Art Deco 0.67 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This lovely art deco engagement ring features a 0.67 carat old cut diamond. It is great quality, with a grade of G colour and VS1 clarity. Two old cut diamonds sit to either side of ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The brilliant cut diamond set within this gorgeous 18ct gold band is so sparkly and bright. It measures 50pts so is a great size! Ring Size: T 1/4 or 9 3/4 Band Width: 6mm Height ...
Diamond, Gold
Art Deco 1.70ct Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Dome Engagement Platinum G VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 1.70 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.47 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.9 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report #6224977016 Weight: 1.47ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Cl...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.50 Carat Burmese Pink Sapphire and Diamond Double Halo Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful cluster ring crafted during the Art Deco movement. This piece features a centralised 2.50 carat sapphire of Burmese origin radiating a vibrant natural rich ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Gia Certified .75 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 2467227448 Weight: .75ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: H ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14K Rose Gold Classic Wedding Band Ring - Size 5
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Rose Gold Classic Wedding Band Ring - Size 5. This classic Art Deco classic wedding band is crafted in 14k rose gold. The ring features a classic plain...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2.40ct Sapphire and 1.20ct Diamond 14k White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.40 carat sapphire, 1.20 carat diamond, 14k white gold and platinum set cluster engagement ring; part of our diverse sapphire jewellery colle...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 0.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This ring features a rub over set diamond weighing 0.50 carat in the centre. The diamond is a hand cut old cut diamond estimated as an I in colour and SI2 in clarity. The surrounding...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 14K Filigree Ring with 2.15ct tw Aquamarines size 4.25
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K white gold filigree ring with two triangular cut aquamarines weighing 2.15 carats total. The aquamarines are custom cut with a flat edge to mimic a marquise. The aquamarines meas...
Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.55 carat emerald and 0.54 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and palladium set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collectio...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1920s Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique pearl and 0.42 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set marquise shaped cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelr...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 3.60 Ct Old European Diamond Solitaire Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Diamonds For Ever This stunning antique Art Deco period Diamond solitaire ring is the understated tradition for design and size A bright white, perfect in size, old cut Diamond stand...
Diamond, Platinum
.40 Carat Diamond Platinum and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum & 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Total Diamond Weight: .80ct Center Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct Cut: Old Europea...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.88 Old Mine Cut Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Style Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This platinum ring is an estate piece. This solitaire style ring features an antique Old Mine cut diamond in the center. Old Mine cut diamonds are often times similar to the modern c...
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Amethyst & Old Mine Cut Diamond Illusion Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We were so thrilled when we acquired this unique vintage gem!! Ring Details Material: 14K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Engraved Inside Shank: M.L. Head Length: 16.5mm Head H...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.02 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.9 grams This ring includes 3 GIA reports for each of of the 3 center stones. Diamond 1 (Center Stone) Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
.85 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.4 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .85ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Finger to...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Two Stone Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Two Stone Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in platinum. It has old european cut diamonds set across the top of an Art Deco fili...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Ring with 3.02 Carat Old Mine Cut Center and Baguettes
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exceptional Art Deco platinum ring, centering a dazzling old mine cut diamond weighing 3.02 carats, mounted in a finely detailed hand-engraved setting. The center stone is flanked...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s 2.42 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 2.42 carat emerald and 0.95 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Hand Engraved Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully designed and masterfully hand-crafted in platinum this Art Deco diamond engagement ring is both charming and unique. Set with an perfectly cut Old European Cut diamond, t...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.05ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Art Deco era, this beautiful cluster ring centres around a single old cut diamond, flanked by emeralds. The central diamond weighs 0.25 carat, with each of the flanking...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Two Stone Crossover White and Yellow Diamond, Platinum and 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian style two stone crossover ring, with a white and a yellow tinted old-cut diamond, in claw settings, with the white diamond set in platinum and the yellow diamond in gold,...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.38 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5463118544 Weight: 1.38ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.52 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:2225882394 Weight: 1.52ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:6224862556 Weight: 1.00ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Clarit...
Diamond, Platinum
.75 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .75ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G-H Clarity: SI Sapphir...
Diamond, Platinum
Ring with sapphire and old European cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold entourage ring set with a sapphire in the center. 0.90ct and an entourage of old European cut diamonds up to. 1.00ct - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$1,404Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.15 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.14 ct. Ring size is US 5.5 We can ma...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.01 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: GIA REPORT #:6227728368 Weight: 1.01ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Cl...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.42 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:1459106629 Weight: 1.42ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: M C...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Halo Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Halo Engagement Ring - GIA. This beautiful Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Gia Certified 1.18 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:5221638872 Weight: 1.18ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: L Clar...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.06 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5221794366 Weight: 1.06ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K C...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.40ct Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous cabochon cut opal sits central in this exceptional ring from the Art Deco era. The 1.40 carat gem is vibrant and alive as it glints in the light. It is encircled by a hal...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.13 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.9grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 1226860061 Weight: 1.13ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: I C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .73 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:5443588921 Weight: .73ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: M Cl...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 3.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning cluster ring dates back to the 1920s. At it’s heart sits an impressive 3.50 carat, intense blue sapphire. The sapphire is a natural, heated stone cut in an old oval sha...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Gia Certified .92 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: .92 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5222547616 Weight: .92ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.57 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.4grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:5221848949 Weight: 1.57ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K C...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum GIA .96 Carat Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 5231160195 Weight: .96 ct total weig...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising five old single cut diamonds, set in platinum, to an 18 karat yellow gold band. My favourite thing about this Art De...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified .54 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.13 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6223667084 Weight: .54ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
.75 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.9grams Diamond Details: Weight: .75ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F-G Clarity: VS Finge...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .92 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:5222676058 Weight: .92ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: M Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.43 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:2225655742 Weight: 1.43ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I C...
Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.10 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .50ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Finger t...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.02 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 6455888095 Weight: 1.02ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.31 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.1 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:5222792073 Weight: 1.31ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: Light...
Diamond, Platinum
.20 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.20 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .20ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F-G Clarity: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum GIA 1.51 Carat Diamond Brilliant Engagement Ring with Emerald Accents
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 62372111414 Weight: 1.51ct total weight...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Two Stone Twist Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A pair of old cut diamonds share the spotlight in this delightful Art Deco twist ring. The duo match in size at 0.50 carat with colour grading between G and H and clarity of VS. Claw...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.55ct Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
The eye catching geometric symmetry, synonymous with the Art Deco movement is apparent in this beautiful cluster ring. To the centre a 0.15 carat old cut diamond is rub over set in t...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The tourmaline in this ring is a deep delicious green colour and is perfectly complimented by a halo of shimmering, bright rose cut diamonds. The stones are set in platinum and the r...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold
.15 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .15ct, total Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS Finger to Top ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 0.40 Carat Emerald 1.52 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.40 carat emerald and 1.52 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of gemstone rings. This stunning, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco diamond and black enamel ring, circa 1925.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond and black enamel ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 2.00 carats, decorated throughout with eighteen ro...
Diamond, Platinum
French 1920s Art Deco Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum ring, dog head hallmark. A sublime Art Deco ring, its platinum setting follows the curve of the finger and holds a large oval Ceylon sapphire of soft blue brilliance...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
.50 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.7 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .50ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G/H Clarity: VS Fing...
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.