1.30 Carat Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring. Emerald Halo Platinum Ring K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.30 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stone...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Gin and Grace 14K Cushion Cut Morganite Ring
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Morganite ring is crafted in 14-karat Rose gold and features a 8mm 2.04 carat Genuine Morganite and 6 Round-cut White Diamonds(0.16ct) in GH- I1 quality. This ring com...
Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Platinum and Amethyst Diamond Ring. 5.80ct Cushion Cut Amethyst Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Amethyst Center Amethyst Weight: 5.80ct Center Amethyst Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Amethysts and diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: Amethysts Ap...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Solitaire Aquamarine Ring. 1.20ct Cushion Cut Aquamarine Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Estate Diamond Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.20 Carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Cushion Cut Center Aquamarine Color: Teal Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond C...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
12.50 Carat Burma Ruby Ring. Rare Natural Cushion Cut Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 12.50 carats Center Ruby Cut: Cushion Cut Center Ruby Type: Natural, Heated Center Ruby Origin: Burma Certification: AGL Certi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring. 0.9ct Cushion Cut Ruby FIligree Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 0.90 carats Center Ruby Cut: Cushion Cut Gemstone Origin: Burma Secondary Stones: Diamonds Stone Setting: Bezel-set ruby surr...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1 Carat Cushion Cut Sapphire Ring. Round Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Sapphire Weight: Approx 1.00 Carats Sapphire Cut: Cushion Cut Sapphire Type: Natural Secondary Stones: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cushion Cut Aquamarine Ring. 1.95ct Aquamarine Engagement Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.95 Carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Aquamarine Secondary Weight: 0.15 carats Aquamar...
Aquamarine, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Angara Art Deco Natural Cushion 4ct Citrine Cocktail Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Citrine, 14k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Cushion Shape Old Mine Diamond Ring, American, circa 1930
Located in London, GB
Art Deco cushion shape old mine diamond ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond, J colour, VVS2 clarity, with a weight of 3.24 carats in an open back rubover settin...
Diamond, Platinum
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.
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold,...
GIA 1.70 Carat Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring. Sapphire Halo Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.70 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: G...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1 Carat Antique Cushion Cut Ring. Diamond and Sapphire Halo Platinum Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Elongated Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2.75 Carat Cushion Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Halo Old Euro Ring Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx. 2.75 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 S...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking cluster ring crafted during the Art deco movement and showcasing a harmonious blend of diamonds and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Adalynn 14K Yellow Gold Cushion-Cut Swiss Blue Topaz Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this beautiful Ring, crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Cushion-Cut Swiss Blue Topaz (1 Pcs) 0.69 carat, Cushion-...
Topaz, Rhodolite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.60ct Antique Cushion Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Halo Ring Platinum H VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.60 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stone...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Style Carved Cushion Pink Opal Round Amethyst Cab Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic and elegant ring composed of an oval engraved Pink Opal Cushion Cabochon measuring 18x18mm surmounted by an Amethyst Round Cabochon of 6 mm in diameter set in a 14k yellow g...
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.50 Carat Cushion Cut Peridot Ring. Baguette Aquamarine 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Peridot Center Peridot Weight: 2.50 carats Center Peridot Cut: Cushion Cut Center Peridot Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Aquamarine Aquamarine W...
Aquamarine, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Cushion-Cut Tiger Eye Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of Cushion-Cut Tiger Eye (1 Pcs) 28.47 carat. This Ring is weigh...
Tiger's Eye, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Blue Sapphire Cushion and Diamond Cluster Ring in Art-Deco Style
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold Blue Sapphire Cushion and Diamond Cluster Ring in Art-Deco Style This delightful midnight blue sapphire and diamond ring is imperial.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring. 0.90ct Cushion Cut Ruby FIligree Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This striking ring centers a natural 0.90-carat cushion cut Burma ruby in a secure platinum bezel setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cushion Cut Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Radiant-Cut Halo Ring For Women
Located in Chicago, IL
Cushion Cut Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Radiant-Cut Halo Ring For Women A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order. Our approx time is about 6 - 10 business da...
Sterling Silver
1.15 Carat Old Mine Cushion Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This amazing platinum ring from the Art Deco era is centered with a sparkling old mine cushion cut diamond that weighs 1.15ct. and is graded K color with VS2 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cushion Shape London Blue Topaz & Onyx Emerald Diamond Art Deco White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking and intriguing jewel, indeed. This bold and colorful Art Deco style ring highlights a gorgeous gleaming emerald cut London blue topaz framed in eye-catching contrast by Fr...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
$19,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Cushion Cut Diamond and Sapphire Halo Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Inspired by timeless Art Deco design, this elegant ring features a stunning 1.90 carat cushion cut diamond at its center, GIA certified with G color and SI2 clarity.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Three Stone Engagement Ring. GIA 2.10ct Cushion Cut Diamond Ring Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Secondary Stones: Diamonds Center Diamond Weight: Approx 2.10 Carats Side Diamond Weight: Approx 1.10 Carats Total Center Diamond Cut: Antiqu...
