Late Art Deco 1.40ct Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
The late Art Deco years produced this stunning bombé style ring designed around a fiery 0.70 carat old cut diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1930's 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
Can be sized up. Ring Size: 2.75 Dimensions: Measuring Approximately: 0.75" Width Measuring Approximately: 0.5" Length Condition: Very Good Period: Circa 1930 Style: Art Deco
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Art Deco 1.50cttw 3 Stone Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.3 grams Diamond Details: 1.50ct total weight. (Center diamond is .6...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1930s 2.03 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Old European cut Diamond weighing 2.03 carats, J color, SI2 clarity, GIA #2225747200. The also features several accenting Baguette and...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 2.41 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond at the center weighing 2.41 carats, K color, SI1 clarity, and accenting single cut Diamonds. Circa 1930s Size 5 1/4, resiz...
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco GIA Certified .35 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: 14 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #1186256492 Shape: Round Brillian...
White Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1930s Art Deco Onyx & Diamond GIA 1.26ct Old European Brilliant Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 6234063629 Weight: 1.26ct total weigh...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 1.50 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.50 carats, G color, VS clarity, accented by Old European cut Diamonds and French cut Rubies. Circ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Circa 1930s Art Deco 18K White Gold Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Diamond Details: .45ct, Old European Brilliant, I Color, VS C...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1930s 0.70 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 0.70 carat. The ring features small Diamonds on the setting weighing a total of approximately 0.50 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 4.12 Carat Synthetic Blue Spinel 14K Yellow Gold Statement Ring 1930s
Located in Towson, MD
A 1930s yellow gold and synthetic spinel ring of this decorative character is a genuine find for collectors of Art Deco and Victorian revival jewelry.
Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1930s Platinum Art Deco 3 Stone Old Mine Brilliant 1.40cttw Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.5 grams Diamond Details: .40ct each x 3 Center Diamonds = 1.20ct, total. H/I color, ...
Platinum
1930s Art Deco GIA Certified .60 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.5 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #5181300968 Shape: Circular Brill...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Art Deco 0.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A lovely blue sapphire sits between two diamonds in this late art deco three stone ring. The carre cut blue sapphire is 0.50 carat.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1930s 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum 0.18ctw Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, yellow gold, and platinum ring, comprising one transitional cut diamond, and two single cut diamonds, set in platinum, to a band of 18 karat yellow gold. This ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1930s 18 Karat White .50 Carat European Cut Diamond Filigree Art Deco Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1930s 18KW .50ct European Cut Diamond Filigree Art Deco Engagement Ring - The center diamond weighs approximately .50ct with K color and VS1 clarity.
Diamond
Antique Art Deco 1930s 2.60 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing approximately 1.20 carat, an Old European cut side Diamond weighing approximately 0.70 carat, and an...
Diamond, 18k Gold
French 1930s Art Deco 2.66 Carats J.SI2 Diamond 18 K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
A delightful Art Deco antique ring, its top is adorned with an intermediate brilliant-cut diamond, held in place by six claws.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Silver and Marcasite Ring with a Semi-Precious Green Stone circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Beautiful Art Deco silver ring with a row of marcasites surrounding a semi-precious green stone.
Marcasite, Silver
Antique Art Deco 1930s 2.25 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing 2.25 carats, I color, VS clarity, and accenting smaller Old European cut Diamonds weighing approximately a...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1930s Platinum 2.44ctw Old Cut Diamond Ring with Baguette Cut Shoulders
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
This statement Art Deco ring is set to the centre with an old mine cut diamond, rising above the rest of the ring in a claw setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1930's Opal Diamond Halo 18K Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Are you looking for a fabulous Vintage Opal and chunky diamond halo ring from the 1930's? Look no further, we have your ring! This fabulous ring has a beautiful full spectru...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Deco 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A vivid red Burmese ruby takes centre stage in this Late Deco halo ring. The 1.00 carat old cut ruby is completely natural and unheated making it a highly prized gem. Complementing t...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Circa 1930s Platinum Art Deco Three Stone Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.2 grams Diamond Details: .50ct, total weight. F-G Color, VS Clarity, Old European Brill...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 0.80 Carat Cabochon Ruby and 1.30 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 0.80 carat, and Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.30 carats. Circa 1930s Size 5 1/2...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1930s Art Deco GIA Certified .35 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.2 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #1182254598 Shape: Circular Brillian...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Deco 0.60ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This elaborate 1930s cluster ring centres around a 0.60 carat, oval cut ruby. Claw set into platinum the vibrant ruby is encircled by intricately patterned metalwork that features an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
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
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
1.97ct Colombian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, Circa 1930's
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous engagement ring features an exquisite 1.97 carat square emerald cut Colombian emerald mounted in a four double claw, open back setting. The vibrant gemstone is beautifu...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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
Circa 1930s Art Deco 18K White Gold .70ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Natural Diamond, Old European Brilliant, G Color, VS Clarity Band Width: 1.25mm Condition: Excellent Art Deco
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Deco 2.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring. c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous pale blue sapphire takes centre stage in this 1930s cluster ring. The sapphire is a 2.00 carat, oval cut stone, expertly claw set into platinum. Encircling the Sapphire, a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Blue Sapphire Star Ring from Late 1930s 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
1930s Late Art Deco 12 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond 18 kt White Gold Cocktail Ring This cocktail ring has a large, natural star sapphire that is a round cabochon shape.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
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
Vintage 1930-40’s .58ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Lovely classic 1930-40's platinum ring with an European Cut Diamond, lovely natural diamond with a old sweet chunky cut! Full of sparkle and bling, the double banded shoulde...
