4.49 Carat Red Rubelite Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Bright red rubellite tourmaline and diamond Art Deco ring. 4.49ct emerald cut center stone with 6 round old European cut accent diamonds in a platinum setting from teh 1920's. 1 re...
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, Platinum
2 stones Ring natural 0.6 Sapphire Diamond solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US6 / 2.3 g
Located in SE
Beautiful Two - stones Ring with bezel set natural Blue Sapphire stone oval cut 5.5 mm x 4.5 mm x 3.2 mm deep / ca. 0.6 ct. and square pave set old diamond cut natural Diamond Ø 2mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1920 Nordic Halo Ring 0.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.75 US /2 gr
Located in SE
104 years old Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum or White Gold settings. Natural Sapphire of old European diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k Two-Tone 3.99ctw Asscher Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Two-Tone 3.99ctw Asscher Cut Diamond Band Ring Style: 18k Two-Tone Asscher Cut Diamond Eternity Band Material: 18k Two-Tone Gold (White and Yellow) Diamond Details: Approximatel...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Finish Ring A.Tillander 0.65ct Sapphire 0.7ctw Diamonds Platinum Ø5.5US
Located in SE
Old Ring hand - made in White & Blue at the workshop of A.Tillander, famous Finish jewelry brand that once started in Imperial Russia and was in favor among Russian Nobility. It was ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 0.80 Carat Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. Sapphire Double Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum, the Boston Ring balances Art Deco-inspired geometry with the romance of antique diamond cuts and richly colored sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
4.63ct Zambian Emerald & 0.84ct Diamond Two-Tone 18k Gold Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
We love this bold and intricate ring, and we know you will too. The inner intricate Jardin of the Zambian Emerald is a highlight of this piece. Totaling nearly 1 carat of baguette cu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring 0.5ct Diamond Green Enamel solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 5.75 US /3.1 gr
Located in SE
A Ring from ca. late XIX - early XX cent. Shoulders covered with dark Green Enamel, claw set cluster in Silver featuring trillion rose cut Diamond 5 mm x 5 mm x 5mm / ca. 0.5ct. The ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Rare Pink Tourmaline Diamond 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring (Matching Earrings Available) 18K White Gold Weight 4,75 GMS Tourmaline -1/4.86 Cts Diamond-38/0.129 Cts Size-52 Step back in time with this exquisite Art Deco-inspir...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold
Antique Ring 2ct Sapphire 2.8 ct Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.5 US /4.9gr
Located in SE
Cluster ring in solid 14K Rose Gold holding three rows of 32 Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire. Made ca. late XIX - early XX cent. The crown side is 15 mm wide in the middle. Sa...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 6.06 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Provident
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Crafted by the master artisans of Provident Jewelry in 18 karat yellow gold, this refined ring showcases a magnificent GIA-certified Asscher cut diamond weighing 6.06 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Turtle 0.50 Karats Diamonds 0.60 Kt Sapphires 0.35 Karat Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
A Turtle shaped cocktail ring finely handcrafted in 18 karats gold by expert artisans and adorned with 0.60 Karats cabochon Sapphires, 0,35 karats cabochon Ruby and 0,50 karats grey ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow G...
$632,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10.19 Ct. Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Flanked by striking Cadillac-cut side diamonds totaling 2.00 carats, this platinum masterpiece exudes refined Art Deco glamour.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Sapphire Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this vintage beauty! Ring Details Material: 18K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 9.2mm Head Height: 5mm Shank Width: 1.5mm Weight: 3.8 Grams Finger Siz...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Peter Suchy .70 Carat Diamond Platinum Wedding Band Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco 1920’s square step cut diamond wedding band ring. .70 carat square cut channel set diamonds in a platinum setting.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.51 Carat Pear Shape Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Engagement ring featuring a 3.51 carat pear shape yellow diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Dark Gray-Greenish Yellow, set in an in art deco style mounting made in platinum.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
1929 Nordic Ring Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS5 / 2.36 gr
Located in SE
Sapphire and Diamonds Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. Multiple claws with flat tips , all set with regular spacing and create a sort of openwork crown that allows the Light to go deeper. Su...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.01ct G SI1 Pear Diamond and 0.33ctw Tapered Baguette Platinum Ring
By Premier Gem Corp
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century elegance finds its sharpest expression in this three-stone arrangement, a design that prioritizes geometry and clean lines. At the heart sits a pear-shaped diamond weighi...
