1900's. Ring Details Material: 18K White Gold Era...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco GIA 0.80 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This authentic Art Deco engagement ring centers on a 0.80 carat old mine cut diamond certified by GIA under report number 2235903907. The diamond displays a fancy light yellow brown ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1920, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
An Art Déco ring from the early 20th century, set with an old marquise cut diamond of approximately 0.80 carats and a diamond border of old cut diamonds. The marquise cut was created...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.20ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five bright old cut diamonds are set within a platinum claw set ring. To the centre sits the biggest of all five stones weighing 0.70 carat, followed by two 0.50 carats and ending wi...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 3.70ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Three charming old cut diamonds are featured in this spectacular trilogy ring. In the centre sits the largest of the three diamonds, weighing 2.00 carat. Elegantly flanked to either ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian Insignificant Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
Date Circa 1920 __________________________________ Metal Platinum Stone Diamond: approx o.6ct ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 0.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s this unique cluster ring features an intense blue sapphire at its centre. The sapphire is an old cut stone weighing 0.90 carat and is claw set. Complementing...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Three Stone Diamond Ring, 3.75ct Total Weight, 1920s
Located in New York, NY
This classically Art Deco three stone diamond ring is crafted in solid Platinum depicting filigreed profiles. The ring is centered with a three-stone set, centered with a prominent 2...
Diamond, Platinum
$11,952Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 2.47 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Onyx Ruby Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This cocktail ring, an Art Deco design, centers on a 2.47-carat diamond in an old European cut, an early brilliant style with a warm, hand-cut character. It is set with diamond, onyx...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
French 1925s Fine Pearl Diamonds Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Platinum ring, dog head hallmark. Charming antique Art Deco ring it is decorated on the top with a gold pearl supposedly fine. On both sides the start of the ring is adorned with 2x5...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum 1.04 carat Sapphire and Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Platinum Art Deco blue sapphire and diamond ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined round brilliant cut blue sapphire. It measures about 5.5mm and weighs 1.04 carats. The sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 1.02 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.63grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6227597360 Weight: 1.02ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.22 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:5221313406 Weight: 1.22ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: H C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.56 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2221537042 Weight: 1.56ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .52 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:1463119743 Weight: .52ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Cl...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.08 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6227543469 Weight: 1.08ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: M Clar...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco 1.30cttw Diamond Filigree Ring - VEG#19a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco 1.30cttw Diamond Filigree Ring - VEG#19a Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.5 grams Cen...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco 1.06ct Old European Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.4 grams Diamond Details: 1.06ct, Old European brilliant, Light Yellow (O/...
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
1920s Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Art Deco 0.37 carat diamond, 0.16 carat sapphire and 14 karat gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine and impressive 192...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Opal and Diamond Engraved Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Opal and Diamond Engraved Cocktail Ring. This amazing Art Deco natural opal and diamond cocktail ring is crafted in platinum. The ring fea...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Single Cut Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Single Cut Diamond Filigree Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco old cut diamond ring is crafted in platinum. The ring features old Euro...
Diamond, Platinum
1920 Art Deco 18kt yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite circa 1915–1920s Art Deco ring is crafted in 18kt yellow gold with a platinum top and showcases a refined geometric design accented with four natural old mine-cut diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco era Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring composed of platinum. With a 0.74 carat Old European Cut diamond at the center, approximate color ranging I-J color/VS2. Flanked by...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique French Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique French 0.81 carat diamond solitaire ring in 18 karat white gold; part our antique engagement ring collections. This fine and impressive French antique ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Opal and 22 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set in 22ct yellow & white gold. The glossy and colourful stone is set in simple claws and moulded shoulders. Size: L or 5 3/4 Stone Dimensions: 6.5x6...
Opal, Gold
GIA .73 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5222290574 Weight: .73ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: V...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 1.06 carat rose cut diamond onyx platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This authentic Art Deco engagement ring showcases a captivating 1.06 carat rose cut diamond certified by GIA under report number 6382831981. The center stone exhibits a J color grade...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Art Deco Pink Pearl Sapphire White Gold Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stylish Art Deco ring is designed as two sapphire set steps leading up to a lovely intense rosé coloured cultured pearl. The pearl and the six square cut spphires are set in 14 ...
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold
GIA .64 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5221092681 Weight: .64ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: E Clarity:...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .53 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5221379362 Weight: .53ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: VS...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .92 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2225436766 Weight: .92ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: VS...
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.