Antique Danish Ring 1ctw. Diamonds 14K Green/White Gold ØUS8
Located in SE
Danish ring made ca. 1920 - 1930s. Solid/tested 14K Green Gold band + 14K White Gold face with ornamental open work set with 15 diamonds. Under x 10 magnification some diamonds sho...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1920s 1.20 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.20 carat natural blue sapphire and 0.68 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring in the Art Deco style; part of our antique jewelry and e...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Italian Halo Ring Sapphire Diamonds 12K Ø 7.75US / 4.2gr
Located in SE
Italian Halo Ring with natural Blue - Green Sapphire and 12 rose-cut Diamonds. Hand-made between the 1920s - 1930. sItalian hallmarks : 486,500, NA ( Naple s) band's metal tested 12...
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Silver
Three-Stone Rectangular Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Dover Jewelry
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning three stone emerald and diamond ring is crafted in solid platinum. Showcasing a prominent high quality genuine rectangular emerald-cut Colombian emerald approx. 6.70 ca...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS8/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with a row of natural Rubies, Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire. Old European diamond cut Diamonds Ø 3.5 mm / 0.21 ct each / color F,G /VS...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum 1.75 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
A timeless engagement ring, showcasing a low temp heated 1.00 carats Asscher cut cornflower blue sapphire, set on a classic four prong setting. Flanked by two step cut emerald natura...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cushion Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Cocktail Birthstone Ring 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cushion Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Cocktail Birthstone Ring 14K White Gold features a bold cushion-cut emerald centerpiece framed with a halo of round brilliant diamonds. The ring ...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Cushion Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Cocktail Birthstone Ring 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cushion Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Cocktail Birthstone Ring 18K White Gold features a bold cushion-cut emerald centerpiece framed with a halo of round brilliant diamonds. The ring ...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.7ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.25 / 3.6gr
Located in SE
Old German Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand - made in ca. 1920s- 1930s. Metal is solid 18 Yellow Gold , hallmarked 750. Openwork crown measures 20 mm x 11 mm x 4 mm deep. All stones have ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$21,960Sale Price|20% Off
36.15 Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds in Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 4.5 This ring is an absolute showstopper! The massive aquamarine, sapphire and diamond cocktail ring will fill your finger from end to end with sensational sparkle. It is...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1929 Nordic Ring 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.5 US /3gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring featuring old diamond cut Diamonds arranged in fancy eye-shaped pattern.
Diamond, 18k Gold
8.23 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18K Gold Mens Ring GRS Certified
Located in Miami, FL
GRS certified natural 8.23 carat emerald cut emerald in 18K white gold bezel setting with diamond halo and yellow gold claw-shaped prongs and wide band design mens ring. Emerald meas...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.90 Carat White Diamonds 18K White Gold Trilogy Unisex Band Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Silhouette Collection 18 Karats White Gold G Color VS1 0.90 Carats White Diamonds "Wave" Band Trilogy Design Ring. Every size is available also in Rose, and Yellow 1...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1ct Asscher-Cut Diamond & Baguette Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Design Inspiration: Rooted in the Art Deco aesthetic, this ring fuses bold geometry with minimalist grace.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold 2.50 Carat Sapphire & Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This captivating, vintage 3 stone sapphire engagement ring is centered with a strikingly blue and lustrous sapphire weighing 2.50 carats and set into classic claw prongs. The shoulde...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring 1ct Emerald 0.9 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.5 /4.7gr
Located in SE
European Renaissance - styled cluster Ring,ca. 1900s -1930s with carved band and shoulders decorated with natural Emerald and Diamonds. Band hallmarked 18K. Crown 14 mm x 12.5 mm ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Alliance Ring natural 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø8.25US
Located in SE
Fine Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Green Gold band. The crown is 15 mm wide x 4 mm deep. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1932 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 1ctw Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS6.75 /3.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid Platinum decorated with natural Ruby and Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks : Maker's hallmarks of G.Dalberg ,Stockholm, a letter " P " fo...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 0.45ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Men’s Signet Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Primary Stone: Approx. 0.45ct Natural Emerald-Cut Diamond Diamond Quality: E Color VS Clarity Metal: Solid 18K White Gold (Approx. 4.4 grams) Style: Signet Ring / Art Deco Inspir...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,960Sale Price|20% Off
Handcrafted 4.27ct Spinel Ring with 1.39ct Brilliant Diamonds In 14k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Step into a world of timeless grandeur with this vintage-inspired statement ring. At its heart sits a luscious 4.27ct cushion-cut red spinel, boasting a rich, deep hue that commands ...
