Art Deco 1920s GIA 2.70ct Old European Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Art Deco 1920s GIA 2.70ct Old European Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring - VEG#7b Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Pink Flame Conch Pearl Platinum PT900 Bow Diamond Ring 6.25
Located in Jersey City, NJ
This exquisite vintage ring, believed to be from the Edwardian era (circa 1910-1930), showcases a unique bow motif crafted in Platinum PT900 and adorned with 38 single-cut diamonds, ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique Ring Carnelian solid 18K Orange Gold Ø US 5.5 / 5.1gr
Located in SE
Unusual Antique Ring adorned with bezel set polished Red nipple of natural dark Red Carnelian stone Ø 10 mm x 7.7 mm deep mm / ca. 5 ct. Color of stone may change to lighter or darke...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
French 1920s Art Deco Cultured Pearl Diamonds Platinum Domed Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog's head hallmark. An Art Deco ring, its dome-shaped setting is openworked with diamond and arrowhead motifs, each adorned with antique-cut brilliant-cut diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
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
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
Art Deco 0.45 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.45 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold Art Deco cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique diamond rings collections. This fine and i...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Blue Sapphire And Diamond Ring handcrafted In Platinum. The details are as follows : Diamond weight : 1.40 carat approx ( GH color and VS clarity ) Ring size : 6
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$1,497Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.90 carat. The diamond is has G-H-I-J color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.40 carat. Ring size i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Platinum and 1.4 Carats Old European Diamond Art-Déco Ring, circa 1925
Located in Zurich, CH
Architectural platinum and diamond Art-Déco ring dating circa 1925. Art-Déco ring of open-work, geometric design, centering upon 1 old European cut diamond of circa 1.4 carats, in m...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s 1.08 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1920s 1.08 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond Wedding Band 950 Platinum .24ctw Floral Ring Sz 5
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .24ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Total Carats: .24ctw Style: We...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.41 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond and Emerald Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.60 carat emerald and 1.41 carat diamond, 14 karat white gold marquise shaped cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate j...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique Italian 18K GOLD Serpent SIgnet RIng 8.2 Gram Size 11.5 No Engraving
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique Italian 18K GOLD Serpent SIgnet RIng 8.2 Gram Size 11.5 No Engraving This antique Italian ring features a stunning 18K gold serpent signet, with a beautiful engraved design....
18k Gold
14K White Gold Eternity Ring with Baguette Cut Diamonds, Circa 2020
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: 2 Baguette Cut and 7 Single Cut Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately .30 Carats Color: H Clarity: VS Metal: 14K White Gold Era: Modern Circa: 2020's Hallmarks:...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1920s 1.02 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.02 natural blue sapphire and 0.84 carat diamond cocktail ring in 18 karat white gold; part of our diverse range of gemstone jewelry. This impressive ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring. This incredible engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The center is an old European cut diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum 1.45 Carat GIA Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
American Art Deco era 1.45 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring composed of platinum. With a 1.45 carat Old European Cut diamond, GIA certified I color & VS1 clarity. Set w...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Jung & Klitz Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Filigree Wedding Ring. This breathtaking antique old mine three stone diamond ring is crafted in platinum. The ri...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond & Synthetic Sapphire Engraved 1 Carat Platinum Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Stunning Antique Art Deco diamond & synthetic sapphire engagement ring. The band is platinum. This is a gorgeous ring with lovely engraving around the shoulders of the band...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 0.30 Carat Diamond Solitaire Vintage Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A vintage art deco period engagement ring. Crafted in 14k yellow and white gold, this piece features a 0.30 carat diamond as the primary stone, set i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Art Deco .41ct Diamond Filigree Ring with GIA Report
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 18K white gold filigree .41ct diamond ring. The GIA report #2231041985 states circular brilliant cut natural diamond measuring 4.78mm x 4.94mm x 2.79mm with G color and VS2 ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 3.43 Carat Antique Cushion Cut Aquamarine Ring #J5210
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 14K white gold filigree ring featuring 3.34ct antique cushion cut aquamarine, measuring about 10mm x 9mm. The color of the gem is best represented on the hand, not as blue a...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 2.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old Mine cut center Diamond weighing approximately 2.50 carat, O-P color, VS clarity. The ring features smaller Old Mine and Old European cut diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$1,264Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby And Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.06 carat. Totally is ruby 1.13 carat. Ring size is US 7. We can make any size. Acid tested to be 18k real gold...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum Art Deco 1.01 Carat Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2239213453 Weight: 1.01ct total weig...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunner holds 8 rubies and 15 diamonds. The rubies are a bright, rich pink tone and the diamonds are so bright and sparkly. The diamonds total 1carat and the rubies total 40pts....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Antique Art Deco 1925 White Gold Black Onyx w/ Diamond Engraved Work Date Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamond - 0.03ctw (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Onyx - Cut Corners Rectangular Cut - Bez...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum 1ctw European Diamond Wheat Engraved Step Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Bead Pave Set - L/M Color - I1 Clarity - 5.87mm - 0.80ct (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single & Old Eur...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Old European Cut Diamond & Sapphire Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This stunning 1920s Art Deco engagement ring from the antique jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California, features a 0.47ct old European cut diamond complemen...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 2.25 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.3 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT: 2221468213 Weight: 2.25ct Cut: Antique Cushion Color: Blue Measurements: 7....