Diamond, Platinum
Onyx Turquoise Diamonds 18 Carat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Step back into the glamorous Roaring Twenties with this magnificent a nod to Art Deco ring, a stunning example of the era's bold design and use of contrasting materials.
Diamond, Onyx, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring 18k White and Yellow Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This 18k white and yellow gold emerald and diamond ring centers a GIA certified Colombian emerald in an octagonal step cut.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian citrine and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1870.
Located in London, GB
Victorian citrine and diamond coronet cluster ring. Centrally set with an octagonal step-cut natural citrine in an open back grain setting with an approximate weight of 17.00 carats,...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
EGL Certified 1.11 Carat Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original Platinum step design Art Deco diamond engagement ring. Circa 1920's.
Diamond, Platinum
1.47 carat Radiant Cut Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring with Rubies
Located in Nashville, TN
This combination of sharp lines and both cool and warm colors is setting our hearts alight. A central 1.47 carat radiant cut diamond is flanked by a matched pair of rectangular step...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Synthetic Ruby Filigree Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
An alluring Art Deco ring centered by a vivid synthetic ruby, its elongated rectangular form accented by a single diamond for a subtle flash of brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
11 Carat Natural Citrine Ring. Natural Emerald Cut Citrine Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Citrine Center Citrine Weight: 11 Carats Center Citrine Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Secondary Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone S...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 1.15 Cts Center Round Legacy Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
The Legacy collection draws on the jewelry archives of Tiffany & Co., translating the refinement of early twentieth-century design into a contemporary engagement ring. Its hallma...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.26 Orange Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Orange sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified natural simple heat only sapphire in its original 1930’s Art Deco platinum setting with six baguette accent diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1913 Ring 0.25ct Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS9.5/ 3gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Old cluster ring hand - made in 1913. Classic combination of high graded Gold, Platinum and Diamonds. Platinum on Gold openwork crown with 3 diamond stones. Swedish hallmarks, 18k ,...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Platinum French Stamped, 0.75 Carat Single Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring Platinum- French Stamped Circa 1920s Step back into the 1920s with this beautiful example of French jewellery design.
Diamond, Platinum
1928 Nordic Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.75 / 2gr
Located in SE
Emerald and Diamonds Ring made in 1928. Band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with claws holding natural 3.5 mm x 2.5 mm / ca.0.15 ct Emerald stone accented two diamonds of irregular old d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Diamond & Ruby Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style Openwork White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Step into a world of timeless elegance with this exquisite Diamond Ruby Art Deco Style Openwork Cocktail Ring in White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s 3.05 Carat Emerald Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning step square cut emerald ring has been crafted in the Art Deco style in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
1937 Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/ 2.1gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period three stones Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand- made in 1937.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14 Karat Gold Pearl 0.49 Carat Diamond Openwork Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
We offer a huge collection of vintage and antique jewellery pieces, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Peter Suchy 1.70 Carat GIA Cert Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Set into an Art Deco style simple Platinum ring with trapezoid and baguette diamond in the Peter Suchy Workshop PSD. 1 Emerald cut diamond, approx. total weight 1.70cts, I, VVS2, GI...
Diamond, Platinum
Nefertiti Ring in 18k Gold and Platinum with Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Nefertiti Ring in 18k Gold and Platinum with Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Engagement Ring Emerald Cut Diamond 6.28cts Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning vintage platinum engagement ring featuring an emerald cut diamond, flanked with trapeze cut and bullet cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Ring with Princess Cut Diamonds 1.350 ct F-vvs
Located in Radolfzell am Bodensee, BW
These jewelry pieces are stylistic – paying modernly interpreted homage to art déco – Epoch. The elegant shape, in combination with the precious materials of platinum and diamonds, c...
Diamond, Platinum
Oursin Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamond by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Oursin Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamond by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 3.57ctw Asscher Carré Cut H VVS1 Diamond Platinum Unisex Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The sleek platinum bezel settings emphasize the clean lines, while the delicate knife-edge shank provides an elegant contrast to the substantial diamond-set top. There is an unmista...
