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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Art Deco Top River Vertical Set 6 Carat Old Euro Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Giving excellent coverage on the finger. Ring Details: - Weight: 8.78 Grams - Origin: Deco (Circa 1930) - Metal: Platinum - Ring Size: 5.5 - Ring Face: 2.9 CM _____________________...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 5.07ct Old European Diamond Engagement Wedding 18K White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Breathtaking late Art Deco Vintage HANDMADE 18K White Gold (stamped) Engagement ring dazzles GIA certified 4.01ct Old European center diamond in M color I1 clarity; with measuremen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Cert. Burma No Heat Pink Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty engagement ring is Art Deco period Hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt with Platinum top – both marked Classy cluster design with two baguette Diamonds complementi...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1930s 0.48 Carat Diamond Trilogy Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.48 carat diamond three stone ring in 18 karat yellow gold with a platinum setting; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco White Gold GIA Dual Diamond & Sapphire Moi et Toi Engraved Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This fine Moi et Toi, bypass ring is very well crafted in solid white gold and features lively white old cut diamonds with sapphire accents for a very Art Deco look! Enjoy :) --Ston...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Burmese sapphire and diamond ring. Set with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphire in an open back four claw setting with an approximate weight of 3.70 carats, f...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous antique ring showcasing round brilliant diamonds and two trillion blue sapphires set in an intricately designed ring. Hand-carved. Diamonds weigh 0.42 carats total. Size 5...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Unenhanced Kashmir Sapphire Diamond Ring, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring. Centrally set with a rectangular emerald-cut natural unenhanced Kashmir sapphire in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 2.12 ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Onyx 1.82 Carat Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful 14 kt white gold band ring, covered with g 6 onyx, fancy yellow diamond of 1.82 ct located in the center of this beautiful ring. Total weight g 10.98. Onyx g 6 Diamond ct 1...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold
1930s 0.58 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.58 carat diamond (total) and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set trilogy / twist ring; part of our diverse antique diamond jewelry and estate jewelr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Old European Cut 1.62 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully cut lively and brilliant Old European Cut diamond set in a handcrafted platinum ring mount embellished by 2 bright white tapered baguettes on either side of the shank. Th...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.84ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, Art Deco, Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition: This stunning antique 1930's dress ring is excellent quality, set with very high clarity graded feature diamond displaying a fine white colour, brilliance and presence.
Diamond, Platinum
Estate 1.25ct Old European Cut Diamond in 10K Gold Two Tone Ring - VHK#305b
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 1.25ct Old European Cut Diamond in 10K Gold Two Tone Ring - VHK#305b Item Details: Year: 1930s Ring Size: 9 (Sizable) Metal Type: 10k Rose & Yellow and [Hallmarked, and T...
Gold, 10k Gold
Ceylon No-Heat Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This substantial cabochon blue sapphire and diamond ring is a beautiful example of Art Deco opulence. Elegantly proportioned and reminiscent of architectural splendor, the graceful g...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 3.44 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 3.44 carat diamond and platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond cocktail rings collections. This stunning, fine and impre...
Diamond, Platinum
4.81 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 1.26 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s pearl and diamonds ring gold and platinum
Located in Milano, MI
Gracious ring from the 1930s period c.a. set in gold 18ct and platinum with cultured pearl of 7mm c.a. surrounded by old cut diamonds for 0.40ct total c.a. Highlights: - 18ct Gold a...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
Antique Emerald Cocktail Ring with Diamonds in Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive emerald cut 0.97 carat emerald and 0.36 carat diamond ring in yellow gold; part of our antique emerald jewellery collections. This stunning, fine and impressiv...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.86 CTW No Heat Burma Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round cut sapphire weighing 1.00 carats - transparent medium blue in color Natural Burmese in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Bezel set in platinu...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring. This incredible Art Deco old European cut diamond five stone ring is crafted in Platinum and White Gold....
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Ring 8.75US / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old Classic German cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and two natural Rubies. Band with engraved shoulders , clusters in Platinum. Ca. 1920s...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald-cut natural Muzo emerald in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 0.90 carats, flanked to top and b...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 1.70ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Art Deco take on the classic solitaire design was hand crafted in the 1930s. At it’s centre sits a sparkling 1.70 carat transitional cut diamond. The diamond has been ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.20ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco take on the timeless solitaire ring is beautifully hand crafted. At it’s centre sits a 2.20 carat old cushion cut diamond with a colour of J and clarity of VS2. The dia...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco 0.85ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Taking centre stage in this beautiful Late Deco solitaire ring is a 0.85 carat, transitional cut diamond. The diamond has been estimated as I in colour and SI2 in clarity. Flanking t...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 3.00 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.00 carat diamond and platinum full eternity ring; part of our diverse collection of diamond rings. This stunning, fine and impressive vinta...
