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
Art Deco 0.45 TCW Old European Diamond 18k White Gold Dinner Ring 1930s
Located in Towson, MD
One Art Deco ring, crafted in 18 karat white gold and weighing 4.56 grams, showcases nine vintage diamonds totaling approximately 0.45 carats in a striking navette silhouette. The di...
Diamond, 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
1937 Nordic Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.75US / 3.75 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Emerald and Diamonds Ring made in 1937. The crown is composite with the top parts in Silver, all other parts are solid 18K Yellow Gold. Natural emerald cut Emerald stone o...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 0.6 ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold ØUS6 / 3.3gr
Located in SE
Elegant Emerald and Diamonds European Ring with curved band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural emerald cut Emerald stone 5 mm x 4.55 mm x 3.15 mm deep / ca. 0.6 ct of deep...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
.50 Carat Old European Diamond Two Tone Gold Men's Art Deco Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1930's men's diamond halo ring. Large 14k yellow gold setting with .50ct round center diamonds and a halo of 10 single cut diamonds which are set in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1939 Ring natural 0.6ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS9 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Three Stones Ring decorated with natural Emerald stone and rose - cut Diamonds. Plain band, openwork bridge and part of the crown in solid 18K. Tops of crown and s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 1 ctw. Sapphire 0.5ctw. Diamond 14K ØUS6.75 /6.6gr
Located in SE
Antique German Alliance ca.1900s - 1930s Ring in solid 14K Orange toned Gold with clusters in 14K White Gold or Silver. Hallmarked 585, metal tested solid 14K Gold Three natural Sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Art Deco 0.52 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Lotus Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.47 carat H color with SI2 clarity - minor abrasion consistent with age Set in a square form head and flanked by styli...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1939 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum Ø 3US / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid Platinum with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, "P" for platinum , crowned head (Stockholm), Maker's marks . Year combination (...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1933 Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18K White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.50 carat - G color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a square form head pierced with scroll motif profile and flanked by cat...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Natural Ruby Oval Cab Gold Diamonds Black Enamel Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
21 Carat ruby oval cab ( 16,7 mm. x 14 mm.) ,12 round full cut diamonds of 0,05 ct. each,for total diamonds weight of 0,6 carat.4.7 grams of 14 kt. white gold,black enamel Ring Shank...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Art Deco 18 karat Yellow and White Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Art Deco 18kt Yellow and White Gold Ring with Diamonds is a stunning piece of jewelry that reflects the elegance and geometric aesthetic of the Art Deco movement, which flourishe...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1938 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K White Gold ØUS5.75 / 1.9 gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Elegant Emerald and Diamonds Ring with curved band in solid 18ct White Gold with bezel set natural emerald cut Emerald stone 4.5 mm x 4 mm x 3.2 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct of vivid Green...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,600 / item
Vintage Platinum and Diamond Baguette Bands (each)
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful baguette diamond eternity bands have fine quality diamonds They are size 6 and 61/2 and look great with other rings worn as stacking rings. Sold separately.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald 0.3ct Diamond solid 18K ØUS7.75/2.4gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, hallmarked 18K . Metal is solid 18K White Gold. Openwork crown 15.5mm x 8.7mm x 4.5mm deep with natural princess cut Emerald 3.2...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
ART DECO 1935 Cocktail Ring In Solid Platinum With 4.11 Ctw Mixed Cuts Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco cocktail ring with diamonds. This is a gorgeous, bold and substantial cocktail ring, created in in America during the late art-deco period, back in the 1935's. The ring ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 1.75ctw Emeralds 0.44ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø
Located in SE
Beautiful cluster Ring in solid 18K Gold featuring three natural Green Emeralds and 4 old European cut Diamonds set in Platinum claws. Swedish hallmarks, 18K, no year combination, h...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Alliance Ring 1.3 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø5.25US/2.9gr
Located in SE
Fine old German Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Yellow Gold band. Openwork crown is 17 mm...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1931 Nordic Ring 0.5ct. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US8.5 / 2.76gr
Located in SE
The design of this old Diamond Ring is quite unusual - the central silver cluster/ setting is kind of loose and it can rotate /move itself to any side / angle around. That means that...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Platinum Art Deco 3-Stone Diamond Ring .84 Carat and .15 Carat
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage Platinum Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Ring - Center European cut diamond weighs .84ct and is I color and I1 clarity. The diamond is set in a fishtail design head. The 2 side diam...
