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...
Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring by Tiffany & Co, American, circa 1935.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Tiffany & Co sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. Set with twelve square baguette cut natural unenhanced sapphires in open back rubover channel settings with a combined approximate we...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 0.4ct Emerald 0.4ct. Diamond 14K Gold Ø5.75/2.2g
Located in SE
German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. 1930s. Hallmarked 585 and logo of maker. Crown part is 9.6mm x 5 mm x 4 mm deep. Solid 14K Yellow Gold twisted band 2.2 mm at widest. Top of the crow...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring Diamonds Sapphires solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 1.1gr
Located in SE
A German Ring, ca. 1920s- 1930s. Band in solid 14ct Yellow Gold with 4 claw set diamond cut Diamonds mixed with 4 diamond cut natural Blue Sapphires. Hallmarked 585. *Crown with...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Art Deco 5.80 Carat Sapphire Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, mascaron hallmark, and 18 karat white gold, owl hallmark. Of oval shape, a light blue sapphire decorates the top surrounded by 8/8 cut and antique brilliant- cut di...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gol...
Antique German Ring natural 0.65ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Silver Ø US6.5 / 2.5gr
Located in SE
Old German Ring, the band in solid 14K Yellow Gold (tested) with shoulders and top of the crown in Silver holding bezel set natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 5 mm x 3.5 mm deep / ca ...
Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold
Late Deco 1.90ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A trio of transitional cut diamonds are elegantly showcased in this Late Deco ring. At the centre sits the largest of the three diamonds, being 0.90 carat with the two flanking diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
Antiquee Ring 0.3ct Emerald 0.4ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6.25 /3.2g
Located in SE
Art Deco period German Ring with Emerald and Diamonds. Emerald and Diamonds Halo type Ring made in Europe ca.1920s -1930s. Metal of band in solid 18K Gold, crown in Silver. Emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
1933 German Ring natural 0.45ct Emerald Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS7 /2.6 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period German Ring with open - work crown with top part in Silver set with bezel set princess cut natural Emerald and Diamonds. Custom ordered, hand - made / purchase...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
ART DECO 1935 Band Ring In Platinum With 1.58 Ctw In Diamonds & Blue Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco platinum ring with diamonds and sapphires. This is a very nice band ring, created in America during the art deco period, back in the 1935. This beautiful ring is a classic ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
.92 Carat Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 18karat White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .92carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K Clarity: SI2 ...
Diamond, White Gold
Art-Deco 5-Stone Grain Set Diamond Pierced Foliate Band in 18K Gold & Platinum
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Rounded shank is solid, measuring 3mm, stamped 750 on inside Ring’s size: R ½ (re-sizable) Total weight: 3.3gr.
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Late Deco 1.00ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A trio of sparkling transitional cut diamonds are beautifully displayed in this Late Deco ring. The central stone sits the largest at 0.40 carat whilst the two flanking stones are 0....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 0.8 ctw Diamonds solid 14 Gold Ø 6.75 US / 2gr
Located in SE
Antique German ca. early ca. 1900's -1920s Ring is about 14K Yellow Gold twisted frame decorated with total of fifteen natural Diamonds. Hallmarks of maker visible. Metal tested sol...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco German Ring Diamonds solid 14K White Gold Ø US5 / 1.55 gr
Located in SE
German ring , Art - Deco period, hand - made ca. 1920s- 1930s, hallmarked 585, metal tested solid 14K White Gold. Openwork crown 15 x 9 x 3mm deep with natural old diamond cut diamo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1930s Platinum Two Row Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.5 grams Diamond Details: Natural Diamonds, .60ct Total weight, F Color, VS Clarity, ...
Diamond, Platinum
No Heat 14.70 carat Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape old cut natural no heat Ceylon sapphire in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weigh...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Deco 1.75ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This classic Late Deco three stone ring showcases a trio of sparkling transitional cut diamonds. The central diamond is the largest, at 0.75 carat, with each of the flanking diamonds...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
c1930 palladium diamond eternity band size 6 1/2
Located in Baltimore, MD
An untypical diamond eternity band set in palladium. Usually eternity bands of this period are set in gold. The 26 full cut 3 point round diamonds weigh a total of approximately 8...
Diamond, Palladium
Art Deco Vintage 0.52 CTW European Diamond 18 Karat White Gold 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 foliate moti...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco .75 Ct. Diamond Three Stone Gent 18 KT Italian Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This impressive Art Deco three stone ring gent ring is substantially hand constructed of solid 18 KT white gold, tested. Weighs 9.4 grams. Italian origin, 1935 circa Masculine geomet...
