1926 Nordic Ring 0.36ct Diamond solid 23K Gold Platinum Ø7US / 5.4gr
Located in SE
Fine 23K Antique Wedding Ring in original leather and silk box. Brilliant cut diamond Ø 4.25 mm / ca. 0.36 ct / color ca.G,H / VS mounted in Platinum setting. Made in Sweden. Make...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Platinum
1939 Ring natural 0.6ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS9 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Three Stones Ring decorated with natural Emerald stone and rose - cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1937 Ring natural Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 8.75US / 3.3gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Fine cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and four square cut and faceted Rubies in Platinum clusters. Band with carved shoulders. Swedish h...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Sunita Nahata GRS Certified Zambian Emerald 2.60ct. Ring in 18KWG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Showcasing the most vibrant Colombian and Zambian emeralds and diamonds, Sunita Nahata dedicates this collection to her home city of Jaipur where the jewelry industry dates back to t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata GRS Certified Zambian Emerald 1.90ct. Ring in 18KWG with Diamond.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Showcasing the most vibrant Colombian and Zambian emeralds and diamonds, Sunita Nahata dedicates this collection to her home city of Jaipur where the jewelry industry dates back to t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 6.25US / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring featuring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with top in Platinum decorated with natural Blue Sapphires and Diamonds . Likely British, hand -made ca. early 1920s -1930s. Hallmar...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
3.81 Carat Natural Emerald & Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
A large emerald-cut natural emerald forms the focal point of this structured three-stone-inspired ring, secured vertically in a four-prong setting. Graduated baguette-cut natural dia...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1ct Oval-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Step into timeless sophistication with this 1ct natural oval-cut diamond halo engagement ring, an exquisite embodiment of romance, refinement, and radiant design.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
5 Karat Square Cut Aquamarine 0.27 Carat White Diamonds 18k Gold Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection 5Karat Aquamarine carrè cut handcrafted in 18 Karat Rose Gold 0.27 Karat Diamonds, also available in Yellow and White Gold on request. Dimensions...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Alliance Ring 1.3 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø5.25US/2.9gr
Located in SE
Fine old German Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Yellow Gold band. Openwork crown is 17 mm...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Pear Zambian Emerald Gemstone Ring Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Step into a world of enchantment with this mesmerizing handmade jewelry masterpiece – a pear-shaped Zambian emerald gemstone ring accented with diamonds, set in 14 karat white gold. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1949 Nordic Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6 / 2.9 gr
Located in SE
Ring with band in solid 18K orange Gold and crown clusters in Silver decorated with mix of four natural old European and rose cut Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K . Made in 1949 (com...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
18 Karats Garnet 0.08 Karat White Diamonds Yellow Gold Cocktail Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karats Garnet 0.08 Karat White Diamonds Yellow Gold Cocktail Design Ring This Modern 18 Karats Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds Cocktail Design Ring is entirely manufactured,...
White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1931 Nordic Ring 0.5ct. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US8.5 / 2.76gr
Located in SE
The design of this old Diamond Ring is quite unusual - the central silver cluster/ setting is kind of loose and it can rotate /move itself to any side / angle around. That means that...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1948 Halo Ring natural 2ct Rubellite 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K GoldSilver Ø8US /5.35gr
Located in SE
76-year-old Halo Ring decorated with a Rubellite of fancy square cabochon cut and Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K, year combo X8 / hand-made in Sweden in 1948. Crown: 14 mm x 13.5 ...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Silver
1938 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K White Gold ØUS5.75 / 1.9 gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Elegant Emerald and Diamonds Ring with curved band in solid 18ct White Gold with bezel set natural emerald cut Emerald stone 4.5 mm x 4 mm x 3.2 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct of vivid Green...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Channel Set Emerald Cut Sandawana Emerald Diamond Band Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold channel set emerald step cut sandawana emerald diamond linear band ring. This beautiful linear band ring with lustrous sandawana emeralds from Zimbabwe are extremely s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Emerald Gemstone Band Ring Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Step into a world of refined elegance with this exquisite Pear Emerald Gemstone Band Ring, adorned with dazzling diamonds and meticulously crafted in 14 Karat White Gold. Designed to...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pear Emerald Gemstone Band Ring Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Step into a world of refined elegance with this exquisite Pear Emerald Gemstone Band Ring, adorned with dazzling diamonds and meticulously crafted in 18 Karat White Gold. Designed to...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring Blue Ribbon 0.7ctw Diamonds Enamel 18K solid Gold ØUS6.5 /2.74gr
Located in SE
