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
Colombian Emerald and Diamond Two-Stone Cluster Ring, American, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond two stone cluster ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald cut natural Colombian emerald with no colour enhancement and minor clarity enhancement i...
Diamond, Emerald
Art Deco Platinum Black Onyx Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1935, UK
Located in Napoli, IT
Black & White Elegance Art Deco Black Onyx Diamond striking and dramatic design artfully rendered in Platinum English maker mark active from 1931 to 1941 Custom cut elongate, pol...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
$3,474Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 0.60ct Diamonds & 1 ct Natural Sapphire 18k gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
A stunning Art Deco ring from 1935, crafted in 18k gold and featuring brilliant-cut diamonds and a natural sapphire, perfect for collectors or those who appreciate vintage elegance. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
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
Antique German Ring natural 0.7ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.25 / 3.6gr
Located in SE
Old German Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand - made in ca. 1920s- 1930s. Metal is solid 18 Yellow Gold , hallmarked 750. Openwork crown measures 20 mm x 11 mm x 4 mm deep. All stones have ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,834Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco with Ruby and 0.75ct Brilliant Diamonds Platinum 950 Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This Art Deco-style ring features a ruby and brilliant diamonds in a unique design. It is crafted in platinum 950 and has a weight of 4.12 grams. The ring is sized 15/55. The gem...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1930s Natural 9.36 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, owl hallmark and platinum, mascaron hallmark. This large, massive ring with geometric lines features a cushion-cut sapphire in the center, held in place ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gol...
Art Deco 0.79 Carat Center Burma 'Myanmar' No Heat Ruby & Diamonds Ring Platinum
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco 0.79 Carat Center Burma (Myanmar) No Heat Ruby & Diamonds Ring Platinum Main Stone Carat Weight: 0.79 ct Type: Natural NO HEAT Burma Ruby (GIA Certifiled) Shape: Cushion Co...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 3.64ct J.VVS2, French 1930s
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Sublime antique ring, it is closed set in the center with a 3.64 carats intermediate brilliant-cut diamond, surrounded by diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Deco Old Cut Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This sensational 1930s era diamond and ruby cluster ring will always be in vogue! The ring is set at each of its cardinal points with an old cut diamond, and vertically at centre wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Diamond Platinum Art Deco Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original 1930's diamond engagement ring. GIA certified 1.01ct Old European cut diamond, in a platinum setting with two old mine accent diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.80 Carat Natural Green Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco 1930's, Sapphire and Diamond engagement ring. GIA certified oval, natural green sapphire set in a platinum three-stone setting with 2 tapered baguette side diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Topped Diamond and Sapphire Ring with 14K Gold Shank
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the 1930’s-1940’s. The ring’s total carat weight is just over 4 carats of natural diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
$2,433Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1930s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Baguette Cut Ruby Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
An antique tank ring in 18k gold, circa 1930s, set with natural diamonds totaling approximately 0.15 carats (F-G color, VVS-VS clarity). Total weight: 10.6 grams Ring size: US 8.5, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.20 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 1.8 grams Size: K (50) Band Width: 1mm Face Dimensions: 7.5mm x 7.5mm Sapphire Dimensions: 4 (4mm x 3mm x 1mm), 4 (1.5mm) Central Diamond Details:...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1931 Date Platinum Art Deco 1.00 Carat Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1931 (Engraved on inner shank) Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: 1.00ct, Natural Diamond, Ol...
Agate, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Stepped Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.36 carat total - I color with SI1 clarity Bead set in a square form head and flanked by pierced stepped shoulders with ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
French Late Art Deco 1.20 Diamond 18 KT Platinum Geometric Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Deco Ever Green This beautiful late Art Deco ring is French origin, bearing French Hallmarks, hand crafted as unique of solid 18 KT Gold and Platinum The ring is of charming geometri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
3.16 Carat Yellow Sapphire 0.40 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.16 carat yellow sapphire and 0.40 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold set ring; part of our diverse range of yellow ...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1930s Diamonds Pavement 18 karat White Gold Platinum Round Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum, dog head hallmark. Antique Art Deco ring set in a round shape and paved with old-cut diamonds, the center one being lar...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.45 Carat Topaz and 1.86 Carat Emerald Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 3.45 carat topaz, 1.86 carat emerald and 1.78 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewellery collections T...
