Vintage 1920s Silver Amber Ring, Art Deco Style, Handcrafted in Latvia
Located in Boulder, CO
Rare solid Orange-yellow amber ring handcrafted in Latvia. This unique ring was a part of my late grandmothers robust collection of amber jewelry. She brought the pieces over on a ...
Amber, Silver
Antique 18k Gold 0.60ct Old Mine Cushion Diamond Floral Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning art deco engagement ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features an approximately 0.60 carat diamond solitaire bead set in a rhombus shaped setting at the cente...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 14K Gold Filigree Ring with .66ct Round Ruby
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 14K white gold filigree ruby ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined round pinkish-red ruby weighing .66cts. The ruby measures about 4.7mm. The ring has all new prongs...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
.80 Carat Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat YG & Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: 18karat Yellow Gold & Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .80carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F-G Clarity...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.36 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.36ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: I1 (Eye Clean) S...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.45 Carat Sapphire 1.75 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.45 carat sapphire and 1.75 carat diamond, platinum dress ring; part of our diverse antique Art Deco jewelry collections. This stun...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 1.00 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Five Stone Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.00 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold, platinum set five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collec...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Platinum 1.13ct GIA Antique Step Cut Emerald Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:7235204220 Weight: 1.13ct total weight Cu...
Emerald, Platinum
Modern 1.23 carat no heat sapphire diamond 18k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant modern ring showcases a vivid 1.23 carat cushion cut sapphire flanked by two sparkling old European cut diamonds in luminous 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified .82 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 Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 1425413950 Weight: .82ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G C...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous Art Deco ring holds a centre diamond measuring 25pts and a total of 1carats worth of diamonds. Each Ruby measures 5pts and all stones are set in platinum. Ring Size: O...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Art Deco 10K White Gold 6.90 carat Citrine Men's Ring Hand Engraved Size 12.5
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 10K white gold hand engraved citrine ring with applied yellow and rose gold accents. The ring is beautifully hand engraved on all 4 sides. The ring is mainly white gold with...
Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Estate Art Deco .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#878a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#878a Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 11 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sat at the centre of a sparkling halo of diamonds is a gorgeous opal. The opal has wonderful hues of fiery red which glow under any light. The diamond halo totals 20pts. The stones a...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.21 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 Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2225307225 Weight: 1.21ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco, c.1920s cluster ring, which features 0.50 carats worth of gorgeous rubies, which compliment 1.36 carat total weight of old cut diamonds. Set in a platinum shank and ban...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.26 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:5222191895 Weight: 2.26ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K C...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,650Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.75 ct. The diamond is has G color and vvs clarity. Ring size is US 8.5 We can make any size. Please contact fo...
Diamond, 18k 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: 4.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .20ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Side Stone Det...
Diamond, Platinum
French 2.65 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique French 2.65 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning,...
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco .50ct total weight Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Diamond Details: Center Diamond: Natural Diamond, Old European cut, .35ct total...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.15 Carat Old Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful antique engagement ring features a 1.15ct old mine cut diamond in the centre, set in an eight claw, open back platinum mount. The shoulders are set with three old Euro...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.69 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2223193222 Weight: 1.69ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: N ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.22 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 #: 2225175138 Weight: 1.22ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.06 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5222161213 Weight: 1.06ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: K Clarity...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .71 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5221157787 Weight: .71ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K C...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.04 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A lovely old cut diamond is at the centre of this art deco engagement ring. The diamond is 1.04 carat, and is H in colour and SI1 in clarity. To either side of the centre diamond are...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby infinity Ring, c. 1920s–30.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
An Art Deco crossover ring crafted in platinum and designed in a sculptural figure-of-eight or eternity motif, the loop set with 14 old-cut diamonds plus additional 4 on the shoulder...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified .86 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2211385724 Weight: .86ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: M C...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Portuguese Ring Diamonds solid 19K Gold Silver ØUS11 /2.87gr
Located in SE
Antique Portuguese Diamond Ring, Renaissance styled. Band in Rose Gold, base of the crown in Yellow Gold. Band Hallmarked with Portuguese standard 833 Gold hallmarks. Made ca. 1920s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$368Sale Price|20% Off
c. 1920s Art Deco 10K Gold & Sterling Moss Agate Two-Tone Marquise Ring
Located in Honolulu, HI
An exquisite early Art Deco two-tone statement ring from the circa 1920s-1930s, featuring a striking natural bicolor moss agate set in sterling silver with 10K gold accents. The foc...
