.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
Antique 1.10 Carat Diamond Elongated Ring. Old Euro and Sapphire Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.10 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Clarity Seco...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14K White Gold 3 Carat Blue Zircon and Diamond Ring 1925 Art Deco
Located in Lexington, KY
This is an alluring Art Deco ring crafted in 14K white gold showcasing a breathtaking 3-carat blue Zircon surrounded by sparkling diamonds. Looking into the 3.00-carat zircon in this...
Diamond, Blue Zircon, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
.50 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .50cttw Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: VS Side Stone ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
AMERICAN 1920 Art-Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring In 14Kt Gold With Carnelian
Located in Miami, FL
An enameled art deco cocktail ring with carnelian. This is a beautiful and colorful cocktail ring created in America during the Art Deco period, circa 1920–1925. The piece has been ...
Carnelian, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating to approximately the 1920s, this solitaire has an old cushion cut, weighing 0.64 carat, set to centre. Estimated as I in colour and SI1 in clarity, the stone has proudly been ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Platinum .50ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Diamond Details Center Diamond: .50ct, Old European Brilliant, G Color, SI2 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAUB Platinum Eternity Band Ring SIGNED SZ 5.5
By Orange Blossom
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique 1920s ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAUB Platinum Eternity Band Ring SIGNED Size 5.5 3.3 gram 'TCU to OFK 8-24-27', I tried my best reading, see pictures
Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Ring with 1.32 Ct Colombian Emerald & Diamonds, 1920
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Art Deco ring is 1920 circa Hand crafted in a stunning sophisticate design of solid Platinum The ring is modelled in geometric panel shape as epitome of the Art Deco...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Jones Woodland Art Deco Egyptian Revival Hardstone 14K Gold Antique Scarab Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped hardstone cabochon measuring 8.5 x 11.0 mm Opaque dark green in color with light bluish green mottling Carved to depict an Egyptian scarab and bezel set Flan...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cabochon Cut Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum Circa 1920's
Located in Boston, MA
A captivating art deco halo ring featuring a 1.75 carat cabochon cut emerald, exuding a vibrant green hue. The centerpiece is gracefully encircled by a double halo of old mine cut d...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified .81 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: 14Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6217875094 Weight: .81carat Cut: Old European brillia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Birks Platinum Old European Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Birks Platinum Old European Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring. This incredible Art Deco old European cut diamond and emerald ring is crafted in platinum. This r...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
0.91 Carat Old European Round Cut Art Deco Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1920s Art Deco platinum ring from the antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California. A 0.91ct old European cut diamond sparkles at center, framed by...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA Certified 0.90 Carat Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
You've discovered a one hundred year old geometric Art Deco engagement hailing from the famed Jazz Age. A GIA certified old European brilliant diamond weighing nearly 1 carat with a ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.27 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Diamond Details: GIA Report#:5222947735 Weight: 1.27ct total weight Cut: Old...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.63 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6224174792 Weight: 1.63ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified .49 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 6214878163 Weight: .49carat Cut: Old European brilliant...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco old cut diamond shield ring is crafted in 14k white gold and...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 1.50 Carat Star Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Star Ruby weighing approximately 1.50 carat, and Single cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.60 carat. Circa 1920s Size 6 1/4, ...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
GIA 1.40 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2231052748 Weight: 1.40ct total weig...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5201532135 Weight: 1.01 Cut: Antique ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Baguette Diamond and 14 Carat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sparkling baguette diamond set in 14ct gold with beautifully detailed setting. The diamond measures approx 25pts and reflects the light beautifully. Ring Size: P or 7 3/4 Height off...
Diamond, White Gold
Ostby & Barton Onyx Diamond Art Deco Men's Ring - Yellow Gold 10k Rectangular
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Brand: Ostby & Barton Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natura...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.20 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Diamond Details: GIA Report Number: 2231041072 Weight: 1.20ct total weigh...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond & Emerald Ribbon Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This truly breathtaking antique diamond engagement ring was crafted in solid platinum during the early art deco period. This ring features a large old European cut diamond that's nea...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique French 1.90 Carat Sapphire 1.10 Carat Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique French 1.90 carat natural blue sapphire and 1.10 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified .74 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum & 18 Karat YG Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2213425898 Weight: .74 carat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.32 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Old European cut center Diamond weighing 1.32 carats, K color, SI2 clarity, GIA #15294979. The ring features small Single cut Diamonds...
