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
1925 Men Lord Ring 0.5ct Diamond 0.8ctw Sapphires solid 18K Gold ØUS10 / 8.3 gr
Located in SE
Three Stones Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4.75 mm x 3.5 mm deep / ca.0.5 ct. each,color ca F,G /SI. There is a minor flaw inside this ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K white gold Art Deco filigree ring featuring a genuine emerald. The round eme
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold Art Deco filigree ring featuring a genuine emerald. The round emerald measures about 4.5mm and has fine grass green color. There is hand engraved design on the sides a...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
Handmade Art Deco Ring from 1928 Solid 10Kt. Multi Colored Gold Size 3 with Onyx
Located in Long Beach, CA
LADIES RING STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 10Kt. Solid Gold with Onyx Inlay CIRCA / YEAR: 1928 STONE: Onyx SIZE: 3 This classic Art Deco ring is hand constructed for ...
10k Gold
Art Deco 0.52 Ct Diamond 18k White Gold Filigree Antique Engagement Ring, 1920s
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Unique antique Art Deco diamond 18k white gold engagement ring with a finely detailed shank. The Old European cut diamond solitaire is placed in an octagonal setting. The shoulders a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified .68 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.3grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:2225826296 Weight: .68ct Cut: Old European brilliant Colo...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 6223825114 Weight: 1.03ct Cut: Old Europe...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified .73 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.9 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .73ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clarit...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
.75 Carat Old European Diamond Sapphire Art Deco Platinum Dome Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco 1920's Diamond and sapphire engagement ring. 3 center diamonds with 4 triangle cut and round old euro diamond accent stones in a handmade pierced bead set dome engagement ri...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Gia Certified .86 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.6 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 6223834185 Weight: .86ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Colo...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Emerald Ring, Circa 1920s, 5 Stones, Size 8
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Elegant and full of vintage charm, this Art Deco 14 karat yellow gold emerald ring captures the romance of a bygone era. The design showcases five vibrant round emeralds, prong-set i...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified .75 Carat Art Deco Sapphire 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: 14k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Center SAPPHIRE Details: GIA REPORT #: Weight: .75ct Cut: Old Mine, Antique Cushion Brilliant Co...
Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage 1.10 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a vintage three-stone diamond ring borrowing from a classic Art Deco style. At the centre of this face we find a chunky 1.10ct old mine cut diamond which sits proud in a...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14k White Gold 0.70ctw Diamond & Sapphire East West Saddle Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Bezel Set - H/I Color - VS2/SI1 Clarity - 0.50ctw (approx.) (16) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European & Old Single...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 18k White Gold Old Diamond & Sapphire Wheat Milgrain Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - H Color - VS2 Clarity - 0.08ctw (approx.) (2) Synthetic Sapphires - Baguette French Cut - Bezel Set - Dark Blue...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
William Drummond & Co Art-Deco 0.40ct Old Cut Diamond Solitaire 18K/Plat Ring
By William Drummond
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of timeless Solitaire with Accents design this piece is dating back to an Art-Deco period – c1930’s By prominent Melbourne-based jeweller William Drummond & Co Centrally 8-claw s...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Early Art Deco 1.35 CT Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Antique Gypsy Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.35 carats N color with SI1 clarity - flush set in platinum-topped bombé surround Flanked by rounded shoulders with high...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Cabochon Corallium Rubrum Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Dome Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The coral diamond ring made out of 18K gold with a platinum mounting was handcrafted in 1920 ca. Ring Size: US 51.5 Diameter ring head 1.7 cm
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 26.5ct Natural No-Heat Star Blue Sapphire Platinum Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco 1920's GIA 26.5ct Natural No-Heat Star Blue Sapphire Platinum Diamond Ring This Antique ring has a Gorgeous Natural Unheated STAR SAPPHIRE, a high domed (a.k.a. sugarloaf),...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Target Ring with Emeralds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum featuring a center Old Mine cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.50 carat, I-J color, SI1-SI2 clarity, with surrounding Square cut Emeralds. Circa 1920s Si...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This 18 carat gold five-stone ring is truly stunning, seamlessly combining antique charm with timeless elegance. The piece showcases 5 old cut diamonds, gently graduating in size, e...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
11.5 Carat GIA Certified Round Cut Synthetic Sapphire Engagement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Wallkill, NY
1920s Large 11.51 Carat Blue Synthetic Sapphire set in a stunning 14K White Gold Setting. Flanked by 2 Cabochons. Stone measuring 13.10 x 13.29 x 8.35 mm per GIA certification. Color...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Two Stone Ring by Gubelin, circa 1920
By Gubelin
Located in London, GB
Art Deco fancy light yellow diamond two stone ring. Set with one round old cut fancy light yellow diamond, VS2 clarity with an approximate weight of 1.28 carats in an open back claw ...
