Antique 0.51ct Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring, Circa 1920, Unisex
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.51 carat diamond and platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressi...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Déco 6 Carat aquamarine and diamond ring, platinum
Located in Uccle, BE
Unique high quality Art Déco Ring. The ring is set with an elongated emerald cut aquamarine of approximately 6 Carat, four baguette shape diamonds and 24 brilliant diamonds for a t...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
French Retro 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
A French 18 karat (18K) yellow gold retro ring with large central swirl. Stamped with the eagles head for French manufacture and 18 karat gold. Dimensions: 1.65 x 2.3 x 2.8 cm Ring...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old Mine Engagement Ring. 1.30ct Diamond Halo Ring Platinum J VS2 Fleur De Lis
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Carat Weight: Approx 1.30-Carats Stone Cut: Antique Old Mine Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Cluster Ring Color: J Color Clarity: VS2 Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
A Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum and Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco ring, dainty design with a rectangular diamond weighing approximately 0.60 carat, framed by calibré-cut sapphires, to diamond-set shoulders, in platinum and 18k gold, size 7...
Art Deco GIA 1.65ct Diamond Ring. Old European Cut Engagment Ring J VS2 Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Certification: GIA Certificate Carat Weight: Approx 1.65-Carats Stone Cut: Old European Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Crown Mounting Ri...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s 1.07 Carat Sapphire and 1.54 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1920s 1.07 carat sapphire and 1.54 carat diamond, platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collectio...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming diamond ring dating back to the early stages of the 20th century. This antique piece features a chunky 0.80 carat old mine cut diamond at the centre of the fa...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic Art Deco solitaire ring showcases a sparkling transitional cut diamond set within an illusion-style setting. The diamond weighs 0.50 carat and is of G colour and VS2 cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.70 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning sapphire and diamond cluster ring crafted during the Art Deco movement. This platinum piece focally features a captivating cushion-cut natural blue sapphire o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum Old European Brilliant Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.7 grams Diamond Details: Weight: 1.10ct total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Emerald Diamond Pinkie Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This substantial Art Deco ring was created in 1925 ca. It is handcrafted out of platinum, a so called pinkie ring. The ring is set with a diamond and an emerald. The emerald has an ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Opal and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Superb art deco opal is set in 9ct yellow gold. The glossy and colourful stone is set in simple claws and has flashes of red orange and green. Size: L 1/2 or 6 Stone Diameter...
Opal, Gold
“Antique 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, 1920s”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 18k yellow gold french ring with natural navy blue sapphire colour estimate weight of 1.20 carars flnaked with 4 old mine cut diamonds with estimate weight of 2 carats H colo...
Antique 1.78 Carat Diamond and Platinum Marquise Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning fine and impressive antique 1.78 carat diamond and platinum, marquise shaped cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunni...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Déco inspired 1.10 Carats diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Art Déco inspired diamond ring. The ring is made of platinum ( "PT" hallmark). The ring is set with a center round diamond of approximately 1.10 Carats ( estimated H color - Si1 ...
Diamond, Platinum
.90 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .90ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Clarity: VS Finger to Top of S...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco .81ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Sweet Art Deco Platinum .81ct Mine Cut Diamond engagement ring. This would make a lovely engagement ring! This ring comes with an appraisal. You will not be disappointed! Pl...
.74 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:1226622854 Weight: .74ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: E...
Diamond, Platinum
Contemporary 5.00 carat ruby diamond 18k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vivid and full of presence, this Contemporary ring showcases a cushion cut ruby weighing approximately 5.00 carats at its heart. The ruby's deep, saturated red commands the eye insta...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This quintessential solitaire ring dates back to the 1920s and features a sparkling old cut diamond at its centre. Weighing 1.20 carat, the diamond is I colour and SI1 clarity. The d...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Filigree Brooch Conversion Elongated Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We always love seeing these vintage brooches converted into something new! This beauty is absolutely magnificent! Ring Details Material: Platinum Top; 14K White Gold Lower Half Era:...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
.55 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .55carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1 Finger to To...
Diamond, Platinum
.85 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .85ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G-H Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
.44 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: Weight: .44ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS2...
Diamond, Platinum
.20 Carat Total Weight Diamond Wedding Band Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .20 carat, total weight Cut: Antique Single Cut Color: F Clarity: VS1 Finger t...
White Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .50ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS Side Diamond De...
Diamond, Platinum
.96 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.2 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .96ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: L Clarity: VS Side Diamond De...
Diamond, Platinum
1.05 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: 1.05 carat, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI2/I1...
Diamond, Platinum
.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .50ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clarity: VS S...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Emerald and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite antique cocktail ring showcases a stunning, vibrant, deep green emerald at its heart, cut in a sophisticated eight-sided step cut. The central gemstone is framed by a ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
1.45 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.45 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: O/P Light Yellow Clarity...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.7 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:2211054397 Weight: 1.17 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color...
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Signet Ring, hallmarked 1925
Located in London, GB
This classic signet ring bears hallmarks dating it to 1925. Crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, this signet ring is already engraved with three initials, however this can be personalise...
18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Style Moonstone Silver Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
An Art Nouveau style moonstone silver plaque ring, circa 1920. This bold ring is designed in silver as an oblong shape, with a fretwork cutout of leaf design and set with two round ...
Moonstone, Silver
Antique 2.19 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.19 carat diamond and platinum cocktail ring; part of our antique Art Deco jewellery collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Plaque Ring, Platinum and 18ct Gold
Located in Braintree, GB
A handsome Art Deco emerald and diamond ring of geometric stepped design, with a platinum front and an 18ct gold shank. The rectangular plaque is centred with a natural emerald of ap...
18k Gold
.30 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 3.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .30carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Side Stone...
Diamond, Platinum
.70 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .70carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI2 Side Stone D...
Diamond, Platinum
.55 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .55 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: E Clarity: VS1 Side Stone ...
Diamond, Platinum
.25 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .25 Carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Ru...
White Diamond, Platinum
.90 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .90carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clarity: SI1 Side Stone...
Diamond, Platinum
.45 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .45carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS Side Stone De...
Diamond, Platinum
.60 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .60carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1 Side Sto...
Diamond, Platinum
.82 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .82carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clarity: SI2 Side Ston...
Diamond, Platinum
.55 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .55ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI1 Side Stone Det...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Edwardian Gold and Carnelian Large Gents Signet Crest Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 - 1930 14k Yellow Gold Gents Large Signet Crest Ring, The deep Carved Carnelian Crest features a Cat atop a Shield with a wrapped Banner of Latin wording. The top measure...
Carnelian, Gold, 14k Gold
1920s 0.28ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, Unisex
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.28 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set ring; part of our 1920s jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This impressive 19...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.75 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .75 Carat Cut: Antique Step Cut Color: F Clarity: VS ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.10 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #5201986347 Weight: 1.03ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: J Clarit...
White Diamond, Platinum
.71 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: .0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .71 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: I-J Clarity: VS Side Stone ...
Diamond, Platinum
.85 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.4 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .85 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: SI2 Side Stone ...
Diamond, Platinum
.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.1 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .40 Carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: J Clarity: V...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.28 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.28 carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI3 (Eye Cle...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT#2201969218 Weight: 1.50 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color:...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .76 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:2211211078 Weight: .76 carat Cut: Old European Brill...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.92 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT#2215045965 Weight: 1.92 carat Cut: Old European Color: I Clarity: SI...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.64 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT # 2203692183 Weight: 1.64 carat Cut: Old European Br...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.20 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.20carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Clarity: VS1 Measuremen...
Diamond, Platinum
1.99 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.99ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: L Clarity: VS2 Measurements...
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.