Antique Emerald Ruby Diamond Reversible Ring – 10K White Gold, c1930
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This antique reversible ring provides ultimate versatility–hinged bands give the option of a ruby and diamond combination, or emerald and diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Enamel, 10k Gold, White Gold
French Art Deco Platinum, Pearl, and Diamond Geometric Band-Style Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco pearl and diamond band-style ring of geometric design, centered by a horizontal row of three natural pearls, with canted shoulders featuring in-set diamonds, in platinum....
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Art Deco 8.41 Carat Chrysoberyl and 0.30 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 8.41 carat chrysoberyl and 0.30 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our diverse collection of antique gemstone jewelry.
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Platinum
$1,853Sale Price|20% Off
1930s Art Deco 0.30 carat Diamond & 0.50 carat Sapphires Fashion Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
**IN STOCK** Details Period: Circa 1930–1935 Metal: Platinum Gemstones: 17 Antique and Rose-cut Diamonds, total weight 0.30 ct Clarity: SI–VS Color: H–I 8 Baguette and Carré-cut Sap...
Diamond, Sapphire
EGL Certified .63 Carat Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's diamond Art Deco engagement ring. EGL certified .63ct center diamond in a handmade platinum engraved setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Heart Cluster Ring 10k Gold Platinum 1930s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Art Deco diamond heart cluster ring is crafted with a 10k white gold band and a platinum diamond setting, a construction frequently used during the 1930s to provide stre...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
French 4.90 Carat Burmese Sapphire 1.39ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 4.90 carat Burmese sapphire and 1.39 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fin...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 2.30Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Full Eternity Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 2.30 carat pavé set diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond eternity rings collection. This fine and impressive...
Diamond, White Gold
1930s Art Deco 1.50cttw 3 Stone Old European Diamond Ring - VHK#248a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.3 grams Diamond Details: 1.50ct total weight. (Center diamond is .6...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.25ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 1930s cluster ring showcases a vibrant 0.25 carat emerald at its centre. The emerald cut stone is rub over set into platinum and surrounded by a 1.00 carat total of ol...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French Art Deco Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G, Clarity: VS&SI Marked: French 18ct Gold Assay Mark Period: Circa 1930 Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
French 1930s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Octagonal in shape, the top of this Art Deco ring is set with a brilliant-cut diamond and two other diamonds, 8/8 cut. On both sides...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.30 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Fanning Wheat Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat - H color with VS2 clarity Set with tri-beads in a square form head with a pierced diamond shaped profile with...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.21 Carat Sapphire 0.45Carat Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.21 carat sapphire and 0.45 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set dress ring; part of our collection of petite sapphire rings....
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This simply stunning Emerald and Diamond ring makes a wonderful dress ring. The centre stone is a deep green and weighs 2.18 carat. It has been certified as a Colombian Emerald with ...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Round Brilliant-Cut 0.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring, Circa 1935
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco diamond ring, set with a round brilliant-cut diamond, weighing approximately 0.80 carats, in the centre, in a grain set square setting, with four eight-cut diamonds, in a...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.74 Carat Sapphire and 0.18 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 1.74 carat sapphire and 0.18 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our sapphire jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and impressi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful three stone ring is a collection of transitional cut diamonds. This dates the ring to approximately the 1930s and is hand made. The centre diamond weighs 0.50 carat wh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 5.95 Ct Solitaire Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Art deco ring is 1930 ca Beautifully designed in a pierced Diamond band and scrolls holding the main Emerald set as solitaire Skillfully hand crafted as unique of so...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
EGL Certified 2.07 Carat Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Art Deco diamond engagement ring. EGL certified Old European cut 2.07ct diamond center stone mounted in a platinum graduated setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.50 Carat Emerald and 0.33 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.50 carat emerald and 0.33 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of Art Deco emer...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco ruby diamond ring in 18 karat gold and platinum, synthetic rubies
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco ring, circa 1930. Mascaron hallmark and owl hallmark Ring size: 50 EU or 5.25 US (resizing possible) Weight of the central synthetic ruby: 1.78 ct - Estimated weight of t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
French 1930s Art Deco 2.79 Carat G.VS Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The ring is thin and beveled. Weight of the diamond : 2,79 carat approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.35 Carat Sapphire and 0.90 Carat Diamond, Platinum Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.35 carat sapphire and 0.90 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our diverse collection of antique sapphire rings. This stunning, fine and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.41ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.41 carat sapphire and 1.06 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco French GIA 3.47 carat Ceylon sapphire diamond platinum cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Few rings distill the Art Deco spirit as precisely as this French cocktail ring from 1935. Its 3.47 carat round sapphire — GIA-confirmed Ceylon in origin — sits held high at the hear...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1930s Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Squarred Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum, dog's head hallmark. The setting of this Art Deco diamond ring is square with cut sides. In the center, a brilliant-cut...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Egyptian Revival sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Egyptian Revival sapphire and diamond ring. Set with a vertical line of seventeen square French cut natural unenhanced sapphires, additionally set with four square French cu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$2,720Sale Price|20% Off
0.80ctw sapphire & 0.60ctw I SI1 Handmade Diamond Ring Set In Platinum
Located in Sewickley, PA
This exquisite handmade platinum ring is a stunning example of timeless craftsmanship and Art Deco elegance. Showcasing a 0.80 carat total weight deep blue sapphire and a 0.60 carat ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1930s, this beautiful cluster ring features a natural sapphire at its centre. The oval cut sapphire weighs 0.50 carat and is claw set within a cluster of sparkling...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond, 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful solitaire ring holds and old mine cut diamond that measures 50pts. The stone is set simply on platinum claws and the band in which the gallery sits is 18carat yellow g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Bulgari Burmese Ruby (6.00TW) and Diamond (3.50TW) "Trombino" Ring Circa 1935
By Bulgari
Located in Carmel, IN
The ring's profile proved irresistible to the jewelry connoisseurs of the 1930's.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
In the centre of this cluster ring is a royal blue sapphire weighing 0.40 carat. It is claw set and surrounded by dazzling diamonds. The diamonds are transitional cuts and have a com...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural Emeralds Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.75/ 2.4gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period natural Emeralds and Diamonds Ring, hand- made in Europe, ca. 1920s - 1930s. Band hallmarked / tested solid 18K Yellow Gold. Crown : 13.5 mm long x 4.2 mm wide x...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.20 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 1.28 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.20 carat Basaltic sapphire and 1.28 carat diamond, platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse sapphire jewelry collection. This stunning, f...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Ring 4 Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS8 / 2.9 gr
Located in SE
A Ring featuring four natural diamond cut Diamonds mounted in 18K White Gold or Platinum clusters on solid 18K Yellow Gold band. This ring has 750 and Swedish Customs / import hall...