Diamond, Emerald, Topaz, Yellow Gold
Antique Alliance Ring natural 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø8.25US
Located in SE
Fine Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Green Gold band. The crown is 15 mm wide x 4 mm deep. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
14K White Gold Diamond Ring Unisex 1930s
Located in Wallkill, NY
14K white gold early mid century diamond Ring, Can be worn by both a man or woman. The ring is a size 11 and can be sized by us or your jeweler. Diamonds equal .65 points (Old Euro C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
.66 Carat Old European Cut Art Deco Diamond Domed Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's handmade diamond dome ring. Steeped in the enchanting elegance of the Art Deco era, this hand pierced and hand engraved platinum setting is mounted with 2 Old European cut dia...
Diamond, Platinum
0.20 Carat Old European Cut Diamond 1930s Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This antique 1930s Art Deco engagement ring features a 0.20 carat old European cut diamond with baguette and round-cut side diamonds (0.30cttw) in 14K white gold, from the antique je...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Late Art Deco 0.55 Carat Transitional Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A lovely 0.55 carat transitional cut diamond gleams in this engagement ring dating to the 1930s. It is an H colour and VS2 clarity and is claw set in a platinum illusion style settin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$3,931Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Design 1 ct Diamonds & 0.72ct Rubies 18k Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
A beautiful Art Deco-inspired ring crafted in 18k gold, featuring antique-cut diamonds and vibrant rubies, offering a perfect blend of vintage elegance and modern luxury. **IN STOCK...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$20,760Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER New York 1935 Art Deco Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 5.16 Cwt Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds cocktail ring designed by Cartier. This is an exceptionally rare cocktail ring created by the legendary jewelry house of Cartier in New York City during the height of the A...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco European Diamond 18K White Gold Vintage Fleur-De-Lis Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.40 carat total - G color with VS2 clarity Set with tri-split prongs in a square form basket with a pierced fleur-de-lis...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1930s 18K Yellow and White Gold 0.54ctw Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
The band measures 1mm wide at the back. Principal diamond weight, estimated: 0.3ct Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.54ct Gross weight: 2.4g Ring size: UK – L.5 US – 6 EU – 5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Foliate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.65 carat - M color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a white gold octagonal form head with grooved detail surround Accented ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Art Deco 1.72 Carat Emerald 3.51 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French 1.72 carat Colombian emerald and 3.51 carat diamond, platinum Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our antique emerald jewelry collection. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1932 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 1ctw Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS6.75 /3.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid Platinum decorated with natural Ruby and Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks : Maker's hallmarks of G.Dalberg ,Stockholm, a letter " P " fo...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique cluster Ring Diamonds solid 14K Gold Platinum Ø US7.75 /2gr
Located in SE
Cluster ring with top of crown in Platinum on solid 14K greenish Yellow Gold band with seven natural old European diamond cut Diamonds arranged in flower formation to imitate one 0.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Art Deco 1.50 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A lovely transitional cut diamond shines in this late art deco ring. The diamond was certified by EDR as G colour and SI2 clarity, and has lovely fire. It is claw set in platinum, on...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cultured Pearl and 0.60 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique three stone cultured pearl and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cluster ring; part of our diverse antique pearl jewelry collections. ...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold
1930s Art Deco 3 Carat Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold. The top of this sublime art deco ring has a step-cut emerald set on both sides with double claws. Two arrowheads, set on scrolls, are adorned with rose-cu...
