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
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
Vintage Art Deco 6.50 Carat Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco Long Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely Hand set 6.50 Carat Long Australian Opal. Surrounded ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Late Deco 3.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This stunning cluster ring dates back to the 1930s. At its heart sits an impressive 3.50 carat, cornflower blue sapphire. The sapphire is a natural stone cut in an unusual cabochon s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.56 carat Diamond and 0.86 carat Sapphire Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This Art Deco-style ring is crafted in platinum 950 and features diamonds and sapphires. It has a weight of 4.08 grams. The ring is adorned with one antique-cut diamond, weighing 0...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US7.5 / 2.6 gr
Located in SE
A ring with radiant slightly convex shaped crown decorated with natural old european diamond cut Diamonds. Most likely US made, ca 1930s. Hallmarked with logo of maker B&K and 18K Pl...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k 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
Antique 2.84ct Aquamarine and 0.10ct Diamond and 18ct White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 2.84 carat aquamarine and 0.10 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine and impressive antique aquam...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
7.42 Carat Amethyst and 1.48 Carat Diamond and 12k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 7.42 carat amethyst, 1.48 carat diamond, 12 karat yellow gold and platinum ring; part of our amethyst jewelry collection. This stunning, fine...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 5.92 Carat Amethyst and Diamond Yellow Gold Silver Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 5.92 carat amethyst and 0.32 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and silver set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1.69 Carat Diamond White Gold Three-Stone Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Three-stone diamond engagement ring. EGL certified round cut center stone, set in 14k white gold, accented with 2 tapered baguette diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1930s Cultured Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 Karat white gold. A great classic of antique jewelry, this ring is adorned with a pearly white oriental cultured pearl, with 2x3 8/8-cut diamonds on either side and at the...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, White Gold
GIA 6.04 Carat Orange Emerald Cut Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Spectacular sapphire and diamond Art Deco three stone engagement ring. The center stone is a octagonal emerald step cut orange and yellowish 6.04ct sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Round Brilliant-Cut 1.01 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco diamond ring, set with a round brilliant cut diamond, weighing 1.01 carats, G colour, VVS2 clarity, accompanied by GIA certificate 312554, in a square setting, with three...
Diamond, Platinum
8.88 Carat Amethyst 1.05 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 8.88 carat amethyst and 1.05 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our gemstone cocktail rings collection. This stunning, fine an...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold
Statement Diamond Ring set in Platinum 2.95 Carat Natural SI, Circa 1930s UK
Located in Grantham, GB
An exceptional original circa 1930s Art Deco diamond ring, beautifully crafted in platinum and set with an impressive 2.01 carat Old European cut natural diamond, surrounded by bague...
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Platinum Art Deco Cabochon Emerald Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.95 grams Diamond Details: .20ct total weight, antique cut diamonds, G Color, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
EGL Certified .43 Carat Diamond Platinum Dome Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Art Deco diamond engagement ring. 1 old European cut center stone in a platinum setting with 24 old European single cut accent diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
“Vintage Russian 14k Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1935, 0.30ct”
Located in Cairo, EG
vintage Russian Soviet Union era 1935s 14k gold ring topped with a star prongs centered with an old mine cut Diamond estimate weight 0.30ct Ring hall marked 583 Russian gold standard...
Art Deco GIA 12.18ctw Green Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Original Art Deco GIA 12.18ct Green Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. The finest examples of late Art Deco engagement rings were hand fabricated and impeccably finished wit...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Gold Solitaire Vintage Ring Fine Estate
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Art Deco Diamond Gold Solitaire Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set .25 Carat Old European Cut Diamond. Hand crafted 18K White Gold Knife Edge mount...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.34 Carat Ruby and 1.12 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.34ct Burmese ruby and 1.12 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique ruby jewelry collections. This st...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1930s Art Deco Engagement Ring – 0.60ct Old European Cut Diamond
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This 1930s antique Art Deco solitaire engagement ring features a 0.60 carat old European cut diamond, framed by an 18K white gold filigree setting with floral hand engraving. A uniqu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 4.23ct Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 4.32 old cushion cut carat diamond sparkles in this late art deco engagement ring. The diamond is certified by WGI as a K colour, and VVS2 clarity, making it great quality...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco 1.50 Ct Diamond Twin Solitaire Buckle Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Art Deco ring is 1935 ca Substantially hand crafted solid 18 KT gold with Platinum portions It bears French hallmarks Masculine and strong character is expressed by ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Dress Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful dress ring features a natural amethyst in the centre. The colour is a beautiful deep purple and it weighs 4.50 carat. The halo of diamonds surrounding has a combined w...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Wedding Band Ring .10ct Mined Original 1932 14K White Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1932 Diamond Wedding Ring .10ct Anniversary Band 14K White Gold Features 7 Genuine Natural Mined Antique Single Cut Diamonds Inside Shank E...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond and Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This Art Deco STYLE ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features diamonds and a sapphire. It weighs 5.02 grams and is sized ES 12.5 / EU 52.5 / US 6.75 / 16.75 mm. The ring incl...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.75ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold / ØUS 7.75 /2.8gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Sapphire and Diamonds Ring made between ca. 1920 - 1940s. No hallmarks,metal tested solid 18K Gold. Crown is 10 mm x 9.6 mm x 4.25 mm deep with top in White Gold ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
French 1939 Citrine Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut citrine weighing approximately 11.20 carats total Transparent brownish orange - set in pierced basket via tab prongs Flanked by platinum-topped half-moon sha...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Late Art Deco 1.20 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 1.02 carats - H color with SI1 clarity Set with tri-split prongs in a square form head with clustered surround Flanked by ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.41 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.31 carats - N color with VS2 clarity Set with tri-split prongs in a pierced 'W' form basket and flanked by cathedral sh...
