Unavailable|$4,670
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .90ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous diamond engagement ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era!
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,320
Art Deco Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
18ct White Gold engagement ring, narrow, low half round, tapered shank with under-rail, extended shoulders, 6 claw setting, polished finish, stamped (18CT). The item contains: One ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Mounting Set With Marquise Diamond D, VVS2, Round Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Chicago, IL
Art Deco, satin and bright finish platinum mounting, set in center with one marquise diamond weighing 1.50 carat, D color, VVS2, GIA certified, bezel set with milgrain edge, and 42 r...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$18,300
Lizunova Art Deco Diamond Bridal Engagement Ring
By Lizunova Fine Jewels
Located in Sydney, NSW
A modern take on the iconic Art Deco style, this feminine diamond engagement ring is elegant and timeless.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,090
Art Deco .80 Carat Diamond Antique Wedding Set C.D. Peacock Platinum
Located in Tampa, FL
Traditional Elegance describes this stunning Art Deco diamond Antique wedding set! Crafted in platinum by C.D.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,000
Art Deco Style, Sapphire & Diamond Ring, New
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
9ct white gold dress ring, narrow, low half round, tapered shank with open back rub over with fancy halo setting, polished finish, stamped "375". The item contains: One rub over set...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,590
Art Deco Style Ruby & Diamond Ring, New
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
9ct yellow gold dress ring, narrow, low half round, reverse tapered shank with underrail, upswept shoulders rub over with a halo setting, polished finish, stamped "375". The item con...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$18,708
Art Deco Platinum GIA Diamond Engagement Ring 1.13ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous engagement ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in platinum, this gorgeous piece features a 1.13ct Peruzzi cut diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$15,595
Art Deco Platinum GIA Diamond Engagement Ring 1.13ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous engagement ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in platinum, this gorgeous piece features a 1.13ct Peruzzi cut diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,280
Art Deco Ring, Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring Fully Restored
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
18ct Yellow & White Hold ring, narrow, low half round, tapered shank with underrail, extended shoulders rub over setting, polished finish. The item contains: One rub over set natur...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,990
Art Deco Engagement Ring, White Gold Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
14ct White Gold three stone ring, narrow, low half round, tapered shank with open back, polished finish, stamped 585. The item contains: One claw set natural round brilliant cut Di...
Diamond, White Gold
Unavailable|$19,500
1920s Art Deco 1.18 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Carmel, CA
This beautiful Art Deco era ring was crafted in platinum circa 1920.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
8 Carat Natural Purple Spinel White Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Art Deco Ring
By D and A Style
Located in Singapore, SG
Ring for spinel lovers from our new "Art Deco" collection Bright and sparkling Burgundy-Purple Natural Spinel with perfect cut in unusual setting setting of 18 Karat Yellow gold wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Whi...
5 Carat Natural Lavender Spinel White Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Ring
By D and A Style
Located in Singapore, SG
Ring for spinel lovers from our new "Art Deco" collection Bright and sparkling Lavender Natural Spinel with perfect cut in unusual setting setting of 18 Karat White gold with white ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Whi...
10 Carat Natural Amethyst Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Collection Ring
By D and A Style
Located in Singapore, SG
At least 2000 ago people already love this bright and attractive purple stone They believed that amethyst brings happiness, joy and good lock to their life. We also believe in this e...
Diamond, Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yell...
Unavailable|$3,200 / item
Art Deco Half Eternity Natural Diamond Baguette Cut Diamond Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
**Our diamonds are 100% REAL, natural earth mined** Beautiful & unique half-eternity diamond ring, set with multiple diamonds in Baguette-cut, prongs set in 14K yellow gold. A true ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,932
Art Deco Diamond Trilogy Ring in 0.75ct of Diamond, circa 1920
Located in Kendal, GB
A stunning Art Deco trilogy ring from the 1920s adorned with three gorgeous old European cut diamonds with exceptional VS1 clarity – H colour.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,850
Vintage Art Deco Engraved Shoulders Diamond 18 Carat Engagement Ring
Located in Sydney CBD, AU
Vintage Diamond Art Deco Engagement ring, 18ct white gold with Beautiful Intricate detailing. 18ct White Gold engagement ring, narrow, half round, reverse tapered shank with open ba...
Diamond, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,650
Art Deco Ring with 6 Claw Set Diamond, Antique Engagement Ring
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
A 14ct Yellow gold & Platinum two-tone handmade Art Deco diamond engagement ring featuring a European cut diamond platinum in a 6 claw setting with three single cut diamonds Platinum...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,200
Art Deco Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
14ct yellow gold and platinum ring, narrow, low half round, tapered shank, with open back, up swept shoulders, polished finish, stamped (PLAT). The Item Contains: Three bead set natu...
