Art Deco 1930s 18K White and Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco ruby, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one lozenge shaped ruby, and two rose cut diamonds, in 18 karat white and yellow gold. My favourite thing abou...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
14k Gold Left Facing Amethyst Cameo Ring w/ Seed Pearl Filigree & Floral Frame
Located in Montclair, NJ
This rare antique art deco ring was crafted from solid 14k yellow & green gold with rose gold accents. It features a detailed carved amethyst left facing cameo neatly bezel set at th...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k Gold GIA Old European Diamond Open Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful antique diamond engagement ring was crafted from solid 14k white gold during the art deco period and features a, GIA certified, old European cut diamond solitaire neat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a stunning 3 stone diamond engagement ring from the 1920s Art Deco period made in a platinum setting. The ring is a north to south design with three, bright white, Old Europe...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond and Pearl Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond and Pearl Three Stone Ring. This beautiful ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. There is a natural pearl in the center that...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Art Deco GIA Vintage Antique 3.0ct Old EURO Diamond Sapphire Pt Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco GIA 3.0ct Old EUROPEAN Diamond Sapphire Platinum Engagement Vintage Antique Ring. Few come finer or as fabulous as this original handcrafted platinum diamond and sapphire ri...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early Art Deco 14k Gold .60ct Diamond Filigree Wide Cigar Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - H Color - I1 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.60 (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Solid White Gold w/ Rose & Yell...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,152Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco with 0.84ct Diamonds & 0.20ct Emerald in 18k Gold & 925 Silver Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
A rare and beautiful Art Deco ring from the 1925-1930 period, crafted in 18k gold and 925 silver, featuring antique-cut diamonds and a central emerald. A true vintage masterpiece. *...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.2 ct. Diamond solid 14K Yellow Gold Silver Ø US5.75 / 1.3 gr.
Located in SE
European ring from early XX century period with band in solid 14K Yellow Gold with silver bezel holding a Diamond Ø 3.25 mm x 1.9 mm deep / ca.0.2 ct , color ca,G,H /VS , with open b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Art Deco 18K White Gold 1.5ctw Old Cut Diamond and Pearl Openwork Panel Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, pearl, and white gold ring, comprising one large old European cut diamond, sixteen smaller old European cut diamonds, and six rose cut diamonds, set in 18 karat ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1924 Art Deco Nordic Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.5/1.5gr
Located in SE
Ring created in 1924, the band in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three rows of 12 natural Rubies, Diamonds, and Sapphires. Rubies and Sapphires ca 1.8 mm x 1.5 mm /ca 0.03ct e...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Old Ring Bague au Firmament Diamond Blue Enamel 18K Gold Ø5.75 US/ 5.5 gr
Located in SE
Аntique ca. early XX cent. solid 18K Yellow Gold Bague au Firmamen styled Blue Enamel and Diamond Ring. Hallmarked 750, likely Italian 1920s -1930s, logo of the maker. L Crown is 14...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Platinum
$1,598Sale Price|20% Off
ART DECO 1925 Ring In .900 Platinum With 1.22 Cts In Diamonds And Red Garnet
Located in Miami, FL
An art Deco Gem Set Ring. This is a beautiful and elegant ring, created during the American art Deco period, back in 1925. The ring has been carefully crafted in solid .900/.999 pla...
Diamond, Garnet, White Diamond, Platinum
14K Unisex Two Tone Gold Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Ring Art Deco 1920s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14K Unisex two Tone Gold Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Ring Shape: Three stone ring Finger size: 8 Total Diamond Weight: 1/3 Carat Old European Cut super clean and colorless...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined Art Deco three-stone ring . At the centre of the face we find an oval faceted red ruby with slight pinky undertone commanding attention. This principal stone i...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique German Cluster Ring Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Silver Ø US7.5/ 6 gr
Located in SE
German cluster Ring ca 1920s- 1930s with carved band and shoulders in solid 14ct Yellow /Orange toned Gold with Silver crown holding 7 eight-cut Diamonds. The central setting can be ...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Silver, 14k Gold
Belais Art Deco Wedding Band - White Gold 18k Floral Vintage Ring Sz 5 3/4
By Belais
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Brand: Belais Era: Art Deco Date: 1924 Metal Content: 18k White Gold Style: Wedding Band without Stones Theme: Floral Features: Etched floral design spanning the entir...