Yellow Diamond, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1.75ct Old Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, Circa 1920's
Located in London, GB
This incredible engagement ring is beautifully set with an old mine cut diamond weighing 1.75 carats mounted in a six claw open back setting. The centre stone is wonderfully designed...
Diamond, Platinum
1925 Art Deco Platinum Red Coral & Black Jade Diamond Ring, Love and Pain
Located in Lexington, KY
This is an extraordinary 1925 Art Deco Red Coral, Black Jade, and Diamond ring in Platinum. We titled this ring after Edvard Munch’s painting, " Love & Pain" as it embodies the sam...
Coral, Diamond, Black Jade, Platinum
Antique Danish Halo Ring 1 ct Sapphire 1.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.25/7gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Halo Ring, band, and crown in solid 18K Gold featuring natural Blue Sapphire and 10 old European cut Diamonds. This ring originates from DK, hand-made ca. 1920s -1930s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
14K White Gold Art Deco Old European Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Diamond Details: .40ct, total weight. Natural Diamonds. SI clarity, G ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 2 Stone Rose Cut Diamond Crossover Gold Moi et Toi Bypass Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely crafted 2 Stone Rose Cut Diamond 'Toi et Moi' 18K White Gold Bypass Ring. Securely Hand set with 2 Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.17tcw. Accented by Diamonds, ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,360Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 0.85ct Rose Cut Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Art Deco style diamond ring with a rose cut diamond. 0.85ct center rose cut diamond. Complimented with 0.59ct of round diamonds. 18k white gold with milgrain and filigree work. 1.44c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 0.1 ct Diamond solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS6 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
A Diamond ring in solid 18K Gold and Platinum, likely hand - made in USA ca. 1920s - 1930s. Hallmarked " Plat for Platinum , 18ct. Diamond of old European cut Ø 2.75 mm x 1.6 mm de...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Swedish hallmarks, 18K. Maker's hallmarks of C.G. Hallberg - one of the most prominent and top rated ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$10,120Sale Price|20% Off
ART DECO 1925-30 Platinum Cocktail Ring With 2.85 Ctw In Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
An American art deco ring with diamonds & sapphires. This beautiful antique cocktail ring was made in America during the Art-deco period, back in the 1925. The ring is gorgeous, cle...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 2.70 ct Diamond 1.40 Ct Blue Sapphire Wide Panel Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Art Deco Delight Art Deco 1925 ca beautifully hand crafted of solid 18 KT Wide rectangular panel ring of sleek geometric design, set with 2.70 Ct of old mine cut Diamonds I/J VVS/SI/...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring A radiant bright oval ruby centers this striking and sparkling Vintage Art Deco style ring expertly crafted...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
French 1925s Art Deco Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Shuttle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 Karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. The setting of this Art Deco ring is shuttle-shaped, with cut ends. In the center, a shuttle-cut sapphire is set in an openwork, cha...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1925s Art Deco Sapphires Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Staple Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. The setting of this Art Deco ring features 2 staple motifs, one set with rose-cut diamonds, the other with calibrated synthetic sapph...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 2 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old Euro Cut Diamond Accent Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Cert...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring 0.5ctw Sapphires 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Green Gold ØUS 7.75 / 4gr
Located in SE
This old ring has navette or boat shaped crown with White Gold / or Platinum top on solid 18K Green Gold band set with natural Diamonds and Blue Sapphires. European made, dates to ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Oscar Heyman Brothers Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring, American, circa 1925.