Diamond, Platinum
$140,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3.06 Carat D Internally Flawless Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The setting is crafted in platinum, providing both durability and a bright white backdrop that highlights the diamond’s exceptional color. This sophisticated three-stone design bala...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Nefertiti Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamond by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Nefertiti Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamond by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Chunky Gold Band Ring Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Sculptural elements in Art Deco jewelry often featured precise angles, stepped motifs, and sleek, streamlined designs that mirrored the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Vintage 18K Yellow Gold, Platinum and Old-Cut Diamond Tank Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A distinctive and substantial French vintage ring with strong Art Deco-inspired geometry and excellent presence on the hand.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØU7.25 /2.25gr
Located in SE
Three - stones Ring with bezel set natural Blue Sapphire stone square cut 4 mm x 4 mm x 1.8 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct. and two prong set old diamond cut natural Diamonds Ø 2 mm / ca. 0.06...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Citrine Ring. 11.30ct Natural Emerald Cut Citrine Cocktail Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Citrine Center Citrine Weight: 11.30 carats Center Citrine Cut: Emerald Cut Center Citrine Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Diamond Diamond Cut: R...
Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Nefertiti Ring in 18k Gold, Diamonds & Yellow Sapphires by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Nefertiti Ring in 18k Gold, Diamonds & Yellow Sapphires by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1920s Peridot and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this stunning 1920s rectangular cluster ring, featuring a magnificent peridot centre stone t...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Natural Colombian Vivid Green Emerald, Diamond, 18K Gold Retro Square Halo Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This delightful geometric motif Art-Deco/ Retro Ring dates back to late 1940’s - early 1950’s.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$272,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 6.01 Carat Square Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The center stone is flanked by tapered baguette-cut diamonds that enhance its geometric precision and lend a subtle Art Deco flair.
Diamond, Platinum
1930s French 0.63 Ct Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated setting features an impressive four-claw set 0.63 carat transitional modern brilliant round cut diamond, held in high relief. The setting is further embellishe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heritage Blue Sapphire Ring in Gold, Tourmaline & Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Heritage Blue Sapphire Ring in Gold, Tourmaline & Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
2.48 Carat Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, 14K White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
An elegant engagement ring centred by an emerald-cut natural diamond, flanked by two tapered baguette diamonds for a refined three-stone silhouette. Round diamonds extend along the s...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
6.36 Ct No Heat Certified Madagascar Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Understated, classy, wearable, sophisticate, five stone design, perfect for engagement or any mean to celebrate in life, vintage elegant Art Deco Style Expertly hand crafted of solid...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 5ct. Star Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Gold ØUS7.5/ 3gr
Located in SE
German Ring from ca 1920s -1930s with natural beautifully Purple natural Star Ruby stone 8.75mm x 7.75mm x 6mm /ca. 5 ct with minor flaws accented with 4 Diamonds. Ruby shows distin...
Diamond, Star Ruby, 14k Gold
Contemporary 1.05 CTW 14 Karat White Gold Cushion Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
Their step-cut faceting creates a beautiful contrast against the brilliant-cut stones surrounding them, lending the mounting a subtle Art Deco sensibility.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.90 Carat White Diamonds Wave Unisex Band Trilogy Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Silhouette Collection 18 Karats Yellow Gold 0.90 Carats White Diamonds "Wave" Band Trilogy Design Ring. Every size is available also in White, and Rose 18 Karats Go...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Asscher Halo - GIA Certified Ascher Cut Diamond set in Designer Ring with 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
**What makes this piece unique or special** This ring carries the soul of a bygone era — a **step‑cut Asscher diamond** glowing with architectural depth, framed by a halo of brilli...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.8ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.25/ 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand - made in ca. 1920s- 1930s. Swedish, hallmarked 18K, maker's, Stockholm, year marks not present because of sizing done in the past. Band in solid 18 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
EDR Certified 3.13ct Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
A stunning old cushion cut diamond, weighing an opulent 3.13 carats, takes centre stage in this original c.1940s engagement ring designed with a nod to sophisticated Art Deco style.
Diamond, 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.