Diamond, Platinum
0.25 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Antique Art Deco Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Stunning 1930s antique Art Deco filigree solitaire engagement ring from the fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California. Crafted in 18K white gold, it fea...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
No-Heat Burmese Star Ruby Ring, AGL 11ct, Art Deco Platinum Setting
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An 11-carat star ruby commands this ring, cut as an oval cabochon and bezel-set in platinum to protect its domed surface while showcasing the strong six-rayed asterism confirmed on t...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Kinsley-Kovsky White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring, Circa 1930s
Located in North Attleboro, MA
A stunning 15-diamond Art Deco vintage engagement ring set in 14k white gold. The ring face steps up to three prong-set round diamonds in square settings. Below are 5 diamonds in a r...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century 1.80ct Diamond Emerald Target Engagement Cocktail Ring White Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 20th Century Diamond and Emerald Target Cocktail Ring. This spectacular ring designed in a style which is iconically Art Deco features a Transitional round brilliant-cut diamond mi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Three-Stone Diamond Ring Platinum 2 Carat
Located in New York, NY
Vintage diamond ring featuring three diamonds flanked with smaller diamonds weighing approximately 2 carats, crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Three-Stone Diamond Ring Platinum 2 Carat
Located in New York, NY
Vintage diamond ring featuring three diamonds flanked with smaller diamonds weighing approximately 2 carats, crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
$2,979Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 1935 1.22 carat Diamonds and 0.69 carat Sapphire Fashion Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This elegant Art Deco ring from 1935 features a stunning design crafted in 18k gold. The ring showcases an old cut diamond with a total carat weight of 1.22 ct, complemented by a bri...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
.60 Carat Diamond White Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's round diamond, three-stone ring. .60cts of diamonds set in a filigree 18k white gold setting. 3 round diamonds, G VS2 approx. .60cts 18k white gold Stamped: 18k 2.7 grams ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 2.1gr
Located in SE
Rubies and Diamonds Ring in solid 14ct Yellow Gold . 6 baguette cut Rose red Rubies + 10 diamond cut diamonds. Each Ruby measures 2.75 mm x 2.5 mm / 0.065ct each / total 0.065 x 6 =...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Circa 1930s 18K White Gold Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 4.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k White gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Diamond Details: .25ct total weight, old European brilliant, ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Nordic Ring natural 5ctw Sapphire 0.6ct Diamond 18K Gold ØUS8.25 /4.53gr
Located in SE
Antique cluster/cocktail Ring, Swedish hand-made with fifteen clusters in White gold boasting natural Ceylon Sapphires and a natural Diamond. The crown measures 22mm x 13 mm x 5.5 m...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 12ct Citrine Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø US 7.25 / 7.5gr
Located in SE
A Citrine Ring, band with divided shoulders and crown in solid 14ct Greenish Yellow Gold featuring claw set natural Yellow - Orange Citrine stone oval cut 21 mm x 13 mm x 7.75 mm d...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco Platinum & White Gold 2.66ctw 7 Stone Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, platinum, and white gold ring, comprising seven old European cut diamonds, and four rose cut diamonds, set in platinum, to an 10-14 karat white gold band. My f...
Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
GIA CEYLON Blue Sapphire & Old Minor 3 CT Diamond Cocktail Ring Platinum Estate
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 2.5 Carat Ceylon Blue Sapphire GIA CERTIFIED & Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring 2.5 Carat of blue Sapphire. This is an estate piece and stone was not taken out to weig...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Ruby Baguette Half Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Ruby Baguette Half Wedding Band. This gorgeous antique Art Deco ruby and diamond half wedding band is crafted in platinum. This ring f...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1940s Ring In 14 Carat Gold Set With Coral Cabochon And Old Cut Diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Beautiful 14 carat yellow ring, set with a large natural coral cabochon, surrounded by 6 small rose-cut diamonds. Pretty decoration typical of the 1930s/1940s The cabochon measures: ...
Coral, Diamond, Gold
J.E. Caldwell & Co. Art Deco Old European Diamond Twin Bypass Ring in Platinum
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
J.E. Caldwell & Co. Art Deco Old European cut diamond twin bypass ring set in platinum. The centerpieces of this ring are two Old European cut diamonds both accompanied by GIA repor...