Diamond, 18k Gold
2.96 Carat Blue Sapphire and 0.30 Carat Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Warszawa, PL
Sapphire ring, 2.96 carats, diamond ring, 0.30 carats, platinum, vintage-style engagement ring. This elegant platinum ring features a natural cushion-cut blue sapphire weighing appro...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1935 0.65 CTW Old European Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.45 carat - I color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a square form head and flanked by cathedral shoulders Designed as two r...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1933 Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mounted near-round button pearl measuring 10.08 x 9.75 mm Orangy brown body color and displaying a strong iridescence orient Natural saltwater Pinctada in origin with no ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Late Deco 0.60ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This elaborate 1930s cluster ring centres around a 0.60 carat, oval cut ruby. Claw set into platinum the vibrant ruby is encircled by intricately patterned metalwork that features an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1930s 3-Stone European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring 1.75 Carat
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1930s 3 Stone European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring 1.75ct - The center diamond weighs approximately .80ct and the 2 side diamonds weigh approximately .95ct. The diamonds are H-...
Diamond, Platinum
EGL Certified 2.50 Carat Round Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Experience the timeless elegance of this 1930's Art Deco diamond engagement ring. Set with a round transitional cut 2.50ct center diamond, secured by an eight prong setting, this mas...
Diamond, Platinum
Superb Art Deco Black Opal Diamond Ring, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Art Deco black opal and diamond ring. Set with a marquise shaped cabochon natural unenhanced black opal in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 3.53 carats, encomp...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This ring dates back to the 1930s and is an ideal engagement ring. The three stone features a centre diamond weighing 0.35 carat and horizontally set adjacent, two 0.15 carat diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Two-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Dating from the 1940s, this English vintage engagement ring brings together two round brilliant cut diamonds in a classic two stone design. Set side by side, the diamonds have a comb...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.72 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Antique Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A 1930s Art Deco engagement ring featuring 0.72ct Old European cut diamond from the antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California. The center stone ...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Art Deco 1.50 Ct. G VVS Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Late Art Deco period, 1935/40 ca Substantial solid Platinum mount weighing 10,1 grams Beautifully hand crafted, strong character designed, sits flat on the finger Principle Diamond i...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco C.D. Peacock European Diamond Platinum Vintage Lovebird Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.84 carats total - H color with VS2 clarity Set via split compass style prongs with engraved wheat motif halo and an orn...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco square step cut diamond ring, American, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco square step cut diamond ring. Set to centre with a square step cut diamond in an open back claw setting, G colour, VS1 clarity with a weight of 2.05 carats flanked further b...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 2.11 Carat Diamond and White Gold Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.11 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum toi et moi ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stun...
Diamond, White Gold
Art-Deco Three-Stone 0.30ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum & 18K Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Showcasing a stunning fusion of Exquisite Craftsmanship & Top-Quality Materials, this Three-Stone Ring is an original Art-Deco piece, dating from 1930’s Jewellery of that era i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Old Mine Cut Diamond and 9 Carat Yellow Gold Gents Ring
Located in London, GB
This vintage English gents ring from the 1930s is made in 9 carat yellow gold, featuring a bold tapered design set at the centre with a single old mine cut diamond weighing approxima...
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring - Transitional Round .48ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 Era: Art Deco Date: 1930s - 1940s Metal Content: Platinum Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .35ct Cut: Transitional Round Col...
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Diamond Paving 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold and platinum. Important Art Deco ring, its signet-style setting is set on its top, in a square decoration, with a set of antique cushion-cut and rose-cut d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1932 Nordic Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver US6.75 / 3.96gr
Located in SE
Old Diamond ring with navette or boat shaped openwork crown with Silver clusters melted into solid 18K Yellow Gold base. Nine rose cut Diamonds, central stone is Ø 3mm / ca.0.11ct. A...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Art Deco 2.48 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1930's 2.48 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique diamond jewelry collection.
Diamond, White Gold
Late Deco 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A vivid red Burmese ruby takes centre stage in this Late Deco halo ring. The 1.00 carat old cut ruby is completely natural and unheated making it a highly prized gem. Complementing t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1.16 CTW Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Orange Blossom Engagement Ring
By Orange Blossom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 1.16 carat - G color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a square form head and flanked by pierced buckle motif shoulders With cr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 16.41Ct Pink Tourmaline and 0.12Ct Diamond 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 16.41 carat pink tourmaline and 0.12 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our vintage engagement ring collection. This stunning,...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold
2.21 Carat Emerald and 0.60 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.21 carat emerald cut emerald and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our emerald engagement rin...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 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.