Diamond, Platinum
White Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Ring - 18k Single Cut Vintage Filigree
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Cut: Single Sto...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.65ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Antique cluster ring dates back to the 1920s. At it’s centre, a captivating old cut sapphire sits, weighing 0.65 carat. Surrounding the sapphire are eight sparkling ol...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.29 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing approximately 1.29 Carats, E-F color, VS clarity. The ring features 6 smaller Diamonds on the setting that...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old Mine White & Champagne Diamond You and Me Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Old Mine White & Champagne Diamond You and Me Ring An Art Deco ring featuring a brown and a white old mine diamond, accented with baguette and round-cut diamonds on bot...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum Art Deco GIA 1.02ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2231203418 Weight: 1.02ct total weight ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1920 Platinum Eternity Band Ring with 1.20 Cts in Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Step into the world of timeless glamour with this exquisite Art Deco eternity band, expertly crafted in lustrous platinum. A true testament to the elegance and grace of the Art Deco ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Certified 7.14 Ct No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
World’s Most Coveted Gemstone For centuries, sapphire has been associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981, when Britain’s Prince Charles gave a blue ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1925s Art Deco Calibrated Emeralds Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow and white gold. A stunning Art Deco ring; its flat yellow gold band is adorned all around with calibrated emeralds set in rail settings. At the center, a larg...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco 1.20 Carat Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This delicate five stone ring has a combined diamond weight of 1.20 carat. The centre diamond is 0.30 carat, the two adjacent are 0.25 carat each, and the diamonds at the end are 0.2...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Full Eternity Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Art Deco Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Full Eternity Band Ring delightful sapphire and diamond stone ring, truly sparkles The item comes without the box in the photos but will be...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Marcus & Co. Platinum 12 Carat No Heat Oval Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Cape May, NJ
This rare Art Deco Marcus & Co. Platinum 12 Carat No Heat Sapphire Diamond Ring is a true masterpiece that combines timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. Created by the r...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 0.61 Carat Emerald and 1.45 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.61 carat emerald and 1.45 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set ring; part of our 1920s jewelry collection. This stunning, fi...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1920s 10K Yellow Gold JR Wood Band, Wedding Ring, 10-28-22, Size 7.75
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: A timeless Art Deco wedding band from the 1920s, crafted in 10K yellow gold by the respected JR Wood maker. This piece carries a tender inscription "K.L. to V.G. 10-...
Yellow Gold
Art Deco Blue Sapphire and Diamond Open Work Cocktail Ring in Platinum, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautifully handcrafted Art Deco cocktail ring features an elongated, gently tapered plaque that sits gracefully across the finger. Measuring approximately 22.6 x 9.4mm, its gen...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1920s 14 Karat White Gold Blue Synthetic Spinel Ring, GIA Certification
Located in Wallkill, NY
Lovely Greenish Blue Synthetic Spinel 14K White Gold Ring. Stone is an Octagonal shape with Modified Brilliant Cut. The ring is a size 6 and can be made larger of smaller by us or yo...
Spinel, 14k Gold, White Gold
ART NOUVEAU Ring with old mine cut diamond sup to 0.60ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold and silver ring set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 0.60 ct - F/G - SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 3.7 mm wide b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Twist Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This diamond ring holds three glittering diamonds measuring a total of 10pts. Set in platinum twist illusion settings and ring modelled in 18 Carat gold. The ring also has three diam...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1925s Art Deco Tourmaline Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark and platinum mascaron hallmark. This charming Art Deco ring is adorned with a step-cut rubellite tourmaline held in place by four prongs. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, P...
Art Deco Vintage Platinum 2.53ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, Circa 1920, Women's
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A classic Art Deco Platinum Diamond solitaire ring comprising a transitional brilliant cut diamond of 2.53 ct., J color, si clarity in a claw setting with unusual diamond shoulders...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Platinum Art Deco 1 Carat Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American Size 5.75
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1920s Platinum Art Deco 1 Carat total Diamond weight Toi et Moi Design Antique Ring Size 5.75 9.2 gram Earth mined Diamonds; 28 pieces estimated of 0.02 Carat each single cut diam...
Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.38 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.38 carat, I color, VS clarity, accented by Single cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art-Deco Original Platinum Green Tourmaline 2.20 cts. and Diamond Ring, Ca. 1920
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art-Deco Original Platinum Green Tourmaline and Diamond Ring, Ca. 1920 This exquisite Art Deco ring showcases a vibrant oval-cut green tourmaline, measuring approximately (9.4 × 6.44...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Twist Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This diamond ring holds three glittering diamonds measuring a total of 11pts. Set in platinum twist illusion settings and ring modelled in 18 Carat gold. The ring also has three diam...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
ART DECO 1925 Chinoiserie Oval Ring In 14Kt Yellow Gold With Carved Jade
Located in Miami, FL
An American art deco chinoiserie ring designed by F & F Felger Inc. This is a beautiful ring created in America during the art deco period, circa 1925. This ring has been design...
Jade, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Star Sapphire Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Star Sapphire Filigree Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco cabochon star sapphire ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The ring fe...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.01 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.01 carat, M-N color, VS2 clarity. The ring features small accenting Old European cut Diamonds on ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.45 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 0.45 carat transitional cut diamond is showcased in this Art Deco Engagement Ring. The diamond is F colour and VS2 clarity. It is claw set in the patterned platinum shoul...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.39ct No Heat Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A very stylish antique sapphire ring from the Art Deco era. Small but oh so sweet. 1920s glamour! A lozenge shape frame centering a oval cut sapphire estimated to weigh approx. 0.39 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring - Size 5 3/4
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring - Size 5 3/4. This classic Art Deco single cut diamond eternity band ring is crafted in platinum. The ring f...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Classic Art Deco Platinum 1.64ct GIA Old Diamond Pyramid Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - F Color - VS1 Clarity - 1.24ct (exact - certified) * See Certification Details Below* (22) Natur...
Diamond, Platinum
Jabel Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring, American, circa 1920
By Jabel
Located in London, GB
Jabel old cut diamond three stone ring. Set centrally with a round old cut diamond in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.45 carats, flanked further with two ro...
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.