White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$9,403
Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring in 1 Carat of Diamond, circa 1920
Located in Kendal, GB
A stunning Art Deco solitaire ring from the early 20th Century crowned with a beautiful old European cut diamond weighing approx. 0.80ct.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$15,378
Art Deco Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring in 25 Carat Aqua
Located in Kendal, GB
An extravagant Art Deco cocktail ring adorned with a magnificent emerald cut aquamarine with a calming clear blue hue with flashes of green, weighing an impressive 25 carats (approx....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,305
Art-Deco Ring in Platinum with Diamonds from 1930s, France
Located in roma, IT
Fascinating art-deco ring in platinum with diamonds totaling 0.80 ct, France 1930s.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,160 / item
18ct White Gold Art Deco Style Tanzanite and Diamond Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
Art deco style tanzanite ring, featuring a lovely range of round brilliant cut diamonds, complemented by a stunning polished finish design.
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$22,977
Art Deco 7.50 Carat Emerald & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
A glorious and impressive Art Deco ring crafted in platinum, with a electric crystalline green emerald cut emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$10,996
Art Deco 3.30 Carat Old Cut Diamond Gold Plaque Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
Step-down detailing on the shoulders leads to simple D-shaped band. A bold, architypically Art Deco statement.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,877
Art Deco 0.60 Carat Old Cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Essex, GB
The head of the ring steps down to nicely shaped shoulders featuring four (two each side) eight-cut diamonds to a slim, D-shaped shank.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$20,068
Art Deco Bombe' Platinum cocktail ring with diamonds for 2.70 ct.
Located in Milano, IT
Art Deco Original Bombe' Platinum Dinner ring with diamonds, an exquisite testament to the glamour of a bygone era.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$8,220 / item
Emerald Cut Diamond Ring Unique Art Deco Engagement Ring The Mirror Palace
Located in Hertsliya, IL
A beautiful celebration of step cut diamond dainty and delicate engagement ring. D E T A I L S: ♥ Center: Narueal diamond, Emerald Cut, 1.0 carat, G color or above, SI2 clarity or...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,750
Art Deco Designer Filigree Sapphires Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
Art Deco Designer Filigree Sapphires Diamonds 18K White Gold Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,890
IGI Certified 3.02tcw Platinum Diamond Ring
By House of R&D
Located in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv District
Grading Results: ____________ Stone Type: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Brilliant Carat: 3.02ct Color: E - G Clarity: VS1 - SI2 Jewelry Material: Platinum Total Carat Weight: 3.02ct...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$7,430
IGI Certified 4.00tcw Platinum Diamond Ring
By House of R&D
Located in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv District
Grading Results: ____________ Stone Type: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Brilliant Carat: 4.00ct Color: J - L Clarity: SI3 - I2 Jewelry Material: Platinum Total Carat Weight: 4.00ct ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$14,500
Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Ring
By Sophia D
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Platinum diamond and sapphire ring, size 6 1/2. The center diamond weighs 1.05 carats and the surrounding diamonds weigh 0.52 carats and are of FG color and VS1 clarity. The sapphire...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$6,860
IGI Certified 3.43tcw Platinum Diamond Ring
By House of R&D
Located in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv District
Grading Results: ___________ Stone Type: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Brilliant & Tapered Baguette Carat: 3.43ct Color: F - H Clarity: VS2 - I1 Jewelry Material: Platinum Total Car...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$23,500
1930s 1.39 Carat Diamond GIA D/VS1 Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
They don't come any whiter or brighter than this sensational 1.39 carat transitional European/round brilliant-cut diamond sizzling between a pair of slender baguettes, followed by sm...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$16,139
Art Deco 2.11 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Essex, GB
They simply don’t make jewellery like this anymore. This breathtaking Deco diamond ring features a 1.33 carat old mine cut diamond – graded by HRD Antwerp as I colour, SI2 clarity – ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,400
Art Deco Costume Jewelry Diamond Cut CZ Cabochon Lab Emerald Love Ring
By Magnificent Costume Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The Art Deco Toi et Moi Love Ring In Costume Jewelry 10 Carat Each Diamond Cut Lab CZ and Lab Emerald Two stunning CZ diamond and cabochon pyramid emerald cuts in the Asscher cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$4,500
GIA Certified 0.91ct D SI2 Platinum Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Platinum Diamond Solitaire Ring A classic & vintage styled solitaire diamond ring set in platinum. Nothing says 'I LOVE YOU' better than a diamond solitaire ring. Platinum - 3.518...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$11,959
Art Deco Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18ct White Gold, circa 1930
Located in Kendal, GB