18k Gold, White Gold
8.75 Carat Emerald Cut Natural Aqua White Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Circa 1920's Art Deco emerald cut aquamarine center stone in a 14k white gold handmade setting with hand engraved sides and shoulders. 1 Emerald cut gem natural Aqua. approx. total...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Art Deco Turquoise and 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Gypsy Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The three turquoise stones are set within the band and are a bright turquoise colour. The ring is modelled in 9ct gold. Ring Size: P or 7 1/2 Band Width: 9.5mm Weight: 4.1g
Turquoise, Gold
$39,988Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent art deco ring, created in Paris France and designed by the jewelry house of Cartier. This colorful cocktail ring is very ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Solitaire Diamond Ring in Rub-Over Setting
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous art deco solitaire diamond ring is timeless. A gorgeous old European cut diamond is rub-over set in platinum, and finished with a millgrain edge to the setting, giving...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum and 14K White Gold 0.85ctw Old Cut Diamond Trilogy Panel Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, platinum?, and white gold? Ring, comprising one large old European cut diamond, two smaller old European cut diamonds, and six old single cut diamonds, set in pl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
White Gold Lab-Created Spinel Art Deco Cocktail Ring -14k Scissors 8.25ct 4 1/4
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 1/4 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k White Gold, 14k Rose Gold, & 14k Green Gold Stone Information Synthetic Spinel Carat(s): 8.25ct Cut: Scissors Col...
Spinel, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Synthetic Ruby Art Deco Men's Ring - 14k Rect Step Vintage Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $35 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Synthetic Ruby Cut: Rectangular ...
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Rose Cut Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Vintage Dome Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
Antique dome ring made in 18 Kt yellow gold and 800 silver. This vintage ring dates early 1900s. Ring has been left in its antique condition. The oval cut Ruby measures approximatel...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring 14k 18k Euro.22ct Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .22ct ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Nordic Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US /2.2 gr
Located in SE
Old Nordic Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum settings. Hallmarked 18K, Swedish Ring. No year marks, made ca. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA .93 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:5234142702 Weight: .93ct total...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Three-Stone Diamond Ring 5.37cts
Located in Boston, MA
Exquisite Antique Edwardian Three-Stone Diamond Ring 5.37cts (Circa 1920s) This breathtaking Edwardian-era masterpiece showcases three exceptional Old European cut diamonds, each ac...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring 1 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold US 3.75 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
This ring has navette or boat shaped crown set with marquise cut natural Sapphire surrounded with 14 old diamond cut Diamonds in White gold or Platinum clusters mounted on shoulders ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
$8,012Sale Price|20% Off
5.12 Carat Ruby with Diamond Art Deco Style Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Art Deco style ring with a strong red ruby and diamonds. 5.12ct center oval ruby heat complimented with 0.99ct of round brilliant cut diamonds. 6.11ct total diamond weight. 18k whit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1.5cttw Diamond + Sapphire 18k Gold Shield Cocktail Ring, 1920s
By Belais
Located in North Attleboro, MA
This authentic 1920s Art Deco ring by Belais features seven bright Old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.5 carats, framed by four natural calibré-cut blue sapphires. Cra...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum top. There are 8 white old e...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 5 Stone 3 Carat Ultra Fine Old Mine Cut Diamonds 18k Gold Enamel Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 5 Stone 3 Carat Ultra Fine Old Mine Cut Diamonds 18k Gold Enamel Ring Description: Just shy of 3cts, this antique 18k gold & enamel ring features 5 old Euro / old mine cut ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
1927 Lord Ring 0.5 ct Sapphire 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.5/ 6g
Located in SE
Three Stones Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire stone of medium Blue color old diamond cut Ø 4mm x 2 mm deep / about 0.5ct. Two old diamond cut natural ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1 and Half Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Halo Engagement K VS1
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: VS1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Men's Ring -14k European .50ct Leafy Vine Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 3 sizes for $30 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,160Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 1930 Enamelled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Yellow Gold with Red Ox Blood Coral
Located in Miami, FL
European art deco cocktail ring. A beautiful colorful transitional piece, created in Europe during the late art deco and the early retro periods, back in the 1930's. This unusual hi...