Diamond, Platinum
0.38 Carat Vintage Art Deco Old Euro Diamond Wedding 18K Yellow Gold Plat Ring
Located in New York, NY
A RARE Authentic Antique Art Deco CIRCA 1935 Handmade 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum (traces of stamp) Solitaire Engagement ring dazzles with 0.35CT OLD EUROPEAN Diamond Gemologic Cert...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in the later Deco period this wonderful solitaire features a single 0.50 carat transitional cut diamond at it’s heart. Corner set to create the classic Art Deco angular look,...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.42 Carat Ruby and 2.97 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.42 carat ruby, 2.97 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique 1930s jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Art Deco 2.28 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped ruby weighing approximately 1.48 carats - transparent medium purplish red in color Natural Burmese in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,947Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This Art Deco-style ring is crafted in 18K gold and features diamonds and rubies. It has a weight of 5.32 grams and is sized ES 18.5 / EU 58.5 / US 8.5 / 18.75 mm. The ring is adorne...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1935 Platinum Ring with 1.80ct Green-Yellow Sapphire & 0.88ct Diamonds
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.80 carat green/yellow sapphire and 0.88 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our diverse range of yellow sapphire rings. This stunning, fi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
Late Deco 1.04ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, C.1930s
Located in London, GB
A timeless solitaire engagement ring set with an old cut diamond weighing 1.04 carat. The beautiful old cut has been certified by EDR as H in colour and SI1 in clarity. The elegant s...
Diamond, 18k Gold
French 1930s Pessis et Frères Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog head hallmark. Important openwork dome ring, it is set with claws on its top with 2 modern brilliant- cut diamonds. The top of the dome of the setting is openwo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum GIA 1 Carat Diamond Ring. Old European Engagement Ring I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.32 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.32 carat diamond and platinum solitaire ring with baguette side stones; part of our engagement ring collection. This stunning, fine and imp...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco diamond ring, American, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco emerald-cut diamond ring. Set vertically with an octagonal emerald-cut diamond to centre in an open back rubover millegrain setting, with a weight of 0.85 carats, accompanie...
Diamond, Platinum
$124,128 / item
Drop Shape Old Mine Diamond Ring, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Drop shape old mine diamond ring. Set to centre with a drop shape old mine diamond, D colour, VVS2 clarity with a weight of 2.21 carats, in an open back claw setting, flanked by two ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 4.42 carat old European cut diamond platinum three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This powerful Art Deco three stone ring dates to the 1930s and centers on a round brilliant diamond weighing 2.03 carats, certified by GIA (#1242000893) and graded F color, SI2 clari...
Diamond, Platinum
Three-Stone (Trinity) 1.20ct Ceylon Sapphire & Old-Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Exquisitely designed as a Three-Stone (Trinity) Ring – that type of setting traditionally symbolised 2 souls coming together in 1 union This Art-Deco inspired Dress Ring is by Good...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 3.40ct Cabochon Cut Emerald and 2.72ct Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 3.40 carat Colombian emerald and 2.72 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 1.62 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.62 carat round brilliant cut diamond and 18k white gold solitaire engagement ring; part of our diverse range of diamond jewelry. This stunning, fin...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco 1.40 Ct. Certified Pink Sapphire 1.04 CT Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Gorgeous Art Deco Pink Sapphire Diamond ring Traditional cluster design with a rectangular crown taking inspiration by the main stone Hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold/ Platinum Princ...
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Circa 1930s Platinum Art Deco 3 Stone Old Mine Brilliant 1.40cttw Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.5 grams Diamond Details: .40ct each x 3 Center Diamonds = 1.20ct, total. H/I color, ...
Platinum
Art Deco 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This classic diamond solitaire ring dates to the 1930s. At its centre sits a 0.40 carat transitional cut diamond. This glittering diamond is of good quality with colour of G and clar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.55Ct Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.55 carat diamond and platinum solitaire engagement ring; part of our antique engagement ring collections. This stunning, fine and impressiv...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Gent .75 Ct Diamond Solitaire Geometric 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Italian origin, 1930/35 circa. Ring has elegant solitaire plain design with geometric structure over the crown and along sides.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 4.02 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, stunning, fine and impressive antique 4.02 carat emerald cut diamond solitaire ring in platinum; part of our antique engagement ring collections. This stunning, fine ...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco 2.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A 2.00ct old cut diamond sits in the centre of this superb solitaire engagement ring dating back to the 1930's.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
EGL Certified 1.56 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's diamond platinum ring. EGL certified transitional cut center stone with six round brilliant cut accent diamonds. .
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s Art Deco 14K gold 1/2 Carat Diamond American Ring Toi et Moi 5.25
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique 1920s Art Deco 14K gold 1/2 Carat Diamond American Filigree Ring weighting 3.8 gram Size 5.25 one 3.2 mm, one 3.5 mm old cut plus 16 pieces single cut translates to 1/2 C...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 1.28Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.28 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery collections. This fine and impressive antique dia...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique 3 Carat Sapphire and 1.71 Carat Diamond Rectangular Ring in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.00 carat sapphire and 1.71 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our diverse collection of 1930s jewellery collection. This stunning, fine ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.