Diamond
Antique Deco 2.27ct Transitional Cut Diamond Eternity Band Plat Engraved NOS
Located in Dearborn, MI
Original Antique from the 1930's Art Deco Graduated Eternity Band 2.27ct Transitional Cut Graduated Diamonds Platinum NOS Original 1920's Piece We Can Size Up or Down; The Bottom...
Diamond
GIA Certified Antique 1.19 Cushion Cut Ruby & Diamond Double Halo Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful antique art deco engagement ring, showcasing a GIA certified cushion cut ruby weighing 1.19 carats, bezel-set with a halo of round cut diamond weighing 0.30 carat total. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.45ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A trio of sparkling old cut diamonds are displayed proudly in this beautiful Art Deco trilogy ring. To the centre, sits the largest of the three at 0.65 carat with the flanking pair ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring Halo Emerald Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver ØUS 8.25 / 3.6 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Emerald and Diamonds halo Ring set in solid 14 ct Greenish Yellow Gold. Ca. early XX cent, likely German or Danish, it was in possession of a Danish /German family for lo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural Cornflower Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø4.75/1.8g
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. early 1900s in original German Retailer's leather, Wood and Silk Box. Solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted band, top of the crown in Plat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring 2.5ct Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø5.25US /4.8 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring from ca .1920s -1930s with Ruby and 13 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, tested 18K. Crown with Silver /or White Gold top on solid 18K Yellow Gold measures Ø 14 mm x 6 mm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
French 1930s Art Deco 2.66 Carats J.SI2 Diamond 18 K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. A delightful Art Deco antique ring, its top is adorned with an intermediate brilliant-cut diamond, held in place by six claws. On ei...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Cert. 14.51 Carat Colombian Emerald and Old Euro Diamond Halo Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS Certified Vintage 14.51 Carat Octagonal Cut Insignificant Oil Colombian Emerald & Old European Cut Diamond in Carved 14K Gold Retro Style Ring Shank. The emerald bears phenomen...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1931 old Ring 1ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.5/6.6gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose-cut Diamonds set in...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Ladies' 14K Two Tone Gold Antique Filigree Scroll Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This antique wedding band is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and highlighted with a duo filigree-detailed swirl design in white gold. Within intricate pattern are two 1.5mm, round, b...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Carre Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Band - Size 5 1/2
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Carre Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Band - Size 5 1/2. This gorgeous Art Deco Carre cut eternity diamond band is crafted in platinum. This gorgeous...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1930s 14K White Gold .50ct Old European Brilliant Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Diamond Details: .50ct, Old European Brilliant, H color, VS Clarity. Band W...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Timeless elegance is on display in this classic trilogy ring. Dating back to the 1930s, this ring features a trio of transitional cut diamonds. The central of the three sits the larg...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Halo Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 5.5 gr
Located in SE
Ca. 1900s -1920's hand- made Halo Ring with Diamonds. Band in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Openwork Crown is a bit convex shaped for best fit on a finger with top part.clusters in Silver h...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Late Deco 1.10ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This classic Late Deco three stone ring beautifully showcases a trio of transitional cut diamonds. The central diamonds is the largest, at 0.40 carat with the flanking pair weighing ...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
1931 Nordic Ring 0.9 ct Emerald 0.8 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS9.75/5.3gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold. Silver clusters hold natural Emerald stone and 10 rose- cut Di...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Platinum Wedding Band with Seven Single Cut Diamonds, 1930s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco platinum ring features seven bright single cut diamonds set in a streamlined band with timeless architectural detail. Crafted in the 1930s and marked by its maker, it r...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 3.50 Carat Baguette Cut Diamond Eternity Band
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with 22 channel set Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 3.50 carats. Circa 1930s 5.5mm wide Size 4
Diamond, Platinum
$1,750Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Ring with Diamonds 0.60 ct Sapphire 1.91 ct in 18k Gold & Platinum
Located in MADRID, ES
This elegant Art Deco ring features a stunning oval-cut sapphire and antique-cut diamonds, set in 18k gold with platinum accents. A timeless piece that embodies the sophistication of...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Men Ring natural 10.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Size US8 / 13gr
Located in SE