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Men’s 4.50 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Men’s 4.50 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring. Very impressive ring with makers mark Diamond with the letter C inside. The ring features an Aquamarine gemstone with slight inc...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Three Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Three Stone Diamond Ring. This gorgeous three stone ring features 3 old european cut diamonds on the top of a nice filigre...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.40 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set three stone/trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique diamond jewelry and estate je...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring – CISGEM Certified
Located in Roma, RM
An elegant and refined ring from the 1920s, featuring three natural pearls of fine luster, arranged in a vertical composition typical of early 20th-century design. The pearls are fra...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 1.26 Carat & 1.01 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Superb Art Deco era 2-Stone Ring with two Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Sapphires, composed of platinum. One of the Old Mine Cut diamonds weighs 1.26 carats, GIA certified K color/VS2 c...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.40ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Three beautiful old cut diamonds are displayed proudly in this Art Deco trilogy ring. To the centre, sits the largest of the three at 0.60 carat, with the flanking pair weighing 0.40...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring with GIA Report
Located in Lexington, KY
A very pretty 18K white gold ring from the 1920's, set with a 0.53 carat Old European cut diamond. This diamond has an independent report from the GIA which states the color as K and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 2.82ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic Art Deco three stone ring showcases a trio of beautiful old cut diamonds. The central diamonds is the largest, at 1.32 carat with each of the flanking diamonds weighing ...
Diamond, Platinum
Gold and Silver Three Stone Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A dreamy yellow gold ring set with three round, rose-cut diamonds in a cut-away silver setting with foil backing to enhance the luminosity and sparkle. The centre diamond is app. 1.5...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Art Deco 1.55ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic Art Deco three stone engagement ring displays a trio of beautiful old cut diamonds. The central diamond is the largest, weighing 085 carat whilst the flanking pair are 0...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 2.11 Carat Opal and 0.61 Carat Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.11 carat opal and 0.61 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our collection of gemstone engagement rings. This stunning, fine and impressiv...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$6,075Sale Price|25% Off
Art Deco 1.34ct Solitaire Old European Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Vintage 1.34 Carat Solitaire Old Euro Diamond Green Emerald Engagement Wedding Ring 14K White Gold EGL USA The 1920s called, and they're completely fine with you keeping th...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
1920 Nordic Halo Ring 0.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.75 US /2 gr
Located in SE
104 years old Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum or White Gold settings. Natural Sapphire of old European diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Shell & Diamond Art Deco Ring 10k & 14k Carved Cameo .20ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold, 10k White Gold, & 14k Yellow Gold Metal Note: 10...
Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany, Platinum 4.25ct Colombia Minor Emerald 5.15ct Diamond Ring, GIA, AGL
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This refined Tiffany & Co. toi-et-moi ring exemplifies early 20th-century elegance, pairing a Colombian step-cut emerald with a square step-cut diamond. Set in platinum with deli...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum French Cut Diamond Old Euro Three Stone Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum French Cut Diamond Old Euro Three Stone Filigree Ring. This incredible Art Deco French cut diamond three stone ring is crafted in platinum. This b...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Turquoise and 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Gypsy Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The three turquoise stones are set in star settings and are a deep turquoise colour. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold. Ring Size: O 1/2 or 7 1/2 Band Width: 7mm Weight: 3g
Turquoise, Gold
Antique Ring 0.2 ct Diamond 0.2ct Ruby solid 14K Rose Gold Silver Ø US5.25/1.6gr
Located in SE
A Ring from ca. 1920s - 1930s with the band in solid 14K Rose Gold decorated with old European cut Diamond Ø 3.5 mm / ca.0.2 ct /color G,H/SI in Silver bezel and old cut Ruby in Rose...
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco 0.68CTW Vintage Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An exquisite three-stone engagement ring featuring a central diamond, elegantly flanked by two smaller diamonds. The primary diamond is a 0.60 carat ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.89 Carat Diamond and Platinum Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.89 carat diamond and platinum three stone ring; part of our collection of diamond engagement rings. This stunning, fine and impressive diam...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique pearl and 0.78 carat diamond, 14 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning an...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 2ct Sapphire 2.8 ct Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.5 US /4.9gr
Located in SE
Cluster ring in solid 14K Rose Gold holding three rows of 32 Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire. Made ca. late XIX - early XX cent. The crown side is 15 mm wide in the middle. Sa...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.