Circa 1920s Art Deco Gold & Platinum Old European Diamond Ring - VHK#256a
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
$15,988Sale Price|20% Off
ART DECO 1920 Platinum Cocktail Ring With 26.65 Cwt. In Sapphires And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art-deco platinum ring with large sapphire and diamonds. This is gorgeous beautiful ring created in America during the art deco period, between the 1925 and 1930. The ring was ma...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Nice cluster Ring with the carved band and shoulders. Top parts of openwork crown in White Gold or Platinum holding bezel set natural Emerald stone and twenty diamonds, both of old ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring. This beautiful art deco shield ring features amazing old european cut diamonds and sapphires on a filigree ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Art Deco 1.40ct Purple Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Art Deco cluster ring showcases a striking central baguette cut, purple sapphire elongated for a strong geometric silhouette that is classically Deco. The natural sapp...
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Coiled Snake Ring, 0.70 Ct Diamond, 18K Gold, Circa 1920
Located in Napoli, IT
Popular throughout history, meaningful love token, snakes represent eternity and symbolic for many cultures This beautiful vintage coiled snake Diamond ring is 1920 ca, hand crafted ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Onyx Engraved Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Onyx Engraved Cocktail Ring. This incredible Art Deco amethyst and onyx ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. This ring features...
Amethyst, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco GIA 2.10 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Sapphire Engagement Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.10 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
ART DECO 1925 Platinum Cocktail Ring With 3.65 Ctw In Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
An American art deco ring with diamonds & sapphires. This is a outstanding antique cocktail ring created in America during the Art-deco period, back in the 1925. The beautiful ring ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 18K Gold .12ctw Diamond & Sapphire Filigree Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Pave Set - VS2 Clarity - G Color - 0.12ctw (approx.) (12) Synthetic Sapphires - French Calibre Cut - Milgrain Bezel Se...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Thee Stone Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.3gr
Located in SE
Old cluster ring, a fine example of early XX-century taste. Platinum on Gold openwork crown, band tested solid 14K Yellow Gold, hallmarked 585. The Crown is 13 mm x 7.5 mm at axes ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 6.00 Carat Star Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Star Ruby weighing approximately 6.00 carats, accented by a halo of Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.00 carats...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.54 carat G color with VS2 clarity - bead set in a hexagonal form head Flanked by pierced arrow motif openwork shoulders...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Mine Cut Diamond & French Cut Ruby Bow Motif Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
An elegant engagement ring featuring a 0.62-carat old mine-cut diamond, with a clarity of VS2 and a color grade of I. The diamond is set in a refined platinum mounting in the shape ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Déco Diamond Gold Cluster Halo Ring, Austria, around 1920
By Austrian Manufactory
Located in Vienna, AT
Antique flower-shaped old brilliant-cut diamond ring: seven old brilliant-cut diamonds centered in a cluster, surounded by a halo of fourteen diamonds, another four diamonds in each ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k Gold 1.01ct GIA Old European Diamond Open Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful antique diamond dome engagement ring was crafted from solid 14k white gold during the art deco period and features a GIA certified old European cut diamond solitaire p...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$16,163Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Platinum & 18kt Gold Ring with Colombian Emerald and Old Cut Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
An exquisite Art Deco ring crafted circa 1920 in a combination of 18kt gold and platinum, featuring a striking geometric design typical of the period. The ring is centred with a natu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 18k Gold GIA 0.94ctw European Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a truly magnificent and gorgeous art deco period engagement ring that is crafted in solid 18k white gold, featuring a stunning old European cut diamond solitaire n...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Halo Ring 1.25ct Bi-color Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Platinum Ø4.5US / 5.3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful antique Halo Ring hand-made ca. early XX cent. Fine design, great wear resistible construction, secure bezels - this ring is perfect for everyday wear. Fragmented Swedish ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold 1.06ctw Old Cut Pave Set Ruby & Diamond Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (32) Natural Genuine Rubies - Old Cut - Pave Set - Vivid Pinkish Red Color - 0.80 to 0.90ctw (approx.) (35) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Pave Set - G/H...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring Purple Sapphire solid 18K Gold Siver Ø US7.25 / 3.2 gr
Located in SE
A ring from ca 1910s-1930s with navette - shaped Silver crown 20mm x 12mm decorated with cabochon cut lab made Purple/ Sapphire stone 10 x 8 x 4 mm / ca 3.5 ct that seems to change c...