Aqua Measures: H 16 x W 13.5 x D 10 mm Stands: 11mm off the finger Clarity: SI 1 – H colour Diamonds Age: Art Deco (Circa 1920 – 1930) Condition: Good – Some minor surface marks on...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Unavailable|$9,885
18 Karat Diamond Art Deco Style Pyramid Ring
Located in METAIRIE, LA
In a multi-level Pyramid design, this 18 Karat White Gold Triple Row Diamond Solitaire Ring combines the Art Deco Style structure with the Egyptian motif featuring a central Virtuall...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$28,500
Platinum Ring with Diamonds and Sapphires
By Sophia D
Located in Santa Fe, NM
Platinum ring with diamonds and sapphires, size 6 3/4. The center diamond is 1.47 carats, E color with a VS1 clarity and is EGL certified (EGL US59615301D). The surrounding 46 diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Oval Diamond 1.0 carat Unique Art Deco Engagement ring, contemporary - "Gatsby"
Located in Hertsliya, IL
Beautiful oval shape diamond unique engagement ring, "Gatsby." An original design by Silly Shiny Diamonds. D E T A I L S: ♥ Center Stone Shape: Oval shape natural diamond. ♥ Center ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$27,500
Art Deco Princess cut Diamond Ring in Rose Gold by Zoltan David
By Zoltan David
Located in Austin, TX
1.72 ct. Firemark princess cut Diamond in a flared platinum setting covered in diamonds. This Firemark diamond is H in color and VS1 in clarity. It holds two certifications - GIA Rep...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$10,500
Cushla Whiting 'Rita' GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Diamond, Art Deco Style Ring
By Cushla Whiting
Located in Melbourne, AU
The Asscher cut is an art deco style renowned for its clean strong lines and sophistication.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,603
Art Deco 1.5 Carat Diamond Pearl Gold and Platinum Ring, circa 1915
Located in Goettingen, DE
Art Deco 1.5 Carat Diamond Pearl Gold and Platinum Ring, circa 1915 Very elegant ring with an oval ring head, pierced, set with one natural pearl in the center surrounded by 6 large...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$7,059
18K Gold Ring in Art Deco Style Set with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
Ravissante bague en or 18ct de forme fleur ornée au centre d’un diamant de taille brillant pesant 0.20 carat entouré de diamants de taille brillant pesant 0.22 carat et d’une ligne d...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,732 / item
GIA Certified D VS2 0.70 Carat Diamond Ring 0.62 Carat Baguettes Diamonds
By Valérie Danenberg
Located in PARIS, FR
Inspired by the Art Deco movement, the Andéole diamond ring features the geometrical stepped motifs and cut-outs inherent to this movement. Very original, this engagement ring embodi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$9,279
Art Deco 1.01 Carat Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Essex, GB
An absolutely gorgeous Art Deco engagement ring. The old European cut diamond in the centre – graded by HRD as J colour, SI1 clarity – is secured in a finely milgrained hexagonal co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$16,139
Art Deco 1.55 Carat Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A desperately beautiful Art Deco engagement ring. The old mine cut diamond in the centre – graded by HRD Antwerp as G colour, SI1 clarity – is exceptionally bright, lively and full o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Style 18k Yellow Gold Silver Diamond Sapphire Cocktail Butterfly Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Art Deco Style 18k Yellow Gold Silver Diamond Sapphire Cocktail Butterfly Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$4,759
Art Deco 0.71 Carat Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A fantastically detailed and beautiful Art Deco diamond solitaire ring. The old mine cut diamond which sits proudly in the centre is bright, white and full of internal fire.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$10,531
Art Deco 3.30 Carat Old Cut Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Essex, GB
Step-down detailing on the shoulders leads to simple D-shaped band. A bold, architypically Art Deco statement.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold, Silver, Diamond Opal Onyx Cocktail Marquise Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
This fine and impressive Art Deco style marquise shaped ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Natural Gia Certified Art Deco 1.52 Carats East-West Baguette Cut Diamond Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Natural GIA Certified Art Deco 1.52 Carats East-West Baguette Cut Diamond Ring Set in an east-west position, this alluring and one-of-a-kind GIA-certified natural diamond will re-wr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$8,490 / item
Art Deco 18k Rose Gold 0.70 Ct Emerald Cut Diamond Ring With 0, 43 Cts Diamonds
By Valérie Danenberg
Located in PARIS, FR
Inspired by Art Deco, the Chloé baguette engagement ring offers perfect symmetry thanks to its double-ring diamond setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$3,344
Art Deco 1.71 Carat Natural Cabochon Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A sapphire and diamond ring of unbeatble class and beauty. The round cabochon sapphire in the centre – certified as natural and without heat treatments – is a rich and deep blue, the...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$25,923
4.05 Carat Imperial Topaz Cluster Diamond Rose Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
By Celine Roelens
Located in GENT, BE
One of a kind “Mary-Lou” ring in 18 Karat rose gold 11,3g set with 1 natural, eye clean, vivid Imperial topaz in emerald cut 4,75 Carat and the finest diamonds 1,51 Carat LC/D qualit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, 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.