Diamond, Spinel, Black Spinel, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
3.04 Carat Star Ruby No-Heat Burma & Diamond 18K Gold Sunburst Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The Ring setting is of Art Deco era origin. Ring size 7.5, adjustable.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring. Baguette Halo Engagement Platinum H VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Asscher Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage French 2.28 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive Art Deco ruby and diamond ring is exceptional quality set with stunning Old European cut diamonds displaying a fine white color, brilliance and presence.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.5ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Art Deco Statement Ring · Total Carat Weight: Approx. 2.22ct Step into timeless sophistication with this bold and breathtaking halo engagement ring, handcrafted in luminous 18K whit...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
2 Carat Baguette Cut Wedding Ring. Eternity Diamond Band Platinum IVS2 Sized 4
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Diamond Cut: Baguette Cut Diamond Color: I Diamond Clarity: VS2 overall Stone Setting: Eternity setting Jewelry Ty...
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat Amethyst 0.40 Karat White Diamonds Rose Gold Exagonal Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karat Amethyst 0.40 Karat White Diamonds Rose Gold Exagonal Design Ring Here there is a beautiful design ring handcrafted in 18 karats rose gold and embellished with 0.40 karats ...
Amethyst, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Diamond Emerald & Round Cut 1.20 CT Halo Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bandwidth is 2.30 MM. The height on top is 4.80 MM. Ring Size: 7, resizable Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Ring Weight: 5.2 Grams of 18 Karat White Gold Center Diamond: Approximately 0....
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
1917 Sigrid's Ring Diamonds Sapphire 18K Gold Ø US7.5 / 2.47gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with the top of the crown in White Gold decorated with a row of natural Diamonds and Blue Sapphire. Swedish hallmarks, 18K( Yellow Gold), maker's, Sto...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Amethyst 0.40 Karat White Diamonds Rose Gold Exagonal Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karat Amethyst 0.40 Karat White Diamonds Rose Gold Exagonal Design Ring Here there is a beautiful design ring handcrafted in 18 karats rose gold and embellished with 0.40 karats ...
Amethyst, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
HRD 14K 10.30 ct Natural Vivid Purple Amethyst Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*HRD 14K 10.30 ct Natural Vivid Purple Amethyst Diamonds Antique Engagement Ring* This ring features a 10.30 carat natural vivid purple Amethyst set on the 14K yellow gold band and...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.45 Carat No-Heat Burma Ruby Oval Cut & Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS Certified 6.45 carat unheated oval cut Ruby from Burma. Adorned with a diamond halo of 12 round cut white diamonds totaling 2.96 carats (0.25ct each). All set in a luxurious 18K ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
AGL GRS Certified 14.36 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
AGL and GRS certified 14.36 carat emerald-cut Colombian emerald with minor oil treatment, set in an 18K white and yellow gold halo cocktail ring with 2.77 carats total weight of roun...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.3ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Ø US6.5 / 1.5gr
Located in SE
Old German Ring, the band in solid 14K Rose Gold (tested) with crown in White Gold holding bezel set natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4 mm x 1.6 mm deep / ca 0.3 ct, color ca. F,G /...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.8 ctw. Ruby 1.6 ctw Diamonds solid 16K Gold ØUS5.5/ 7.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand - made in Europe ca. 1920s- 1930s. No hallmarks, Metal solid 16 Yellow Gold. Carved band with scallop shells on the shoulders, double openwor...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Halo Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø4.5US /5gr.
