Art Deco diamond cluster ring, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond, H colour, VS2 clarity, with an approximate weight of 2.01 carats in an open back claw setting, flanked by e...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco 3.42ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A magnificent Art Deco diamond ring, masterfully crafted in platinum with exquisite filigree and hand-engraved detail. The centerpiece is an impressive Old European Cut diamond weigh...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Ring in White Gold and Diamonds
Located in Cattolica, IT
A stunning Art Deco design ring in 18kt white gold and brilliant-cut Diamonds. This ring has an ogive shape and is embellished with three brilliant-cut Diamonds set vertically at the...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Circa 1930s Art Deco 18K White Gold .70ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.4 grams Diamond Details: Center: .70ct, K/L Color, SI2 Clarity, Natural Diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 2.00 Ct Colombian Emerald 1.80 Ct Diamond 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This breathtaking Art Deco Emerald and Diamond ring is 1930 Ca Hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold in a classy design, skilfully hand made in a charming design The wide crown takes shap...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
French 1930s Natural Red Spinel Diamonds Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog head hallmark. A charming and timeless solitaire ring, it features a cushion-cut red spinel set on top with four flat prongs. On either side of the center stone...
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
Chaumet Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1935
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
Chaumet diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a round old cut diamond, J colour, VS2 clarity, with an approximate weight of 1.19 carats in an open back claw setting, flanked by si...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 6.25 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 6.25 carat diamond and platinum cluster ring with a feature pear cut diamond; part of our diverse collection of antique ballerina rings. This stunnin...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 14K Yellow gold 3/4 Carat Diamond Pearl American Ring Size 6
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique 14K Yellow gold 3/4 Carat Diamond Pearl American Ring Size 6 Ower 100 Yrs of age Size 6 Center Diamond 5.2-5.3 mm diameter & 3.3 mm deep, a little more than 1/2 Carat Ol...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Art Deco GIA 0.91 carat east west old mine cut diamond 18k gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Art Deco engagement ring showcases a distinctive east west set 0.91 carat old mine cut diamond, certified by GIA #5536677002, displaying a warm J color paired with excep...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.01 Carat Diamond and Emerald Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: Approximately 5.40 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.8 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: 1.01 carat Color: L-M Clarity...
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Solitaire Diamond Ring, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond solitaire ring. Set with a central round old cut diamond, I colour, SI1 clarity, with an approximate weight of 4.17 carats in an open back claw setting, to an angula...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 14k Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring, Circa 1930s, Size 5.75
Located in Houston, TX
Mabe' pearl diamond ring from the 1930's. Features a Mabe' pearl in the center surrounded by twelve (12) rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous 1.98 ct round cut VS 2 I color diamond flanked by two baguettes in an Art Deco platinum setting. This ring has a GIA certificate.
Diamond, Platinum
1938 Ring Natural 1ct. Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.5 / 3gr
Located in SE
This ring has navette or boat shaped crown with Platinum clusters melted into solid 18K Rose Gold . Central stone is marquise cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 16 old Europea...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond dress ring
Located in NEWARK, GB
A truly beautiful Art Deco dress ring! It is a vintage c1930s Sapphire and Diamond ring in 9ct rose gold, the face of the ring features two fan like swirls carefully modelled in ros...