Ring for Men, "Gypsy Style ", featuring bezel set natural untreated semitransparent Blue Sapphire, flanked with 4 diamond cut Diamonds in white Gold clusters. Not hallmarked, metal...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
1938 Halo Ring natural 0.45 ct Sapphire ctw. 0.65ctw Diamonds 18K Gold/ØUS8/2.9g
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 Diamonds in White Gold / or Platinum settings. Floret/ crown measures Ø 11 mm x 4.5 mm deep. Natural Sa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 3ct Tourmaline 2ct Diamonds solid Green 14K Gold Silver Ø 8US / 7g
Located in SE
Tourmaline and Diamonds Halo Ring from ca. 1900s -1920s or older. Likely German. Carved band in solid 14ct Green Gold (tested) with crown in Silver featuring clusters with natural ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Silver
Art Deco 1.80ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, C.1930s
Located in London, GB
A classic Art Deco engagement ring beautifully representing three transitional cut diamonds. To the centre sits a lovely 0.80 carat and flanked to either side is a matching pair of 0...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
0.50 Carat Colombian Emerald 1.94 Carat Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.50 carat Colombian emerald, 1.94 carat diamond, platinum and 18 karat yellow gold set trilogy ring; part of our diverse engagement ring coll...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Men's Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Men's Cabochon Sapphire Ring A platinum ring set with a cabochon sapphire accented by baguette cut diamonds Approximate Sapphire Weight: 4.34 carats Approximate Diamond Weight: .75...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This three stone ring is a collection of old cut diamonds, the centre weighs 0.40 carat and the two adjacent weigh 0.20 carat each. All the diamonds match in quality, estimated as H ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 9US/ 2.58 gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring with Diamonds, ca 1920s -1930s, likely US made . Band in solid 18K Yellow Gold (tested). Crown with top in Platinum holding 7 old diamond cut Diamonds. Hallmarked 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 3ctw. Emerald 0.6ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.75/ 5gr
Located in SE
Nice German cluster Emeralds and Diamonds Ring. Plain band and shoulders. Openwork crown in White Gold 16mm x 12.6mm x 6.9mm deep. All stones with open backs. Claw set natural oval c...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
3.90 Carat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
3.90ct sapphire oval center stone with two trilliant cut side diamonds in a platinum three-stone setting. GIA certified sapphire, with simple heat only. 1 oval sapphire 3.90ct. to...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.60 Carat Basaltic Sapphire and 0.98 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.60 carat Basaltic sapphire and 0.98 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and 18 karat white gold set trilogy ring; part of our diverse antiqu...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art-Deco Platinum Burmese Ruby, Sapphire Diamond Reversible Swivel Eternity Band
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This rarely seen reversible swivel eternity ring (or a convertible / rotating flip ring) dates back to an Art-Deco c1930’s era, yet it’s in remarkable original condition It fea...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Certified Natural Colombian Emerald 3.38 ct 3.20 ct Old-Cut Diamonds, Platinum
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
An exceptional mid-century platinum ring, designed in the refined spirit of the 1950s Art Deco revival. At its center glows a 3.38-carat natural emerald from Colombia, certified by t...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
.40 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G/H Clarity: VS Finger to Top of Ston...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Twist Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1930s, this three stone twist ring features transitional cut diamonds. The centre weighs 0.40 carat and the the two adjacent are 0.25 carat. The estimate grades are F i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Deco 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful trilogy ring from the 1930s features an oval cut, 0.50 carat, ruby at it’s centre flanked by two 0.15 carat round brilliant cut diamonds, all claw set into platinum. T...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
An Art-Deco 12-Stone Grain Set Old Cut Diamond (0.50ct) Band in 18K White Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This exquisitely crafted original Art-Deco 1930’s band is grain set in platinum (top only) with 12 Old-European Cut Diamonds of good colour & clarity, totalling 0.50ct approx.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vivid Royal Blue Sapphire Burma Mogok No Heat Perfectly Clean in Diamond Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
This exquisite ring from LaFrancee is a stunning masterpiece that features a unheated natural vivid, royal blue perfectly clean blue sapphire from Burma Mogok mines. The sapphire is ...
Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$3,704
Art Deco Contrarié Ring
Located in Milano, MI
Set in 18ct yellow gold and old cut diamonds this contrarié ring is a very wearable for day to day wear thanks to its colours and proportions. Highlights - Art Deco - 18ct gold - Ol...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 16.10 Carat Colombian Emerald and Transitional Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in London, GB
This absolutely breath-taking Art Deco Emerald ring is definitely one to be admired. With a simply stunning centre Emerald, origin Colombian and a lovely sea green colour to it, it h...
Emerald, 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.