Emerald, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified .81 Carat Diamond Ruby Halo Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful and dramatic square top Art Deco 1930’s ring. The center diamond is graded L color with just a hint of warm color from the top.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.20 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 0.54 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning and impressive antique 1.20 carat Basaltic sapphire and 0.54 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set ring; part of our diverse collection of antique sapphire ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,468Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco with Platinum Accents, Diamonds, and Sapphires 18k Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Elegant Art Deco-style ring crafted in 18k gold with platinum accents, featuring diamonds and sapphires in a timeless design. **IN STOCK** Weight: 9.16 grams Diamonds: Simple cut, 0...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Day and Night Ring with Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A day and night ring features a central band made up of rubies and sapphires, and two further bands either side on hinges. They are grain set with diamonds and this ring contains tra...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.96 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Link Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.78 carats O-P color with VS2 clarity - set with tri-beads in a square form head Pierced with 'W' motif basket an flanke...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.20 carat - J color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a square form head with a pierced profile and flanked by grooved should...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Royal Blue Enamel 1 Ct Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow & White Gold, 1935
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Blue Enamel and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Yellow & White Gold, Circa 1935 A striking statement ring showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Beautifull...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Late Art Deco Ruby And Old European Cut Diamond 18K Gold Ring Circa 1940
Located in Roma, IT
A striking Late Art Deco / Transitional ring, dating to approximately 1935–1945, distinguished by its bold architectural design and sophisticated combination of antique-cut diamonds,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring Sapphires Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.5 / 6.1 gr
Located in SE
This ring has a beautiful arrangement of natural Sapphires and Diamonds set on an openwork navette or boat-shaped crown with Platinum clusters melted into a solid 18K Yellow Gold bas...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Rose White Gold Ø US7.75 / 2.04gr
Located in SE
European Ring from ca. 1920s -1930s with crown in White Gold on 14K Rose Gold band. Nine Diamonds : largest is bezel set old European oval cut Diamond Ø 3.5 mm x 3 mm x 2.66 mm deep...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s Art Deco 1.75 Carat Amethyst Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, owl hallmark and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Superb antique ring, it is set with a cabochon amethyst surrounded on its top surrounded by rose- cut diamo...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Raymond YARD Unheated AGL Sapphire Engagement Ring - VEG#68a
By Yard
Located in Hicksville, NY
Art Deco Raymond YARD Unheated AGL Sapphire Engagement Ring - VEG#68a Item Details: Year: 1930s Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.2 grams Cente...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1937 Ring natural Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 8.75US / 3.3gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Fine cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and four square cut and faceted Rubies in Platinum clusters. Band with carved shoulders. Swedish h...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.64 Carat Single Cut Diamonds Eternity Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco 0.64 Carat Single Cut Diamonds Eternity Band Ring 14k White Gold. Very impressive design of this unique eternity diamond ring featuring single cut round diamonds clarity G-H...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.8 ctw. Ruby 1.6 ctw Diamonds solid 16K Gold ØUS5.5/ 7.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand - made in Europe ca. 1920s- 1930s. No hallmarks, Metal solid 16 Yellow Gold. Carved band with scallop shells on the shoulders, double openwor...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This beautiful Art Deco classic old European cut diamond solitaire engagement ring is crafted in 14...
Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Halo Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø4.5US /5gr.
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 old European cut Diamonds set in Platinum settings. Hallmarked 18K, tested 18K Yellow Gold, European made ca 1930...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Platinum Round Channel Diamond Wide Grooved Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely gorgeous and wide vintage eternity band ring crafted from solid 14k yellow gold with a platinum center that carries 26 very fine quality diamonds entirely ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald Cut 1.07carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Baguettes GIA cert
Located in New York, NY
A classic Art Deco Diamond Emerald Cut Engagement Ring 1.07 Ct set in Platinum with a pair of tapered baguette diamonds flanking the center stone. Certificate from EGL Gemological La...
Diamond, Platinum
3.75 Carat Burmese Sapphire 1.60 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.75 carat Burmese sapphire, 1.60 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and 15 karat white gold set ring; part of our diverse collection of cush...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.05 Carat Kashmir Blue Color Sapphire Diamond Carré Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Diamond and Sapphire Vintage Art Deco Gold Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 1.05 Carat Kashmir Blue Color Sapphire. Surrounded by prong set and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Certified 5.47 Ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum Gold Rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Past Beauty Magnificent authentic Art Deco ring richly set with a large amount of old mine cut Diamonds, exquisitely crafted of solid Platinum and 18KT rosey yellow gold -not ma...
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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.