1.17 Carat Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Diamond engagement ring. Round transitional cut center diamond with 12 old European accent diamonds in a platinum setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco diamond solitaire ring, French, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond solitaire ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond, K colour, SI2 clarity, with a weight of 2.80 carats, in an open back fancy claw setting to a stylish intr...
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 Ca...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1930s Red Pate De Verre Diamond Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Lovely Pate de Verre Stone surrounded by Petite diamonds. Set in 14K White gold. What a statement the RED makes! It measures .50 in. Size is a 7 and can be sized by your jeweler or o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.30ct Old-European Cut Art-Deco Diamonds Three-Stone Platinum 950 Handmade Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of timeless & visually striking three-stone “trinity” design this vintage handmade piece features 3 Natural Earth-Mined Art-Deco period - c1930’s diamonds crafted with refined ele...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 3.50 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.50 carat diamond and 18k white gold full eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning a...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco 2.14 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.14 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This...
Diamond, White Gold
0.75 Carat Yellow Diamond Twist Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This 1930's diamond twist ring is excellent quality, set with an impressive yellow diamond displaying fine color, brilliance and presence.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
EGL Certified Center 1.31 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
EGL Certified Natural Center Round Cut Diamond: 1.31cts Color: J Clarity: VS2 Total # Of Stones: 1 Cut: Round (7.21x7.07x4.13MM) Natural Side Round Cut White Diamonds: 0.28cts Color...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring. Centrally set with an octagonal scissor cut natural aquamarine in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 16.30 carats, further ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.45ct Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, Circa 1936
By Unbranded
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant engagement ring is crafted entirely in luminous platinum and features a sparkling 0.45 carat IV17 diamond set in a refined, timeless mounting. The diamond displays beaut...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 2.08 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.08 carat diamond and platinum solitaire engagement ring; part of our diverse jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine an...
Diamond, Platinum
.53 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .53ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J/K Clarity: VS Side Stone Det...
Diamond, Platinum
2 stones Ring natural 0.6 Sapphire Diamond solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US6 / 2.3 g
Located in SE
Beautiful Two - stones Ring with bezel set natural Blue Sapphire stone oval cut 5.5 mm x 4.5 mm x 3.2 mm deep / ca. 0.6 ct. and square pave set old diamond cut natural Diamond Ø 2mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 14K White Gold Diamond Openwork Cocktail Ring, circa 1930s
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking Art Deco diamond cocktail ring, crafted in 14K white gold and dating to approximately the 1930s. The ring features an impressive domed openwork design centered by a round...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.52 Carat Diamond Emerald Onyx Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond Emerald Onyx Mosaic Platinum Engagement Ring. GIA certified center Transitional brilliant cut diamond in a Calibré cut genuine emerald and black Onyx ring in a Platinum setti...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum GIA 1.75 Carat Diamond Ring. Old Euro Diamond Square Halo KVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.75 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Halo Engagement Ring. 1.70ct Old Euro Diamond Ring Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.70 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.11Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.11 carat round brilliant cut diamond and 18k white gold solitaire ring with baguettes; part of our diverse range of diamond jewelry. This fine and impressive...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco diamond sapphire long ring in 18 karat gold and platinum, Art Deco ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco diamond sapphire long ring in 18 karat gold and platinum. Elongated ring, adorned with three old-cut diamonds of 0.10, 0.30 and 0.10 carats, in bezel settings. The diamonds ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.65ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A unique twist on the traditional solitaire is seen here in this ring dating back to the Art Deco era. The central stone is a traditional cut, 0.65 carat diamond, graded G in colour ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Deco 2.25 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, C.1930s
Located in London, GB
All four baguettes match the central stone in quality, having been graded as G-H in colour and SI1 in clarity. This stunning 1930's ring has been hand made in platinum. Gemstone: Dia...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,480Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1930s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Antique Circa 1930s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 5.5 grams. Totall...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Diamond Ring Palladium Old Mine Art Deco Vintage .88 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ring Palladium Old Mine Art Deco Vintage .88 TDW Gorgeous Art Deco Ring is made in Palladium (carefully tested and guaranteed). The very ornate and millgrained top of the ri...
Diamond, Palladium
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring. Set with sixteen calibre cut natural unenhanced sapphires, graduating in size, in open back channel settings with an approximate combined weight o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Retro Enamel Red Corallium Rubrum And Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Retro, c. 1960. Size: 7. Weight: 11,4 gr. This retro ring from the 1960s has a geometric shape, that recalls the Art Deco period, with a cabochon-cut oval coral in the cente...
Diamond, Enamel
Vintage Platinum 0.57ctw Old Diamond Triangular Prong Engagement Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Transitional Cut - Fancy Prong Set - G/H Color - VS2/SI1 Clarity - 0.52ctw (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamond - Single Cut - Fancy Pave S...