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
14 Karat White Gold Emerald Cut Blue Topaz Ring Art Deco
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Open cut work on this 1920's Ring. Emerald-Cut blue topaz set in 14K White Gold. Ring measures 1/2 inch top to bottom or 13mm. The ring is a size 6-3/4 and can be sized by u...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Green Jade solid 10K Yellow Gold Ø US 5 / 4 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 10K Yellow Gold with divided shoulders, decorated with bezel set natural untreated oval cut Jade of Green color measuring 10.5 mm x 8.5 mm x 4.35 mm / ca 3.5 ct Not...
Jade, 10k Gold
$2,015Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 18ct Yellow Gold Ring with 0.73ct Old-Cut Diamonds, 1925
Located in Chorzów, PL
Former original Art Deco ring from around 1925. Geometric, symmetrical shapes characteristic of the Art Deco style. Openwork, hand-made structure made of yellow 18-carat gold with ...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond And Sapphire Ring. GIA 1.5ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Platinum KVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA ...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
A Platinum Art Deco Ring Set with Diamonds and An Oval Facetted Burma Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum ring set with an oval untreated Burma ruby (app. 0.8 carat) and old cut diamonds, France, circa 1920. weight: 7.9 g size: 16.5 mm / 6 US width: 3 - 8.5 mm
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 6.81 Carat Rare Natural Old European N VS1 Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Platinum solitaire ring (size 5.5) set with a rare vintage GIA certified Old European Brilliant diamond weighing 6.81 carats. The stone has an N color grading and a VS1 clarity grad...
Diamond, Platinum
1920 Art Deco 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 2.50 CTW in Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite Art Deco style ring showcases the era's sophisticated design elements, crafted in lustrous 18kt yellow gold with platinum top and featuring a beautiful 1.00-carat old ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.00 Carat Three-Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic triology rings features a total of 1.00 carat. The diamonds are hand cut, old cut diamonds, dating back to the 1920s. They have been estimated as G in colour and the cla...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$3,115Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 1920's Sapphire 0.70ct Diamond Toi Moi in 14K Solid Gold Heirloom Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Art Deco 1920's Sapphire 0.70ct Diamond Toi Moi in 14K Solid Gold Heirloom Ring A symbol of love and unity, this exquisite Art Deco “Toi et Moi” ring meaning “You and Me” in French,...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
White Gold Diamond Art Deco Three-Stone Ring - 18k Single Cut Floral Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s):...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Tinted Yellow Diamond 14K White Gold Enamel Ring
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco 14 karat (14K) white gold ring with geometric black enamel lines surrounding a tinted yellow Old European Cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.45 carats with V colour and VS ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
14K Yellow Gold Art Deco Masonic Ring with Onyx & Diamonds, 1920s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This antique 14 Karat Yellow Gold Masonic Ring features a striking 18mm x 13.3mm rectangular curved onyx stone, adorned with a carved and gold-gilded Masonic emblem. Embedded within ...
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco White Gold .18ctw Old Cut Diamond Filgree Engraved Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (7) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - Fiery White Color - Clean Diamonds - 0.18ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 2.65 Grams Ring ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1 Carat Sapphire Ring. Cushion Cut and Old Euro Diamond Halo Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: Approximately 1.00 Carat Center Sapphire Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds and Sapphires Diamond Weight: Ap...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
EDR Certified 3.17 Carat Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring with Set Shoulders
Located in London, GB
Stunning from every angle, you can’t get more Art Deco than this! Split claws secure a gorgeous, EDR certified, 3.17 carat, old cut diamond within its original handmade pierced plat...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1927 18k White Gold 0.15ctw Old Diamond Stack Wedding Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (7) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single & Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.15ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 2 Gram R...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Art Deco Sapphire Old European Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold Platinum
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A late Art Deco unisex ring, circa 1920, from our antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers. It features a very fine natural cabochon cut greenish blue sapphire weighing ap...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
White Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring 18k European .20ct Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 3 sizes for $40 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .20ct C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Euro .22ct Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco GIA Certified 3.37ctw Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone Dinner Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco era Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone "Dinner" Ring composed of platinum. Featuring 3 Old European Cut diamonds, one weighing 1.00 carat (GIA certified M color/VS2 clarity), ...