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 old European cut Diamonds set in Platinum settings. Hallmarked 18K, tested 18K Yellow Gold, European made ca 1930...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,500Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 1.30ct Thai Blue Sapphire & 0.22ct Baguette Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This exquisite ring features a 1.30 carat oval-cut blue sapphire, prized for its rich, velvety hue and exceptional clarity. Flanking the center stone are 0.22 carats of tapered bague...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Rose White Gold Ø US7.75 / 2.04gr
Located in SE
European Ring from ca. 1920s -1930s with crown in White Gold on 14K Rose Gold band. Nine Diamonds : largest is bezel set old European oval cut Diamond Ø 3.5 mm x 3 mm x 2.66 mm deep...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 1 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver US6 / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old European Diamond cluster Ring with carved shoulders in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with Silver clusters on top of the crown holding nine rose-cut Diamonds that seem to have a reddish ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Unisex 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.20 Karat White Diamonds Design Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection, from the collection "Castles of Italy" inspired by the Italian historical and cultural tradition, here there's a beautiful 18 karat yellow gold ri...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1937 Nordic Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.75US / 3.75 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Emerald and Diamonds Ring made in 1937. The crown is composite with the top parts in Silver, all other parts are solid 18K Yellow Gold. Natural emerald cut Emerald stone o...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
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 All sizes available in two weeks by message. This Modern 18 Karats Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds C...
White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karats Yellow Gold 4.8 Karat Rose Tourmaline White Diamonds Love Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection 0.09 Carat White Diamonds 4.8 Carat Rose Tourmaline Heart Shaped set in 18 Karats Yellow and White Gold Ring A beautiful design ring handcrafted i...
White Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1958 Halo Ring natural 0.7ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø9.5US/3.7gr
Located in SE
Renaissance styled Halo Sapphire and Diamonds Ring with carved ornaments on the shoulders. Composite Gold + Silver crown with bezel set oval cut natural medium Blue Sapphire 6.25 mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.6 ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold ØUS6 / 3.3gr
Located in SE
Elegant Emerald and Diamonds European Ring with curved band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural emerald cut Emerald stone 5 mm x 4.55 mm x 3.15 mm deep / ca. 0.6 ct of deep...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 4.08 Carat Sapphire and 0.63 Carat Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Warszawa, PL
Sapphire ring, 4.08 carats, diamond ring, 0.63 carats, 18K white gold, IGI certified. This refined ring is crafted from 18-karat white gold and features a natural rectangular modifie...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Antique German Ring natural 1 ctw. Sapphire 0.5ctw. Diamond 14K ØUS6.75 /6.6gr
Located in SE
Antique German Alliance ca.1900s - 1930s Ring in solid 14K Orange toned Gold with clusters in 14K White Gold or Silver. Hallmarked 585, metal tested solid 14K Gold Three natural Sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 0.65ct Sapphire 0.2 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø3.75 US/ 2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Sapphire and Diamonds Ring,hand - made ca. 1920s - 1930s. Band and part of openwork crown in solid 18 ct Yellow Gold with face and clusters in Platinum. Likely German, h...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald 0.3ct Diamond solid 18K ØUS7.75/2.4gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, hallmarked 18K .
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1920 Estonian Ring 0.8 ct Ruby Diamonds 56/14K Gold ØUS7.75 / 4.3gr
Located in SE
Old Estonian cluster natural Ruby and Diamonds Ring made between 1919 -1924. This ring show well the traditions and techniques of Russian school jewelers that still remained and wor...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 0.50 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Vintage Charm in 14k
Located in Chicago, IL
Step into a world of timeless elegance with this captivating engagement ring, designed to embody the essence of vintage charm while showcasing the brilliance of modern craftsmanship....
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold 0.78 Karat Tanzanite 0.50 Karat White Diamonds Love Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karat Gold 0.78 Karat Tanzanite 0.50 Karat White Diamonds Love Ring Here there is a perfect Saint Valentine gift for the blue lovers. This intese ring is handcrafted in 18 karats ...
White Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.21 Carat Tanzanite and 0.40 Carat Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Warszawa, PL
Tanzanite ring, 4.21 carats, diamond ring, 0.40 carats, 14K white gold, IGI certified. This elegant ring is crafted from 14-karat white gold and features a natural oval mixed-cut tan...
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold
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 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum Ø 3US / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid Platinum with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, "P" for platinum , crowned head (Stockholm), Maker's marks . Year combination (...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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 All sizes available in two weeks by message. This Modern 18 Karats Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds C...
White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
$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
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
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
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
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.