Diamond, Platinum
French 1930s Art Deco Style Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum, dog head hallmark. Presenting a diamond-shaped setting that follows the curve of the finger, this lovely antique ring i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.30 Carat Ruby 1 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.30ct ruby and 1 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and palladium cluster ring; part of our diverse collection of cushion cut engagement rin...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Palladium
Art Deco Platinum Halo Ring with 1.60 Ct Old European Cut Diamonds
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful late Art Deco is 1930 ca Hand crafted of solid Platinum, marked an old Halo ring with timeless presence and appeal Principle Diamond is a bright white old European cut...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond on Oval Onyx Slab Engraved Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Classical and Timeless this Ring hallmarks the characteristics of the famed Art Deco period. The Oval Black Onyx Slab centers an Old European-cut Diamond, weighing ...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Baguette Diamond Ring, Dahlgren & Co, Sweden 1939
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Late Art Deco, and beautifully disciplined. Five baguette-cut diamonds, approximately 0.70 carats in total, are set in a clean linear composition across the finger. The diamonds are...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$3,479Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style with 0.88ct Diamonds & pear cut Sapphires Platinum Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
A stunning Art Deco-inspired platinum ring, featuring brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires. This elegant piece combines classic design with exquisite craftsmanship. **IN STOCK** Te...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14 Karat Gold Diamond Engagement 14 Karat Ring-Art Deco 1930s
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another stunning Diamond Ring circa 1930s. What a wonderful Engagement Ring this will make! 14K White Gold Setting with a .45 Ct Center Stone, VS-2 Color G measuring 5.00mm x 2.80mm,...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1930s Art Deco Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, and platinum, mascaron and owl hallmarks. Superb antique ring, all the circumference is made up of loops of openwork knots set with rose- cut diamonds an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
French 1930s Champagne Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum, dog head hallmark. This exquisite antique diamond solitaire is set with 8 claws and a champagne-colored brilliant-cut d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
J. Birnbach GIA Certified Antique Filigree Diamond Ring = 3.37 CTW
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional piece recently restored by the house of J. Birnbach features three, antique cut diamonds = 3.37 carat total weight [0.91 carat Old European Cut L SI1 GIA, 1.18 carat...
Diamond, 18k Gold
11.74 Carat Ceylon Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 11.74 carat Ceylon yellow sapphire and 0.66 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold ring; part of our diverse range of yellow sapphire rings. This...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold
Antique 4.35 Carat Aquamarine and 1.46 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 4.35 carat aquamarine and 1.46 carat diamond, 18 carat yellow gold and platinum set cluster ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. Th...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1930s Retro 14K White Gold 2.1ctw Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond ring in white gold, comprising one large, brilliant cut diamond, flanked by two old cut diamonds and set with a further twelve round cut diamonds, to a raised ope...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1930s 18K White Gold 1.82ctw Diamond Navette Panel Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond and white gold ring, comprising three large round brilliant cut diamonds, and fifty-six smaller round brilliant cut and single cut diamonds, set in 18 karat white...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
EGL Certified .40 Carat Diamond Gold Filigree Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930-1940 filigree transitional cut diamond engagement ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s 1.76 Carat Pink Tourmaline 1.70 Carat Peridot and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.76 carat pink tourmaline, 1.70 carat peridot and 0.34 carat diamond platinum Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our antique cocktail rings collection. ...
Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Platinum
French Art Deco Certified No Heat Burmese Sapphire Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog head hallmark. Sublime Art Deco ring, it is closed set in the center, of a degree-cut sapphire surrounded, on a hexagonal mount, by 8/8- cut diamonds. The baske...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco 14.75 Carat Sugarloaf Cabochon Cut Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Classic Art Deco ring set with a sugarloaf cabochon emerald, with an AGL certificate stating its weight is 14.76 carats and the emerald is Colombian with minor traditional treatment....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Purple star sapphire and diamond ring by J. Milhening Inc., early 20th Century.
Located in London, GB
Purple star sapphire and diamond ring by J. Milhening Inc. Set to centre with an oval cabochon natural no heat purple Ceylon star sapphire in an open back rubover setting with an app...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
1935 Retro Ruby and Transitional Cut Diamond Two Tone Ring 18k/Platinum
Located in South Pasadena, CA
A fine example of a retro era ring with a bold, sculptural design and two tone platinum with rose gold. The glamorous and dramatic style is further accented by some of the finest sy...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Antique 2.92 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.92 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique diamond jewelry and estate ...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 3.87 Ct Australian Black Blue Green Opal Diamond Platinum ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This striking Art Deco ring is 1930 ca. Hand crafted of solid Platinum as unique at the highest standards The real star is the centre solid Black Opal with Green and Blue flashes on ...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 4.67 Carat Burmese Ruby 0.86 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 4.67 carat Burmese ruby and 0.86 carat diamond, platinum Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and collections. This s...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 2.18 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.18 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold, palladium set Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry col...
Diamond, White Gold, Palladium
$5,917Sale Price|20% Off
5.65 carat Aquamarine 1.70 carat Sapphires 0.89 carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Elegant platinum ring in Art Deco style, featuring a stunning central aquamarine and a combination of baguette and brilliant-cut sapphires and diamonds. A timeless design with geomet...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco 6.86 Carat Dark Grey Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco Dark Grey Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 6.86 Carat Dark Grey Opal. Surrounded by D...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Dec 5.63 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 1.16 Carat Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 5.63 carat Ceylon sapphire and 1.16 carat diamond, platinum Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our Sri Lankan sapphire rings collection. This stunning, fine and impr...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
8.80 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 2.68 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 8.80 Ceylon sapphire and 2.68 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collectio...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.