Diamond, Platinum
White Gold Onyx Art Deco Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 18k Vintage Filigree Milgrain
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Onyx Color: Black Sty...
Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Lab Created Sapphire Art Deco Ring - 18k European 1.24ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $50 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.24ctw Cut: European Color...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Flexible Ring - AGL
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Flexible Ring - AGL/SSEF/GIA. This magnificent Art Deco ring is crafted in 18k rose gold and platinum. This ring...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Jabel Diamond Art Deco Three-Stone Wedding Band - White Gold 18k Vintage Ring
By Jabel
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Brand: Jabel Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring, 2.04ct Royal Blue, 17K/14K Gold, Size 9
Located in Northampton, MA
A stunning Art Deco sapphire ring featuring a 2.04ct natural Ceylon sapphire of exceptional quality. The gem exhibits a rich royal blue hue—pure, transparent, and free of gray or ink...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k Gold Oval Bezel Amethyst Filigree Floral Large Rare Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent antique cocktail ring was crafted from solid 14k white during the art deco period. The ring features a large, approximately 20x14.5mm, natural amethyst stone neatly ...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4.5 /5.35gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct greenish Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose - cut Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco 1.15ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco show stopper features a wonderful red ruby in its centre with multiple diamond halos surrounding the stone. The central ruby is and old cushion cut, 1.15 carat stone an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1925 Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire White Gold Ring with AGS Report
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a gorgeous Art Deco ring set in 18K white gold showcasing a stunning round diamond at the center and dreamy filigree along the shoulders! This dazzling Art Deco ring's crowni...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Diamond & Ruby Navette Ring A ring set with diamonds & two triangle cut rubies. Approximate diamond weight: 1.10 carats Approximate ruby Weight: .30 carat Ring Size: 6.5...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 9K Gold Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 9K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring. This incredible ring is crafted in 9k yellow gold and has hallmarks inside the band. The ring ...
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Swedish Jeweler, Vintage Art Deco Ring in 18-Carat Gold with Cultured Pearl
Located in bronshoj, DK
Swedish jeweler. Vintage art deco ring in 18-carat gold adorned with cultured pearl and marcasite stones. 1920s / 30s. Diameter: 17.5 mm. US size: 7.25. In excellent condition. Stam...
Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Pearl and Diamond Toi Et Moi 18 Carat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This wonderful antique crossover engagement ring features a 0.72 carat old mine cut diamond mounted in a six claw, open back setting. The stone is perfectly accompanied by a beautifu...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Marquise-Shaped 18K Gold Ring with 0.70 ct Old-Mine Diamond & 18 Old mine
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This striking navette-style ring, crafted in warm 18K yellow gold (750‰), features a bezel-set old-mine–cut diamond of approximately 0.70 carat at its center. The elongated marquise ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø5.5US/4.3 gr
Located in SE
European Halo Ring with 18K White Gold on Yellow Gold crown featuring natural Blue Sapphire and 8 Diamonds of various old cuts. Swedish hallmarks ,18K , maker's hallmarks . Date com...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1920's Sapphire 0.70ct Diamond Toi Moi in 14K Solid Gold Heirloom Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Art Deco 1920's Sapphire 0.70ct Diamond Toi Moi in 14K Solid Gold Heirloom Ring A symbol of love and unity, this exquisite Art Deco “Toi et Moi” ring meaning “You and Me” in French,...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
1920s Sugarloaf Cabochon Cut Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This sugarloaf cabochon bezel set emerald sits in the center, surrounded by one row of 12 Old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.70 carats. It is further surrounded by a ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Alliance Ring Sapphire natural Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold frame holding Blue Sapphires and Diamonds set in Platinum or White gold clusters. Swedish, early XX century. Hallmarked with fr...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring Old European Cut Wedding Size 7.5
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exquisite Art Deco platinum band set with twenty-eight beautiful Old European cut diamonds approximately 0.03-carat each, total weight 0.84 carat. The band is size 7.25-7.5 and is 2....
White 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.