Diamond, Platinum
Cushion Cut Amethyst and Diamond Ring. 6ct Platinum Ring Ribbon Bow Filigree
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Amethyst Center Amethyst Weight: 6.00ct Center Amethyst Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: ~0.60ct Total Diamond Cut:...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
1.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] (Metal has patina, can be polished on purchase request. It is in its 100% original vintage conditi...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,838Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Deco 18k Gold Gia 0.54ct Cushion Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
We can custom size this ring.) Ring Width: 6.8mm (0.26")(top of the ring - north to south), 0.9mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 6.4mm rise off the finger Condition: Antique art ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Aquamarine 14K Filigree Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Stunning 14K white gold filigree, aquamarine ring—with tiny yellow gold ribbons surrounding the setting! The aquamarine measures 13.25mm x 6mm, with a classic beautiful ligh...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 3 Carat Champagne Diamond Ring. Cushion Cut Engagement Ring Platinum VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Champagne Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 3. Carats Certification: GIA Certified Center Diamond Color: Fancy Yellow-Brown Center Diamond Clarity:...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.10 Carat Sapphire Ring. Cushion Cut And Diamond Accent Ring Elongated Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 1.10 carats Center Sapphire Type: Natural Center Sapphire Cut: Elongated Cushion Cut Center Sapphire Color: Deep Blue ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14K White Gold 3.43 Carat Antique Cushion Cut Aquamarine Ring #J5210
Located in Big Bend, WI
Art Deco 14K white gold filigree ring featuring 3.34ct antique cushion cut aquamarine, measuring about 10mm x 9mm.
Aquamarine, 14k Gold
Kunzite and Ruby Halo Ring. 9.90ct Cushion Cut Kunzite Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Kunzite Center Kunzite Weight: 9.90 carats Center Kunzite Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Rubies, Diamonds Ruby Weight: 1.00 carat total Ruby Cut: ...
Kunzite, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Elongated Cushion Cut Moissanite Solitaire Ring Engagement Ring For Women.
Located in Chicago, IL
Elongated Cushion Cut Moissanite Solitaire Ring Engagement Ring For Women. Main Stone Moissanite Material 925 Sterling Silver Metal Weight 3.50 cts Band Width 1.8 mm A P P R...
Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 1.00 ct Cushion‑Cut Diamond Double‑Halo Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Mirror‑Bright Platinum, Timeless Art‑Deco Fire Dramatically elegant yet effortlessly wearable, this ring centers on a 1.00‑carat natural cushion‑cut diamond—GIA certified and graded...
Diamond, Platinum
.75 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .75 Carat Cut: Antique Step Cut Color: F Clarity: VS ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Carre Cut Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Art Deco Platinum Rose Cut Diamond Shield Engagement Ring. This amazing ring has old chunky carre cut diamonds going around the entire ring. These stones have all be...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 5.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Art Deco solitaire ring showcases a breath taking 5.00 carat old cushion cut diamond at its heart, certified by EDR.
Diamond, Platinum
2 Carat Cushion Cut Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond J SI1 Sapphire Halo Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Cer...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
.80 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .80 carat Cut: Antique Cushion ( Old Mine brilliant ) Color: J Clarity...
Diamond, Platinum
.35 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .35 carat Cut: Antique Cushion Color: G Clarity: VS Finger to Top of S...
Diamond, Platinum
1.45 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.46 carat Cut: Antique Cushion (Old Mine Brilliant) Color: I Clarity: S...
Diamond, Platinum
1.21 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.7 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.21carat Cut: Antique Cushion Color: Light Yellow, O/P Clarity: VS2 Si...
Diamond, Platinum
Gia Engagement Ring. 1.00ct Cushion Cut Diamond Old European Halo Platinum H SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: G...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.65 Carat Cushion Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Accent Ring Platinum I SI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.65 carats Center Diamond Cut: Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Diamond 9.70 Carat Cushion Cut Indicolite Tourmaline Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Our latest design! An elegant Pear Shaped GIA Certified Paraiba Tourmaline surrounded by Beautiful Diamonds in a Double Halo Setting. Metal- 90% Platinum,...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Indicolite, 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
Handmade Platinum GIA Certified 18.90 Carat Cushion Cut Pink Topaz Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Classic Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium, 18K Yellow Gold, .750. Stones- 1 Cushion Cut Purple Pink Topaz 18.90 Carats, 6 Round Diamonds .09 Carats, 4 Marquise Emeral...
Topaz
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond & Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A fabulous antique old mine diamond Art Deco revival engagement ring features a dynamic 0.82 carat cushion cut from the 1800s.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 1 Carat Diamond Ring. Cushion Cut and Old European Halo Platinum Ring H SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: GI...
Diamond, Platinum
Cushion Cut Emerald & Diamond Pavé Statement Ring in 18KT Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Showcase timeless luxury with this captivating 18KT rose gold ring featuring a vibrant cushion-cut green emerald center stone. Encircled by a sparkling double halo of brilliant-cut d...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Classic Cushion Cut Aquamarine and Round Cut White Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 14k White Gold jewelry boasts Cushion cut Prong Setting Genuine Aquama...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Elongated Cushion Green Tsavorite Sapphire Onyx Diamond Art Deco Style Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking and intriguing jewel, indeed. This bold and colorful Art Deco style ring highlights a gorgeous gleaming emerald cut green tsavorite framed in eye-catching contrast by Fren...
Diamond, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three Stone Amethyst Ring. 7.80ct Cushion Cut Amethyst Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Amethyst Center Amethyst Weight: 7.80ct Total Center Amethyst Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Amethysts and diamonds Diamond Weight: ~0.05ct Total ...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning 1.28 Carat Old Mine Cushion Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent platinum engagement ring is centered with a sparkling old mine cushion cut diamond that weighs 1.28ct. and is graded I color with SI1 clarity. The center stone is ac...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.11ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Art Deco solitaire is the quintessential engagement ring style.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Cushion Cut Ring Wedding Ring Beautiful Gift
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Cushion Cut Ring Wedding Ring Beautiful Gift Material: Sterling Siver
Silver, Sterling Silver
AGL Burma Ruby Halo Ring. 1.40ct Unheated Cushion Cut Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 1.40 carats Center Ruby Cut: Cushion Cut Center Ruby Type: Natural, Non-Heated Center Ruby Origin: Burma Center Ruby Setting: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.