Vintage Buccellati Burma Ruby Ring. 7.40ct Oval Cut Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: Approximately 7.40 carats Center Ruby Cut: Oval Cut Center Ruby Type: Natural Center Ruby Origin: Burma Secondary Stones: Dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.50 Carat Pear and 0.13 Carat Square Ruby Diamond Accents 14K White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat White Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of 6x4 mm Pear-Cut Ruby (1 pcs) 0.50 carat, 2.0 mm Square-cu...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Eternity 18K Gold Alternate Ruby Diamond Band. French and Round Cut Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Ruby, Diamond Ruby Weight: 0.40 carats Ruby Cut: French Cut Diamond Weight: 0.25 carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone Setting: Bezel Set J...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.02 carats with Diamond 0.52 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 10.04 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.51 carats with Diamond 2.13 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 9.28 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.37 carats with Diamond 0.43 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.35 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.0 carat with Diamond 0.24 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.13 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.70 carats with Diamond 0.22 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.01 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,267Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style White Rose Cut Diamond Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold Bracelet Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold,...
Three stone White Diamond Ruby Halo RIng in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Experience timeless elegance with this exquisitely crafted halo ring, designed to captivate with its refined aesthetics and flawless detailing. At the center, a radiant round ruby (0...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Ring 8.75US / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old Classic German cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and two natural Rubies. Band with engraved shoulders , clusters in Platinum. Ca. 1920s...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.88 carat with Diamond 0.31 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.5 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 4.72 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural 2 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Baguette Cut Diamond Sides in 18K Gold Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Oval-cut natural Ruby adorned with natural Baguette-cut diamond side-stones. Gemstones are mounted in a straight shank 18k gold classic setting. The center stone Ruby has flawless cl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,500 / item
Opal Ruby Diamond Double Halo Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ring Information Style: Art Deco Metal: 14K White Gold Weight: 3.19 g.
Ruby, Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Ruby and Sapphire Twin Platinum Ring Navette Antique
Located in Brunswick, ME
An Antique Art Deco Style Natural Ruby and Sapphire Platinum Navette Ring.
Ruby, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, 1920s Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Sapphire Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1920s Step back into the glamorous 1920s with this fabulous original Art Deco ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Ruby Rose Cut Diamond & Turquoise 18K Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18k gold vintage mens royal ceremonial ring inspired piece. Set with rose cut diamonds, checkerboard cut star ruby center stone, and bezel set turquoise. A truly unique, one of a kin...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Tiffany 1.54ct Classic Burma no-heat Ruby Platinum Diamond Ring, AGL
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This Tiffany & Co. ruby diamond ring centers a 1.54 carat unheated Burmese ruby of vivid pigeon blue hue, flanked by old European-cut diamonds. The platinum mount, delicately mil...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1940s Mauboussin Paris Platinum Burma Ruby Diamond Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Mauboussin Paris ruby and diamond ring, finely crafted in platinum and centered with an oval cabochon Burma ruby weighing approximately 2.60 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Yellow Gold Star Ruby and Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage ring is crafted in rich yellow gold and designed with bold, sculptural presence. As its center sits a large cabochon gemstone, displaying a deep wine-red to plu...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ring with 2.19 ct Ruby and 0.60 ct Diamonds
Located in PARIS, FR
This elegant 18K yellow gold ring (750/1000) features a stunning natural oval-cut ruby weighing 2.19 carats. The ruby displays a rich, deep red hue — a true hallmark of quality and r...
Yellow Gold
Cartier Rare Rouleaux 18K White Gold Onyx, Ruby And Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The contrast between sparkling diamonds, rich black onyx, and vivid ruby cabochons creates a dramatic Art Deco-inspired aesthetic that remains unmistakably Cartier.
Onyx, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Engagement Ring with Diamond Halo in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the elegance of Art Deco jewelry, this Ruby Engagement Ring features an oval ruby surrounded by brilliant diamonds and accented with geometric ruby details.
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.09 carats with Ruby 1.98 carats and Diamond 0.25 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 51 "Since we first opened d...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald cabochon, carved Blue Sapphires, Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald, Blue Sapphires & Ruby Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Emerald Cabochon is 2.93 carats. The Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire
Sugarloaf Cut Ruby, Onyx and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 5.40 carats with Onyx and Diamond 1.61 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 16.57 grams "We fir...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Emerald cut Ruby (No Heat) and Pear cut White Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A refined Natural Mozambique Ruby (No Heat) and White Diamond Ring in 18K Gold, featuring a precisely cut and calibrated row of vivid red, untreated rubies at its center—valued for t...