Agate, 10k Gold, Sterling Silver
GIA Certified .72 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6227244109 Weight: .72ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clar...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,965Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.37 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 6.75 We can make any size. Box is not...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.61 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic engagement ring dates to the art deco era. A lovely 0.61 carat old cut diamond is the centrepiece, it is I colour and SI1 clarity. Six platinum claws securely hold the d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Style Platinum Heart Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in Aventura, FL
This enchanting Art Deco style ring captures romance and sophistication, crafted in lustrous platinum and 18kt yellow gold and featuring a magnificent 1.75-carat heart-shaped emerald...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 3 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old Euro Cut Diamond Platinum Engraved LVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: L Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Clarity Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Old Austrian Ring Diamonds 14K Yellow White Gold Ø7.75US/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Ring from early 1920's -1930s hand - made in Wiena , Austria. Austrian period hallmarks on the band, metal parts tested solid 14K Yellow and White Gold. Intricate 14K White Gold ope...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five old cushion cut diamonds are displayed in this beautiful Art Deco ring. The central diamond sits the largest at 0.30 carat, with the flanking pair weighing 0.25 carat a piece an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Double Target Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully original ring from a time when the Art Deco style was at the height of design. Focally, we find a duo of matching sapphire and diamond target clusters spli...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.06 Carat Center Diamond 0.75 Carat and 0.77 Carat Side Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing platinum engagement ring from the Art deco era. The ring is centered with a sparkling GIA certified European cut diamond that weighs 1.06ct. The color of the diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
GCS Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Cocktail Ring, 3 Carats, Platinum, circa 1920
Located in Poole, GB
Art Deco diamond and onyx ring, set with two principal old European cut diamonds within a finely pierced platinum mount, enclosed by an oval onyx border and an outer frame of old cut...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
1920 Antique Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
1920 Antique Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring In Platinum. The details are as follows : Diamond weight : 0.96 carat ( I VS ) Diamond weight : 0.10 carat ( small diamonds ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Mabe Pearl, Enamel and Diamond Ring, Attributed Boivin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Art Deco Mabe Pearl, Enamel and Diamond Ring, Attributed to Rene Boivin from the 1920's. Set in silver with a large domed mabe pearl and stepped design on diamonds running dow...
Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Enamel
Antique Art Deco Platinum French Sugarloaf Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum French Sugarloaf Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring. This incredible engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The center holds a natural sugarloaf sa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1925s Art Deco 2 Carat Emeralds 2.20 Carat Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum. Sublime art deco ring, its entire platinum setting is closed set on its top with a Colombian emerald- cut emerald and an antique- cut diamond. This duo of gems is s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond French Cut Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond French Cut Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The ring features a go...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Ruby Platinum and Gold Plaque Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco platinum and 14 karat ring with diamonds and rubies. The ring is designed in a classic platinum-on-gold plaque motif, with the 3 larger diamonds architecturally framed by...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
1925 Art Deco 18k White Gold Filigree Five Stone Natural Diamond Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous diamond ring was made in 18k white gold ring is an elegant example of the Art Deco craftsmanship. The ring features a graduated row of five sparking Old European cut di...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning Art Deco Toi et Moi (You and Me) ring. The piece features a duo of unheated rectangular shaped rubies and sapphires which are tension set perpendicular to one...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 2.05 CTW Diamond Platinum Lily-Of-The Valley Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing 1.30 carats total - M color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a grooved square form head with a pierced twisting ribbon surround With a pierc...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
An Art Deco Platinum and DIamond Ring, 0.8 total carats
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A sweet Art Deco diamond ring crafted in platinum. It features 0.80 carat total weight of natural mine cut, SI1-I1 clarity, I-J color diamonds. The detailing on this piece is truly a...
Diamond, Platinum
5.90 Carat High Zircon 1.48 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 5.90 carat blue high zircon, 1.48 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set cluster style dress ring; part of our gemstone cluster r...
Diamond, Zircon, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Orange Blossom 0.75ct Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
An Art Deco period diamond engagement ring in the Orange Blossom pattern. Crafted in hand engraved pattern and adorned with beautifully detailed orange blossoms. Centered by a 0.75...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco GIA 1.53 carat diamond 18k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful French Art Deco diamond engagement ring is a distinctive 1920’s design, centered by a GIA-certified round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.53 carats. Graded fancy yell...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$1,497Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Aqua Marine Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs1 clarity. Totally is aqua marine 0.20 ct. Ring size is US 6.25 We ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 0.26 Carat Ruby and 0.65 Carat Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s 0.26 carat ruby and 0.65 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse ruby jewelry collection...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.00 Total Carat Weight Diamonds Engagement Ring Platinum and 14k Set
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 1.00 Total Carat Weight Diamonds Engagement Ring Platinum and 14k Set. Very beautiful diamond engagement ring featuring a center clean diamond weight approx 0.75 carat alongs...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
0.53tcw 14K Marquise Sapphire & Diamond Dainty Vintage Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
0.53 TCW Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Natural Genuine Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Cocktail Ring. The piece was hand made with solid yellow gold. The pear and marquise shape sapphires are 100...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.32tcw 14K Natural Sapphire & Diamond Floral Petite Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
0.32 TCW Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Natural Genuine Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Cocktail Ring. The piece was hand made with solid yellow gold. The round shape sapphires are 100% genuine wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 14K White Gold Engagement Ring, VS Diamond 0.50ct, 1920s
Located in Wallkill, NY
1920's 14K White Gold Art Deco Engagement Diamond Ring. White Gold Diamond Ring Perfect for a promise or engagement ring wonderful open work motif. Diamond is VS Color G/H Stone Meas...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
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.