Diamond, Platinum
$11,549Sale Price|20% Off
Certified Antique Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Emerald in this ring is a natural, non heat treated Columbian stone and measures 2.2ct. It is the most stunning green colour. Either side sits a trio of diamonds, the diamond tot...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Bow Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. Thin ring of the year 1920 its setting represents a knot whose center is decorated with a rose-cut diamond retained with claws, and the wings on both sid...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.17 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2225420629 Weight: 1.17ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Col...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 2.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 2.00 carats. The ring features Single cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.50 carats an...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Circa 1920s Art Deco Gold & Platinum Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Top [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Diamond Details: Old European Brilliant,...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum GIA 1.56 Carat Three Stone Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 6234153818 Weight: .66ct Cut: Old European brilli...
Diamond, Platinum
1920's 1.50ct Emerald Cut Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
Step into the dazzling world of the 1920s, where elegance and opulence were celebrated in every facet of life. Our exquisite 1.50 carat emerald-cut diamond ring, flanked by meticulou...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.90ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
- Art Deco diamond cocktail ring - Seventeen Old Mine-cut diamonds totalling approx 1.90ct (H-I / VS2-SI1) - Art Deco, circa 1920-1935 - 18K yellow and white gold - Accompanied by ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 2.40ct Diamond and Sapphire Cocktail Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Three old cut diamonds, each grain set within a box collet, comprise the horizontal centre of this unmistakably Art Deco cocktail ring. A graduating pair of grain set, old cut diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.75 Ct Diamond Plus 2.20 Ct Platinum Plaque Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Art Deco Dazzler Beautiful Art Deco period Platinum made Diamond plaque ring Artfully hand crafted as unique during 1920's in a dazzling plaque design to display Diamond opulence Cen...
Diamond, Platinum
$18,682Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5 Carat Fancy Yellow Old European Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding the timeless elegance of the Jazz Age, this exceptional GIA certified Fancy Yellow Diamond halo ring features a stunning centerpiece weighing approximately 5 carats, surround...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum 0.70ct GIA Old Diamond Milgrain Etched Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Prong Set - J Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.50ct (exact - certified) * See Certification Details Below* (10) Natural Genuine ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA .91 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:2235121866 Weight: .91ct total weight Cut: Old Euro...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.02 CTW Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.02 carats - J color and VS clarity Set by split prongs in a pierced bombè shaped gallery depicting scrolling vines Deco...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
.25 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 18 karat White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .25 carat total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I-J Cl...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond French Cut Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
An incredible Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European French Cut Engagement Ring. It features an approximate .70 ct diamond in the center with old french cut diamonds as accents. #R...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco GIA .68 Carat Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2225947668 Weight: .68ct Cut: Old Eu...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing 0.87 carat, H color, VS2. The ring features 2 additional Old European cut side Diamonds weighing a ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 0.60ct Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Filigree Engagement Platinum I SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.60ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Secondary Stones: Diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond Two-Stone Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Two old cut diamonds align vertically in this art deco era ring. Each diamond is 0.50 carat, and is G to H in colour and VS clarity. They are claw set in the delicate 18 carat white ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Platinum Diamond Art Deco Ring, European Cut 1.22 Carat Vintage Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
Art Deco allure! Exquisitely crafted in platinum, this glamorous vintage ring showcases an ornate filigree design featuring two European cut diamonds sweetly accompanied by a shimmer...
Diamond, Platinum
.20 Carat Art Deco 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cats Eye Ring, VEG#1554
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .20 Carat Cut: Old Miner Brilliant Color: IJ Clari...
Cat’s Eye, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.84 Carat Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring VEG#2277
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 6223077209 Weight: 1.84ct total weight Cut: Old Mine brilliant (...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.52 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring with Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Emerald cut Diamond weighing 0.52 carat and accenting Rubies weighing approximately a total of 1.40 carats. Circa 1920s Size 6 3/4, resizable
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.50 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing approximately 1.50 carats, and smaller Old European cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.00 ca...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s 18K White Gold 1.20ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.9 grams Center Diamond Details: 1.20ct, Natural Diamond, Old Europ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.20 Carat Old European Fancy Yellow Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
GIA report certified fancy yellow 1.20-carat old European-cut diamond and platinum Art Deco solitaire engagement ring circa 1925. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #A8099. Scroll down for specifi...
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.56 Total Carat Weight Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 0.56 Total Carat Weight Diamond Engagement Ring 18k White Gold The ring features a European cut center diamond weight approx 0.45 carat in a bezel setting surrounded by 9 sin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Solid Platinum .50ctw Channel Diamond Eternity Stack Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (50) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Channel Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 0.50ctw (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Weight: 2.80 Grams Ring Size: 5.0 ...
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.