Cobalt Blue Enamel, Diamonds on 18K Yellow Gold. Reminds closely ' Bagues de Firmament ' or " Rings of the Heavens" as the diamonds represent celestial bodies in the deep blue night ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Halo Ring 0.7ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Rose Gold Ø8US/ 2.85gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 10 natural Diamonds. European, hand - made ca. 1900s -1920s. Not hallmarked, metal tested solid 18K Gold. Gold alloy ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 2.1gr
Located in SE
Rubies and Diamonds Ring in solid 14ct Yellow Gold . 6 baguette cut Rose red Rubies + 10 diamond cut diamonds. Each Ruby measures 2.75 mm x 2.5 mm / 0.065ct each / total 0.065 x 6 =...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Nice cluster Ring with the carved band and shoulders. Top parts of openwork crown in White Gold or Platinum holding bezel set natural Emerald stone and twenty diamonds, both of old ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 12ct Citrine Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø US 7.25 / 7.5gr
Located in SE
A Citrine Ring, band with divided shoulders and crown in solid 14ct Greenish Yellow Gold featuring claw set natural Yellow - Orange Citrine stone oval cut 21 mm x 13 mm x 7.75 mm d...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Thee Stone Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.3gr
Located in SE
Old cluster ring, a fine example of early XX-century taste. Platinum on Gold openwork crown, band tested solid 14K Yellow Gold, hallmarked 585. The Crown is 13 mm x 7.5 mm at axes ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
1927 Halo Ring natural 0.85 ct. Sapphire 0.6ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold/ ØUS9/ 2.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 10 Diamonds in White Gold settings. Swedish hallmarks, maker's , Stockholm,18K. Year combination A8 / h...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Ruby and Diamond Double Halo 18K Yellow & White Gold Octagonal Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
This ruby and diamond cocktail ring has a softly defined octagonal shape, giving it a bit more presence than a traditional cluster. At the centre, an oval ruby of vivid pinkish-red ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.57 Carat Emerald Natural Diamond Solitaire Three-Stone Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
A sophisticated three-stone engagement ring centred by a striking emerald-cut natural diamond, framed by two step-cut trapezoid diamonds. Baguette-cut shoulder accents create a seaml...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Halo Ring 1.25ct Bi-color Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Platinum Ø4.5US / 5.3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful antique Halo Ring hand-made ca. early XX cent. Fine design, great wear resistible construction, secure bezels - this ring is perfect for everyday wear. Fragmented Swedish ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
1940s Mauboussin Paris Platinum Burma Ruby Diamond Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
The combination of geometric diamond work and bold three-dimensional construction reflects the transitional aesthetic between late Art Deco and the Retro period, characteristic of im...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Platinum ØUS 5.5 / 3.1gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, not hallmarked.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1930 Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS8.25 /5.3gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance - styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and eight rose - cut Diamonds s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
GRS Certified Natural Mahenge Spinel Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Kowloon, HK
Introducing our exceptional Mahenge spinel, a rare and unique gemstone that captures the eye with its silky reddish hue and vibrant orange fire. Set in a custom-designed diamond ring...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Nordic Ring natural 5ctw Sapphire 0.6ct Diamond 18K Gold ØUS8.25 /4.53gr
Located in SE
Antique cluster/cocktail Ring, Swedish hand-made with fifteen clusters in White gold boasting natural Ceylon Sapphires and a natural Diamond. The crown measures 22mm x 13 mm x 5.5 m...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sophia D Sapphire and Diamond Mosaic Ring Platinum
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Step cut and carré style accents frame the center stones, while fine milgrain detailing enhances the Art Deco inspired structure of the design.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Ring natural Emerald 1.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K / 14K Gold Ø US5 / 3.5 gr
Located in SE
Old European Halo Ring from ca. 1900s- 1920s. No hallmarks , band tested solid 18K Gold parts of crown in 14K Gold with top in White Gold or Silver. Natural diamond cut Emerald Ø 4m...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
1951 Ring natural 1.75ct Yellow Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS7.25 / 4.25gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Yellow Sapphire and 12 Diamonds in White Gold settings. A bit fragmented Swedish hallmarks, 18K, crowned head (Stockholm). ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Imperial Russian Ring solid 56 /14K Gold Diamonds Ruby ØUS5.5 / 3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Antique Imperial period Russian Ring featuring crown decorated with oval cut natural Rubies and rose cut Diamonds. All stones have open backs. Note that this design was mad...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
2.92 Karat Aquamarine Emerald Cut 0.21 Karats Diamonds 18 Karats White Gold Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection 2.92 Karat Aquamarine Emerald Cut 0.21 Karats Diamonds 18 Karats White Gold Design Ring Rossella Ugolini "Aqua" Collection a beautiful design ring...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1956 Ring natural 1ct. Emerald 8 Diamonds solid 18K Ø 7.5US / 4.4 gr
Located in SE