Ruby, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond & Red Pink Ruby Edwardian Style Engagement 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This Art Deco style Diamond and Ruby Ring is absolutely divine.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Ruby & Diamond Vintage Inspired Style Statement 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An absolutely breathtaking ruby and diamond Art Deco inspired ring, featuring French cut rubies that surrounded a central oval one.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Old European Cut Halo Ring. 1.50ct Diamond French Ruby Halo Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.82 carats with Diamond 1.81 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 13.15 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 5.10 carats with Diamond 1.20 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.9 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 7.45 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.07 carats with Diamond 0.49 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 6.55 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.82 carat with Diamond 0.42 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 4.61 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.26 carats with Diamond 2.58 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 0.8 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 11.2 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Retro Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Ring of 10k Gold, Circa 1930-1940
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A refined and timeless vintage ring (circa 1930–1940), featuring a harmonious arrangement of synthetic flame fusion rubies and sparkling diamonds, all mounted in solid 14k gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.35 carats with Diamond 0.28 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 8.42 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$2,995Sale Price|20% Off
Handcrafted White Brilliant Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold "Snake" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Citrine Ruby Peridot Diamond Geometric Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Citrine Art Deco Ring is crafted in 14K white gold with a vibrant citrine surrounded by Ruby, peridots, and diamonds.
Ruby, Peridot, Citrine, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Unisex Two-in-One 14k Solid Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Wedding Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Unisex Natural Ruby and Diamond Multi Wear Wedding Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.8 carats and diamonds of 0.25 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every st...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,276Sale Price|25% Off
Art Deco Style 1.15 Carat White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
1.50 Carat Engagement Ring. Old European Diamond Ruby Halo Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Cente...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.40 Carat Vivid Yellow Diamond 6.78 Carat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Party Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A beautiful combination of 6.78 carats of vivid red ruby and 1.40 carat of vivid yellow round brilliant diamond are accented with 1.22 carat of white round brilliant diamond. The det...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GIA 4.70 Carat Antique Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Breathtaking Vintage 18K White Gold (tested) Elongated Oval Ruby ring. CIRCA 1940s. The RUBY is estimated 3.50CT with measurements of 14.65x7.80x3.35 mm. GIA Certified in Dark be...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$3,812Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 4.30 Carat White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval, Square-cut Ruby Diamond accents 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of 6x4 mm Oval-Cut (1 pcs) 0.56 carat, 2.0 mm Square-cut (2pcs)...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,800Sale Price|30% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Cocktail, Three Stone Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very chic and one of a kind, Ruby Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & Diamonds. The Ruby is of Mozambique origin and weighs 4.29 carats. The diamond weight is 0.42 carats. The ring...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Elegant Round Cut Ruby Ring and Halo Diamond Studded in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Diamond Ruby Ring in 14k gold featuring natural ruby of 0.55 carats and diamonds of 0.39 carat. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Ruby improves mental stre...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond snake ring with Natural emerald Natural ruby Victorian ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Diamond snake ring Natural Diamond Natural emerald Natural ruby Victorian snake ring Gemstone: Diamond, emerald ruby Ring size 7US MATERIAL = 925Sterling Silver ...
Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver
1.35 CTW Natural Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby and Sapphire Engagement Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with 1.00 Carat Pear Shape Gemstones and 0.35 Carat Natural Diamonds. This handcrafted 18K yellow gold ring offers a refined...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
GIA 2Ct Tanzania Unheated Ruby and type A Jadeite Jade Ring
Located in Singapore, SG
This exquisite ring is expertly crafted with the natural precious gemstones, featuring an untreated ruby from Tanzania and type A jadeite jade with Burmese Unheated ruby melee that c...
Diamond, Ruby, Jade, 18k Gold
$1,815Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Diamond Mediterranean Red Coral Onyx Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,212Sale Price|25% Off
Art Deco Style Sardinia Red Coral White Diamond Jade Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is inspired by Art Deco Style and it is available also with Turquoise, Emerald or Ruby, or with an Onyx instead of Jade.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vivid 9.7 Carat Ruby and Diamond Wedding Cocktail Ring in 18K Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Wedding Cocktail ring in 18K White Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality. Designed with a big pear...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Natural Emerald cut Ruby (No Heat) and Pear cut White Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant and refined high-jewelry composition featuring rare unheated Mozambique rubies, celebrated for its vivid natural color and exceptional purity. The ruby is cut in a gracefu...
White Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,212Sale Price|25% Off
Art Deco Style 0.40 Carat White Diamond Turquoise Onyx Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has a handcut Onyx. This Ring is inspired by Art Deco and it is available also with a central Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral, a Ruby or an Emerald.
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Toi et Moi Ring with 1.69ct No-Heat Burmese Ruby & Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional no-heat Burmese ruby pairs gracefully with a brilliant diamond in this refined Toi et Moi design. Channel-set carré diamonds contour the sculpted platinum band, enhanc...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Channel-Set Band Ring, Size 6.75
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Beautifully crafted in 14K yellow gold, this elegant ladies' band features a timeless alternating pattern of vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds. Five princess-cut rubies are chann...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,723Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 3.55 Carat White Diamond Aquamarine Onyx Yellow Gold Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D, GIA Certified 2.06 Carat Ruby and 0.68 Carat Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
GIA certified 2.06 carat Ruby stone with two 0.68 carat Diamonds on the side, smaller diamonds at 0.37 carats
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.