Diamond, Platinum
4.02 Carat No Heat Ceylon Sapphire In Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Gubelin and AGL certified, stone measures 9.86 x 8.87 x 5.09mm. Ring size 6, adjustable. Product Specifications: - Item Type: Art Deco Engagement Ring - Metal: Platinum 950 - Size: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Circa 1930s 18K Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring, Size 9.5
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning 18K Rose Gold ring with diamond center flanked by white gold. Diamond is approximately .18 points. Ring is hallmarked 750 and is a size 9.5. Ring can be sized by us or your ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
1930s Art Deco Duo 1 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, owl hallmark, and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Antique Art Deco ring, its setting is made of gold and platinum pierced with arabesque decorations, fans a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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 0.27 carat - G color with VS2 clarity Set with tri-beads in a square form head and flanked by tiered shoulders Bead set w...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s Art Deco 11.70 Carats Cushion Tourmaline Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, and platinum. Splendid Art Deco ring its setting presents a geometrical basket decorated with an important cushion- cut tourmaline rubellite. The beginnin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold,...
Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Solitaire Gents Ring, Chester 1938
Located in London, GB
Timeless elegance meets vintage charm in this exquisite solitaire ring, masterfully crafted in warm 18 carat yellow gold. At the heart of the ring sits a striking old mine cut diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
British Alliance Ring 0.45 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.75 / 3.5gr
Located in SE
Antique or Vintage British Alliance made ca.1930s - 1950s Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with openwork crown and clusters in Platinum. Partially fragmented British hallmarks, 18K, ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Art Deco French Certified 1.91 Ct Fancy Yellow Diamond Plus Platinum ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Late Art Deco one off French Diamond ring This outstanding pool of light has been mounted on a for ever tasteful designed Platinum mounting with gorgeous Diamond motifs on sides Rare...
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
French 1930s Art Deco Certified Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Splendid Art Deco ring, it forms a dome decorated on its top of a natural pearl slightly gray orient. The whole dome is openwork, de...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Swedish Jeweler, Vintage Ring in 18 Carat White Gold Adorned with Large Diamond
Located in bronshoj, DK
Swedish jeweler. Vintage ring in 18 carat white gold adorned with large 0.36 carat diamond. 1930s. Diameter: 15 mm. US size: 4.25. In excellent condition. Stamped. In most cases, we ...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique German Halo Ring 10ct.Green Chalcedony Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 9.25 US
Located in SE
German halo-type Ring made ca. early 1930s. Solid 18K yellow Gold band with top of the crown in White Gold. Bezel set natural Green Chalcedony cabochon cut 15 mm x 12 mm x 6 mm deep/...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold
Chaumet 5.00 carat drop shape diamond flanked solitaire, French, early 20th Cen.
By Chaumet
Located in London, GB
Chaumet 5.00 carat drop shape diamond flanked solitaire. Set to centre with a drop shape old mine diamond, F colour, SI2 clarity, with a weight of 5.00 carats, in an open back claw s...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage No Heat 7 Carat Purplish Pink Star Sapphire Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA certified 7 carat no heat purplish pink star sapphire is set in a platinum Art Deco ring with 1.30 carats of diamond accents. This is an incredibly well saturated center stone wi...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified Art Deco Period 1.70 Carat Old Euro Solitaire Engagement Ring VS1
Located in Media, PA
A magnificent blend of vintage charm and bold Art Deco geometry, this GIA-certified solitaire ring makes a powerful statement as a unisex piece. At its heart lies a substantial 1.70-...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,600Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Art Deco Style Oval Cab 14k Solid Gold Diamonds Black Enamel Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
21 Carat ruby oval cab ( 16,7 mm. x 14 mm.) ,12 round full cut diamonds of 0,05 ct. each,for total diamonds weight of 0,6 carat.4.7 grams of 14 kt. white gold,black enamel Ring Shank...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
1.53ct Diamond and 18ct Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring - Antique Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.53 carat diamond and 18 carat yellow gold, platinum set three stone/trilogy ring; part of our diverse collection of diamond jewellery. This...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.02 Carats Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Lotus Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.02 carats - L color with SI1 clarity Set low in a stylized square form head with a foliate motif gallery Striated cathedral shoulde...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.59Ct Diamond and Platinum Three Stone Engagement Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.59 carat diamond and platinum trilogy ring; part of our Old European diamond rings collections. This fine and impressive diamond trilogy ring has bee...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage GIA 1.05 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Engagement Platinum I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.05 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50 Total Carat Weight Ruby and Diamond Ring Rose Gold 14k
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco 0.50 Total Carat Weight Ruby and Diamond Ring Rose Gold 14kThe ring features a red ruby princess cut weighting approx 0.44 carat and a single diamond weighting approx 0.06 c...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
French 1930s Emerald Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Original you and me ring, it is set on its top, with claws, of a round emerald and a round sapphire, shouldered on both sides of a f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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.