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold
French 1930s Diamond Platinum Art Deco Dome Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum. Sublime and authentic Art Deco ring, its setting forms a dome entirely set with small antique- cut diamonds. In the center, in a closed pearl setting, a brilliant- ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
.25 Carat Total Weight Diamond Platinum and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum & 14 karat White Gold Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .25 carat, total weight Color: F Cl...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1930s 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum 0.18ctw Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Principal diamond weight, estimated: 0.17ct Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.18ctw Gross weight: 1.96g Ring size: UK – O US – 7.25 EU - 55 Hallmarks: stamped ‘18CT PLAT’ (18 k...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1930s French Art Deco Diamonds Platinum Asymmetrical Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog's head hallmark. Square shaped, this superb Art Deco ring is adorned with a brilliant-cut diamond, surrounded by baguette-cut diamonds. Asymmetrically, a half-s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
.58 Carat Diamond Art Deco Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original 1930's Diamond platinum ring with star design center and hand detailed and pierced top. 1 round brilliant cut diamond, approx. total weight .30cts, F, VS2 16 round diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 2.62 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.62 carat diamond and platinum solitaire ring; part of our 1930s engagement ring collection. This stunning, fine and impressive antique soli...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique 1.44 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive diamond three stone ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond and Emerald Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Art Deco Carved Filigree Platinum Diamond and Emerald Engagement Ring. Featuring a 2.50 carat Old European cut natural diamond center stone. Set in a platinum 6-prong setting...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Invisible Set Yellow Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An unusual white gold ring created by one of the most revolutionary developments in jewelry workmanship occurred in the 1930’s called ‘invisible setting technique’.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 0.88 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 5231081738 Weight: .88ct total we...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique 2.47 Carat Diamond and Platinum Twist Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.47 carat diamond and platinum twist style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewellery collections. This stunn...
Diamond, Platinum
Art-Deco c1930's 1.60ct Old Cut Diamond Solitaire 18K White Gold Platinum Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of timeless & visually striking solitaire design this piece is dating back to an Art-Deco period - c1930’s, crafted with refined elegance & great attention to details Centrally cl...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Diamond Details: .15ct total weight, transitional European cut, natur...
White Gold
Art Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1930s, this stunning cluster ring is all handmade. The centre diamond is a transitional cut and weighs 0.91 carat. It has been estimated as a G in colour and VS1 in cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond GIA Multi Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Experience Timeless Elegance with this Exquisite Art Deco Platinum on Gold Statement Ring. Showcasing a dazzling GIA Certified 1.60 Carat Emerald cut Diamond; D col...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
1930s Antique 1.70 Carat Sapphire and 2.10 Carat Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique gemstone cluster ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum, Emerald & Diamond Ring Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
True to its era this Art Deco diamond ring is crafted in platinum and features a geometric saw pierced, mille-grained and bezel settings set with a central bright green emerald with ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 0.85ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This timeless solitaire engagement ring dates to the 1930s and features a sparkling old cut diamond at its centre. Weighing 0.85 carat the diamond is H in colour and VS2 in clarity. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Nouveau 1930s Platinum Pearl Diamond Ring, Italy, Size 8.75
Located in Firenze, IT
Of bombé design, centred with a single pearl within a pierced surround of old and single-cut diamonds, ring size 8 3/4 Weight: 4.45gr.
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco 2.27 Carat Total Weight Old European Cut Diamond and Onyx 3-Stone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisite Art Deco era 3-stone ring composed of platinum. Featuring 3 Old European Cut diamonds weighing 1.50 carats in total.
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking example of Art Deco craftsmanship, this vintage ring features a mesmerizing 8.70-carat cabochon-cut sapphire with deep blue hues and natural inclusions, set in a finely ha...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Star Setting Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three Diamonds. The central diamond measures 15pts and the two outer diamonds measure 8pts each. The stones are set in star settings. Fully hall...
Diamond, Gold
0.80 Carat Old Cut Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Beautiful handmade Art Deco engagement ring set with an old European cut diamond weighing 0.80 carats in the centre, complimented by 5 eight cut diamonds on either side within a very...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18K White Gold Star Sapphire Diamond Ring, 20.04ctw, Size 10
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking example of Art Deco design, this 18 karat white gold ring commands attention with its bold structure and captivating centerpiece. At its heart sits a natural oval cabochon...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,680Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 1935 Square Ring In Platinum With 1.89 Ctw In Diamonds And Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco platinum ring with diamonds Elegant antique cocktail ring, created in America during the art deco period, back in the 1935. This beautiful ring was crafted in solid plat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Tourmaline Peridot and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 3.12 carat peridot, 1.94 carat tourmaline and 0.80 carat diamond 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. ...
Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.70 Ct Natural Untreated Sapphire 2.20 Ct Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Classy Statement This beautiful and impressive Art Deco ring is bears French import duty marks standing for solid Platinum – the ring is substantially hand constructed suitable for ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 2.89 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine, and impressive 2.89 carat diamond and platinum full eternity ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive dia...
Diamond, Platinum
$4,384Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Aquamarine and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This Art Deco-style ring is crafted in Platinum 950 and features an aquamarine and diamonds. It has a weight of 11.2 grams and is sized ES 13.5 / EU 53.5 / US 6.5 / 17 mm. The ring i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
$1,045Sale Price|50% Off
Art Nouveau Style Filigree Diamond Shield Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
One of our delicate, distinctive original filigree engagement rings. It displays the naturalistic, floral style of the Art Nouveau period. You will adore the feminine look and feel o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Certified Unheated Burmese Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Art Deco three stone 18k Gold ring set with a round cut unheated ruby, weighing 1.14 carats and 2 old cut octagonal diamonds with a total weight of approx. 1.20 carats H/I color VS/S...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Ring w Diamonds in Platinum, 1.50 ct center VS1 Clarity
Located in Austin, TX
The diamond is in its original setting from Circa 1930.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Odeonesque Geometric Diamond Platinum 1930s Cocktail Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco Odeonesque Diamond Ring in Platinum, Late 1930s. A composition of strength and symmetry, this late 1930s platinum ring embodies the architectural confidence of the Art Deco...
Diamond, Platinum
1930s 18 Karat White .50 Carat European Cut Diamond Filigree Art Deco Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1930s 18KW .50ct European Cut Diamond Filigree Art Deco Engagement Ring - The center diamond weighs approximately .50ct with K color and VS1 clarity. The diamond is set with ...
Diamond
Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Shield Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco diamond and sapphire shield ring is crafted in 18k white gold and pla...
Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Early Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Free Mason Eagle Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped signet face centering a raised cameo of a two headed eagle Depicted perched atop a sword as a common Scottish Rite Free Mason symbol Centering an old Europea...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art-Deco Six Stone Old Cut Diamond (1.10ct) Half-Hoop Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
An Art-Deco 6-Stone Diamond Half-Hoop Ring set with 6 Old-European Cut Diamonds of 1.10ct in total approx., of good colour & clarity Mounted in 18K Yellow Gold (stamped 750) Tot...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1930s 14KW .85 Carat European Cut Diamond Bezel Art Deco Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1930s 14KW .85ct European Cut Diamond Bezel Art Deco Engagement Ring - The center Old European Cut diamond weighs approximately .85ct with J color and VS2 clarity. The diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold
2.56ct Ceylon Sapphire and 2.66ct Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1930's 2.56 carat Ceylon sapphire and 2.66 carat diamond, platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Circa 1930s AGL Certified Burma Unheated Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: AGL Report #1104802 Weight: .99ct total weight Cut: ...
Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 25.00 Carat Sri Lanka Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco oval sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. GIA certified Sri Lanka natural no heat 25.00ct oval cabochon center Sapphire set in a platinum ribbon setting with 26 full cut rou...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.73 Ct Diamond Buckle Ring, 18K White Gold, Italy Circa 1935
Located in Napoli, IT
Art Deco Diamond Buckle ring Fabulous genuine Art Deco ring in fascinating buckle design as widely in vogue during the period This is an eye-catching huge and bold ring very finely h...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This beautiful Art Deco engagement ring is done in platinum with diamonds in a step design. #R0038 Metal: Platinum Weight: 4.3 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.80 ctw...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 2.40 Carat Three Stone Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond in the center weighing approximately 1.10 carats, G-H color, VS clarity, accented by a pair of Old European cut Diamonds w...
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.