Diamond, 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
Art Deco 1930s 18K White and Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco ruby, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one lozenge shaped ruby, and two rose cut diamonds, in 18 karat white and yellow gold. My favourite thing abou...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 1930s Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.62 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive multi-la...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Deco Old Cut Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
An elegant 0.50ct ruby-paved outer border, and platinum detail at the shoulders add a final dash of vintage luxury to this gorgeous, two-tone, predominantly 18 carat yellow gold ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Tri Color 14K Gold Love Knot Ring 1930s 6.5 Gram Size 6.25
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique Art Deco Tri Color 14K Gold Love Knot Ring 1930s 6.5 Gram Size 6.25 This antique art deco ring is a stunning piece of fine jewelry that will surely impress anyone who sees it.
14k Gold
Art Deco 1930s 18K Yellow and White Gold 0.54ctw Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, white gold, and yellow gold ring, comprising three round brilliant cut diamonds, set in 18 karat white gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band. This lovely Art D...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Sterling Silver and Marcasite Flower Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This pretty 1930s Art Deco marcasite ring is crafted in sterling silver.
Marcasite, Sterling Silver
0.70 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A stunning 1930s antique Art Deco engagement ring from the antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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
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.
Diamond, Platinum
Deco Mined Diamond Engagement Ring .45ct I/SI1 Platinum Genuine 1930s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique Art Deco from 1930s Vintage .45ct Diamond Platinum Solitaire Art Deco Engagement Ring Featuring a Spectacular .45ct I/SI1 Genuine Transitional Cut Natural...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco 5.00ct Blue Zircon and Diamond Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1930s this late deco ring features a vibrant natural blue zircon at its centre. Weighing an impressive 5.00 carat the blue zircon has been cut in an emerald cut enhanci...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Late Deco 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This classic 1930s trilogy ring features a vibrant blue sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by a pair of transitional cut diamonds. The central sapphire is a square cut stone weighing 0...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 1.50 Carat Three-Stone Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with three Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.50 carats, and two accenting Single cut Diamonds. Circa 1940s Size 7 1/4, resizable
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.60ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1930s, this Art Deco trilogy ring features a stunning natural pink sapphire at its centre, flanked by old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Two-Tone Diamond Floral Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1930s, this Art Deco ring features an Old European-cut diamond center stone weighing approximately 0.06 carats, FG color VS clarity, flanked by two single-cut diamonds...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
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
American Antique Art Deco 14k Tricolor Gold Burmese Ruby Band, 1930s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
American Antique Art Deco 14k Tricolor Gold Burmese Ruby Band 30s Finger size: 6.5 Width: 8mm / .3 inch Weight: 5.5 gram Country of origin: United States Gems: 28 pieces of Ol...
Ruby, Gold
1930s .50 Carat Diamond Emerald Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.6 grams Diamond Details Shape: Old European Diamond Carat Weight: .50 Carat, total weight Color: F Clarity: VS Color S...
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
0.49 Carat Brownish Yellow Diamond Woven Pavé Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
An exquisite 1930s Art Deco engagement ring featuring a woven design and intricate milgrain detailing with a 0.49 carat brownish yellow natural diamond (VVS2) at center, complemented...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Antique gold ring with emerald and diamonds, 1930s
Located in Chorzów, PL
A vintage, elongated Art Deco ring with emerald and diamonds. The ring is set with an oval, faceted emerald weighing approximately 1.90 ct and 30 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling app...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
14-carat gold ring with green synthetic spinel. Denmark, 1930s
Located in bronshoj, DK
Synthetic spinels were frequently used for their vivid colours and durability, making them popular in both Art Deco and Functionalist jewellery of the period.
14k Gold
5.50 Carat Amethyst Rose Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco 1930's Amethyst ring. 5.50 carat Oval center Amethyst in a 14k handmade rose gold setting. 1 oval bright purple Amethyst, approx. total weight 5.50cts, Size 5 and sizabl...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
3.81 Carat Garnet White Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco 1930’s garnet ring. Oval center garnet set in a 14k white gold hand engraved setting. 1 oval reddish brown Garnet, approx. total weight 3.81cts, VS, 11 x 9mm Size: 5.25 an...
Garnet, Gold, 14k 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.