Diamond, Platinum
French 1930s Mabe Pearl Diamonds Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog's head hallmark. This elegant antique ring features a large, iridescent, pearly-white Mabé pearl, held in a round, openwork setting underneath and set with anti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Platinum
Art Deco Natural Unenhanced Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with a natural unenhanced Burmese oval old cut ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.50 carats, flanked by two...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 1.20 Ct Natural Sapphire .40 Ct Diamond Three Stone Gent 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This fabulous Diamond Sapphire three stone Gent ring is 1930 circa Beautiful designed hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold, Italian marks from the period Facing up with a classy combinat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
GIA-Certified 1.06 Carat Ruby in Deco-Era Platinum Ring with 0.7 Carats Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This late Deco Era ring was originally set with an oval diamond but it was weirdly dark -- much too dark to stand up to its bright and clean supporting diamonds -- so we reset it wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 18k White Gold & Diamond Ring Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
True to its era this Art Deco cluster diamond ring is crafted in white gold and features a geometric saw pierced filigree work with mille-grain and bead settings set with early Europ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1935 Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring. Set with an octagonal scissor cut natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphire in an open back double four claw setting with an approximate weight of 3.10 c...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.05ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This elegant Art Deco full eternity ring features 21 carre cut diamonds, each weighing 0.05 carats for a total of 1.05 carats. The glittering diamonds all match in quality at G in co...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Square Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
In the centre of this art deco ring is a 0.55 carat transitional cut diamond. It has been claw set and is surrounded by a collection of old cut and 8-cut diamonds within the square c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1.45 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.45 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine ...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 3.26 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 3.26 carat diamond and platinum Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and i...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautifully made eternity ring boasts a total carat weight of 2.70 carat's worth of deep blue sapphires. They are baguettes cuts, all hand crafted and expertly tension set to ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1930s Antique 1.52 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.52 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold twist ring; part of our diverse engagement ring collection. This stunning, fine and impressive antique tw...
Diamond, White Gold
Late Deco 1.35 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Splendidly representing the Art Deco era is this tasteful solitaire ring set with a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.35 carat. The diamond has been estimated as an I-J in colou...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco 1.37ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This elegant solitaire ring dates to the 1930s and the Late Deco era. A stunning 1.37 carat, old cut diamond takes centre stage, claw set within a platinum illusion setting. The dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.78ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Sitting to the centre of this Art Deco solitaire engagement ring is a 0.78 carat transitional cut diamond. It has been estimated as F in colour and SI2 in clarity. Running down on ea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 2.38 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring, Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.38 carat emerald cut diamond solitaire ring in platinum; part of our antique engagement ring collections. This stunning, fine and impressi...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco D VS2 Certified Diamond Cluster Ring Platinum
Located in Napoli, IT
An exceptional late Art Deco Diamond cluster ring in Daisy shape, 1935 circa Fine hand made of solid Platinum over-cared in the slightest detail Centrally set with a large brilliant ...
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Antique 1.11 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.11 carat (total) diamond solitaire ring in platinum; part of our antique engagement ring collections. This stunning, fine and impressive an...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco natural Ceylon cabochon sapphire and diamond ring.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco natural Ceylon cabochon sapphire and diamond ring. Set with an oval cabochon natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphire with an approximate weight of 12.22 carats in an open back ru...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.66Ct Ceylon Sapphire and 1.95Ct Diamond, Platinum Cocktail Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.66 carat Ceylon sapphire and 1.95 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique sapphire jewellery collections. This stunning ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Bailey Banks & Biddle Art Deco 0.50 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.38 carat total H color with VS2 clarity - bead set in a square form head with faceted edges Flanked by pierced geometric...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 3.50 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 2.48 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 3.50 carat Ceylon sapphire and 2.48 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning antique blu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$1,544Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Diamond Ring .38ct VS2 GIA Cert. Original 1930s Never Worn NOS 18K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from the 1930's Diamond Engagement Ring .38ct GIA Certified VS2 18K White Gold Never Worn NOS Featuring a Genuine GIA Certified Natural Mined .38...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1950s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Dome Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Of bulging form, this antique ring is openwork of pearls and half circles patterns. The center is a brilliant-cut diamond set with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .65ct
Located in Boston, MA
A true classic from the Art Deco era, this platinum ring exudes timeless elegance. The centerpiece is a modern round brilliant diamond weighing approximately 0.65 carats. This dazzli...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Pearl & Diamond Ring, Circa 1920s–1930s
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exquisite Art Deco ring, crafted in 950‰ platinum, centers on a luminous cultured pearl framed by two sparkling old European–cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.50 carat. The ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1934
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco take on the timeless solitaire engagement ring features a charming old cut diamond at its centre. Weighing 0.50 carat the diamond is of high colour at F with a clarity ...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 0.96 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.80 carat total - H color with VS2 clarity Set with tri-split prongs in a pierced square form basket flanked by single cu...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1932 Transitional Diamond Platinum Vintage Stepped Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.58 carat - H color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a square form head and flanked by cathedral shoulders Accented by groove...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.25 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Engagement Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique 1930's cocktail ring has been crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Pink Tourmaline Diamond Pave Bombe Cocktail Ring Platinum 1930s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Bombe Cocktail Ring, Platinum, 1930s. A striking Art Deco bombe ring dating to the 1930s, centering on a vibrant oval mixed-cut pink tourmaline ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Antique 2.05 Carat Emerald and 1.99 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.05 carat emerald and 1.99 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and i...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3.00 Carat Late Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
In the centre of this impressive ring is a beautiful 3.00 carat round brilliant diamond. It has been estimated as I-J in colour and VS1 in clarity. It is grain set and surrounding ar...
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.