intage Emerald and Diamond ring in solid 18ct Gold with bezel's top in Platinum / or White Gold. Higher (20-23K) grade Gold central bezel with natural bright Green Emerald stone 7 m...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Halo Ring natural Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.75 /2.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Ca. 1920s -1930s , German maker's and Swedish customs hallmarks confirming 18K Gold. Crown is 7.5 x...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
3.82 Carat Emerald Pear Cut Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
An impressive five-stone engagement ring centred by an elongated emerald-cut natural diamond framed in a delicate round diamond halo. Two emerald-cut side diamonds and two pear-cut o...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.60 Carat Solitare Natural Diamond Emerald Halo Engagement Ring, 14k Rose Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
A rectangular emerald-cut natural diamond forms the center of this 14k rose gold engagement ring, framed by a single halo of round natural diamonds that follows its softly clipped-co...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 4ct Asscher-Cut Diamond Men’s Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A bold expression of timeless refinement, this exceptional men’s signet ring features a stunning 4.00ct natural Asscher-cut diamond—renowned for its crisp step cuts, mesmerizing symm...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
4.99 Carat Solitaire Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Wedding Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
An emerald-cut natural diamond is set vertically at the centre of this engagement ring, secured in a four-prong setting that keeps its elongated step-cut profile prominent. The white...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique German Halo Ring 10ct.Green Chalcedony Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 9.25 US
Located in SE
German halo-type Ring made ca. early 1930s. Solid 18K yellow Gold band with top of the crown in White Gold. Bezel set natural Green Chalcedony cabochon cut 15 mm x 12 mm x 6 mm deep/...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold
1957 Nordic Ring natural 0.6ctw Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8/ 3.65gr
Located in SE
67 Years old Classic Cluster Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum decorated with three natural Light / Medium Blue Sapphires and Diamonds of old European Diamond cut.. Set of S...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Amitié Diamond Ring in 18k Gold and Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Amitié Diamond Ring in 18k Gold and Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Diamond, 18k Gold
British Alliance Ring 0.45 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.75 / 3.5gr
Located in SE
Antique or Vintage British Alliance made ca.1930s - 1950s Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with openwork crown and clusters in Platinum. Partially fragmented British hallmarks, 18K, ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4.5 /5.35gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct greenish Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose - cut Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Sea Wave Turquoise 18 Karat Gold 0.87 Karat Brown Diamonds Band Happy Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini "Deco" Collection Deco Style 18 Karat Rose Gold 0.87 Karat Brown Diamonds Cabochon Turquoise Wave Ring A ring that recalls the wave of the sea Handcrafted with Brown...
Brown Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1930s French, Diamond and Ruby Cross Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cocktail Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum- French Hallmarked Circa 1930s Step into the elegance of the 1930s with this stunning Art Deco cocktail ring, a true masterpiece ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antiquee Ring 0.3ct Emerald 0.4ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6.25 /3.2g
Located in SE
Art Deco period German Ring with Emerald and Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
GIA Certified 2ct Oval-Cut Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Step into a world of refined glamour with this magnificent 2.00ct natural oval-cut diamond ring, masterfully set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Halo Ring natural 0.8 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø7.5US / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Halo Ring, band in solid 18K Yellow Gold and top of the crown in Platinum with natural Greenish Blue Sapphire and eight old European cut Diamonds . Hallmarked 18ct , h...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1929 Nordic Ring natural 0.8ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS7.25 / 2.95 g
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring with Diamonds. Band in solid 18K Rose Gold. Crown with clusters in Silver holding 9 natural old diamond cut Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K & maker's, Stockh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring natural 0.4 ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US5 / 2gr
Located in SE
A Ring from 1920s -1930s decorated with natural emerald cut Emerald 4.75 mm x 3.75 mm x 2.1 mm deep ca. 0.4 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented with si...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1933 German Ring natural 0.45ct Emerald Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS7 /2.6 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period German Ring with open - work crown with top part in Silver set with bezel set princess cut natural Emerald and Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
18 Karat Rose Gold 5 Karat Tourmaline 0.28 Karat White Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection, a bold 18 Karat Rose Gold 5 Karat Tourmaline 0.28 Karat White Diamond Design Ring A deep green 5 karat Tourmaline stone set in a18 karats rose gol...
White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1930 Ring natural 1.5 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Renaissance styled Swedish ring in solid 18K with two Silver clusters holding two natural rose cut Diamonds ca. Ø 5.5 mm 1.3 mm and 1.7 mm deep / ca.0.75ct each, color ca. J-M / SI. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
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.