By Oscar Heyman
Located in London, GB
Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring by Oscar Heyman Brothers. Set to centre with three square step cut natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphires in open back rubover channel settings with a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Three Stone Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Three Stone Diamond Ring 1 Old Mine Diamond approximately 1.07 carats, 12 Old Mine diamonds approximately 1.40 carat, 2 synthetic sapphires all set in 14K white gold Ring ...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1920s, set to centre is an old cut diamond weighing 0.50 carat and the two adjacent each weigh 0.25 carat. They are hand cut diamonds which have been estimated as H to ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Heart Motif Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Heart Motif Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco single cut diamond heart motif wedding band is crafted in ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Art Deco Diamond and Triangular Blue Sapphire Dome Band Ring in White Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Art Deco dome style ring from our antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers. It is from the 1920s and features a 0.16 carat round brilliant cut diamond, flanked by two tria...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k Gold Old European Diamond Round Open Milgrain Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a beautiful, antique, diamond platter ring crafted in solid 14k white gold during the art deco period and features a round open design with milgrain etching work through...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,250Sale Price|36% Off
Art Deco 14 Karat White Gold Filigree .7ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This 14k white gold filigree Art Deco diamond ring is spectacular. The ring features a beautiful filigree mounting with detailed hand engraved shoulders. The intricate 14k white gold...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Step Design Ring Centered by Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco diamond ring of stepped design centering on two old-mine cut diamonds of approximately 0.53 ct. each, set in platinum with an openwork gallery Argentina. Atw 2.44 cts. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 2.05 Carat F Si1 Old Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This absolutely stunning 1920's engagement ring is set with a GIA certified old cut diamond graded 'F' in colour and 'SI1' in clarity - a spectacular colour for an antique stone. The...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond and Ruby Lozenge Shaped Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, ruby, platinum and yellow gold ring, comprising two old cut diamonds, two rose cut diamonds and two round cut rubies, set in platinum, to a band of 18 karat yell...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1920s 14K White Gold Art Deco Old European Diamond Ring with Sapphire Accents
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Diamond Details: .30ct, Old European Brilliant, J Color, VS C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Tiffany & Co. 4.21 Carats No Heat Burmese Sapphire Ring in Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
An antique fashion ring, featuring an AGL certified 4.21 carats round cut Burmese blue sapphire with no indications of heat treatment, bezel-set in 18K yellow gold. Size 6 US, resiza...
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold
1920s Unheated Natural Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8grams Ruby Details: .50ct, Unheated, Natural Ruby, Burmese Side Stone Details...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Men's Ring - 14k Rose .50ctw Vintage Cluster Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 10 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,032Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Inspired Diamond with Sapphire Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Art Deco style ring with round cut diamonds and baguette cut sapphires. Center 0.70ct round brilliant diamond, surrounded by 1.40ct of french cut sapphires heat and 0.40ct of round ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 10k Gold 22.66ct GIA Jade & Seed Pearl Halo Filigree Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jade - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Seafoam Green Color - 22.66ct (exact - certified) *See Certification Details Below* Numerous Cultured Genuin...
Jade, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold
1925 Nordic Ring 1 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 11 US / 3.3gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring featuring rose cut Diamonds arranged in fancy eye / boat - shaped pattern. Eye - crown measures 17.5 mm x 7 mm x 5 mm deep. Tops of the clusters likely in White...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco 2.25ct Antique Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Cocktail 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful Art Deco Black Australian Opal and Diamond Cluster Flower shaped Ring in 18K Gold Highly prized and sought after by kings, emperors, maharajas and sultans, the majestic ...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Men Unisex Ring natural 9ct Turquoise solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 9.25/5.6gr
Located in SE
A ring with natural Blue Turquoise stone cut cabochon 13 mm x 11 mm x 6 mm deep / ca.9 ct . Face side on this stone show strong and vibrant Blue, back side is not polished and natura...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Antique 1920s 18K Yellow Gold 0.25tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, ruby, and yellow gold ring, comprising one old European cut diamond, two rose cut diamonds, and two round cut rubies, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1925 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 0.3ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful 99 years old Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 4.5 mm x 2.75 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 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.