Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring, circa 1920s
Located in Addison, TX
This striking Art Deco ring is crafted in platinum and dates back to the 1920's. The center is a
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring, circa 1920s
Located in Addison, TX
This striking Art Deco ring is crafted in platinum and dates back to the 1920's. The center is a
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French Engagement Ring Emerald Diamonds Yellow Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
ring in 18 carat yellow gold, made in Paris, in a very trendy Art-deco style. In the centre of this
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style 1.83 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ballerina Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Ballerina Ring featuring a 1.83 Carat Sapphire and 0.77 Carats of Diamond Accents set in
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Zambian Emerald 3.08 Carat with Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald from Zambia weight 3.08 Carat set with Brilliant Cut Diamond 6 pieces 0.47 Carat on the
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Enamel Antique Style Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
pieces. Romantic, radiant, and richly styled —a true celebration of Art Deco beauty. Ring Information
Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
24.88 Carat Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A beautiful, transparent Oval Cabochon Zambian Emerald, adorned by smaller Emerald Cabochons and
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
1.24 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Art Deco style ring set in Platinum featuring 1.249 Carats Natural Ruby and 0.811 Carat
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Set in 18K Gold, Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamonds Wedding/ Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind, Zambian Emerald Wedding/ Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
12 Carat Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
An elegant cocktail ring using a beautiful Emerald Cabochon centre stone surrounded with White
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Shape Amazonite Cab Emerald Round Cabochon 14 Kt Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique ring with a Big Oval Shape Natural Extra Quality Amazonite Cab measuring 28 mm. x 20 mm x
Amazonite, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Onyx And Old Cut Diamond Ring c.1920
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Art Deco, early XXth century. Head length: 1.7cm x 1.2cm. Size: 6. Weight: 4.05 gr. The
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Natural Emerald Diamond Propose Promise Ring
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts Oval-Cut Prong Setting Natural Emerald (3 pcs) 0.53 Carat
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1 NO RESERVE! - 5.35cttw Emeralds Eternity Band - 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Center Natural Emerald: Weight: 5.35 ct, 23 stones Colour: Green Shape: Oval Emeralds: minor
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.33 Carat Emerald, Orange Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A beautiful combination of cushion shaped 2.33 carat Zambian Emerald and vivid 3.63 carat of oval
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum
1.61 Carat Emerald and Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
cut 0.42 Carat emerald and 4 oval cut emeralds 1.19 Ct. in a prong-setting. This ring also features 24
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.61 Carat Emerald and Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
cut 0.42 Carat emerald and 4 oval cut emeralds 1.19 Ct. in a prong-setting. This ring also features 24
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 925 Sterling Tsavorite, Ruby & Emerald Ring Size 7
Located in Eagan, MN
Deco 3.80ctw Tsavorite with Small Rubies & Emeralds. & Ruby 14K Yellow Gold 925 Sterling Silver
Emerald, Ruby, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
ICA 18k White Gold 0.89ct (F1) Emerald & 0.26ct Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This engagement piece is a beautiful 18K white gold fine emerald and diamond ring! The piece is
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.40 Carat Emerald & 0.60 Ct Diamonds, 14 Kt. Yellow Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Ring can be sized free of charge prior to shipping out. Center Stone: ___________ Natural Emerald
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
NO RESERVE! 1.36ct Emerald & 0.30 Carat Diamonds, 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Stone: ___________ Natural Emerald Shape: Oval Mixed Carat: 1.36 ct Color: Green CE (Oil): Moderate
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
NO RESERVE! 3.23 cttw Natural Emeralds Eternity Band - 14k White Gold - Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Ring size: 55.5 (EU) / 16 (IT) / 7 ½ (US) Center Natural Emerald: Weight: 3.23 ct, 22 stones Color
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
No Reserve, 4.85 Carat Natural Emeralds Eternity Band, 14k White Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Colour: Green Shape: Oval Mixed Emeralds are generally oiled Item ships from Israeli Diamonds Exchange
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$5,100 / item
3.74 Carat Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
An elegant and simple cocktail ring using an oval shaped Zambian Emerald centre stone surrounded by
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Opal Vintage Style Floral Halo Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vintage style dress ring containing an approx. 0.40 carat oval emerald center stone, accented
Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9.40 Carat Emerald Cabochon, Black Onyx and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A stunning art-deco looking 9.40 carat lustrous Zambian Emerald cabochon with Black Onyx and
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1 No Reserve! 1.21ct Natural Emerald & 0.30ct Diamonds, 14k Yellow Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
. Center Stone: ___________ Natural Emerald Shape: Oval Mixed Carat: 1.21 ct Color: Green Emerald is
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 10K Yellow Gold Natural Diamond (I1, I2) & Natural Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
& Grace ring. This ring is made up of 6X8 Oval-Cut Prong Setting Natural Emerald (1 pcs) 1.16 Carat and
Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
NO RESERVE - IGI 9.67ct Emerald & 0.55ct Diamonds Halo, 18kt White Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
. Center Stone: ___________ Natural Emerald Shape: Oval Mixed Carat: 9.67 ct Color: Green Indications of
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified Zambian Emerald 9.60 Carat White Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Certified Emerald From Zambia 9.60 Carat with French-Cut Ruby 4 pieces 0.58 Carat and 20 pieces
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 7.15 Carat Emerald 1.58 Carat White Diamond Solitaire 18k Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An IGI Certified Zambian Emerald is set along with 1.58 carat of white diamond in this ever
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Zambian Emerald, Orange Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind, Emerald Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1 No Reserve! Igi 1.16ct Emerald & 0.28ct Diamonds Halo, 14kt Yellow Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
. Center Stone: ___________ Natural Emerald Shape: Oval Mixed Carat: 1.16 ct Color: Green Indications of
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1 No Reserve! 1.32 Carat Emerald & 0.30ct Diamonds Halo, 14k White Gold Ring
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Ring can be sized free of charge prior to shipping out. Center Stone: ___________ Natural Emerald
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Orient” Natural Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Natural Sapphire & Multi Gem Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Natural Oval
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Emerald, Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 1.59 carats, Blue Sapphire 2.14 carats with Diamond 0.88 carat Ring in 18 karat White Gold
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 2.21 Carat Vintage Emerald Diamond Ring Platinum and 18 Karat Gold
Located in US
Primary Stone: Natural Colombian Emerald Shape or Cut: Oval Cut Emerald Weight: 1.89 Carats (1
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cabochon Emerald Pearl Enamel Antique Style Green NAKA Snake Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This antique-style Naka snake ring features a cabochon emerald set atop the snake’s head, encircled
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
10K Yellow Gold Oval Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring with Appraisal
Located in Eagan, MN
This is just a beautiful ring with a large Blue Topaz Oval Cut Stone. Attached is a Retail
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold
New African 5.9 Carat Emerald Green Garnet Sapphire Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
The ring is a size 8. The stone is from Africa and is just exquisite. It is a highly rated stone
Garnet, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
9.61 Carat Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Engagement Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
engagement ring. The centre stone is an oval cabochon Zambian Emerald of top quality. It is completely
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Emerald & Sapphire Ring in 18K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
GIA 3.86 Ct 14K White Gold Colombia Color Emerald&Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 3.86 Ct 14K White Gold Emerald And Diamonds Engagement Ring* GIA-certified a 3.86 ct natural
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI 3.86 Ct 14K White Gold Colombia Color Emerald&Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 3.86 Ct 14K White Gold Emerald Engagement Ring* This stunning ring features a 3.86 ct
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Emerald Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Emerald Ring Set in 18K Gold & Silver** Gemstone
Emerald, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
3.87 Carat Columbian Emerald, Diamond and Jadeite Pave Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
One of a kind ring handmade in Belgium by jewellery artist Joke Quick, in 18K Yellow gold 6,7 gram
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Jade, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Emerald Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Emerald Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Natural Center
Emerald, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Style Handcrafted White Diamond Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Ring has 5.00 Carats of Oval Cut Blue Sapphires. This Ring
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Y...
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Emerald Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Emerald Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Natural
Emerald, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Emerald Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Emerald Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Natural
Emerald, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
New 4.6 Carat Amethyst, Aquamarine, Sapphire & Emerald Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
This is just a beautiful ring. In the center is a 2.5 mm natural emerald totaling .06 carats
Amethyst, Sapphire, Aquamarine, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
IGI 7.56 Carat Orange Garnet&Diamonds Antique Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
**IGI-Certified 14K Rose Gold 7.56 Ctw Orange Spessartite Garnet&Diamonds Engagement Ring** One
Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Carved Coral Diamond Emerald Ring and Earrings Set in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Create your signature look with these lovely jewelry set. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
New African 6.0 Ct Emerald Green Garnet Sapphire & Tsavorite Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
What beautiful color this ring is! he ring is a size 7.5. The stone is from Africa and is just
Garnet, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver, Sterling Silver
New African 7.5 Carat Emerald Green Garnet Sapphire & Tsavorite Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
What a gorgeous ring! The ring is a size 7. The stone is from Africa and is just exquisite. It
Garnet, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver, Sterling Silver
New African 7.60 Ct Emerald Green Garnet Sapphire & Tsavorite Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
What beautifully constructed ring. The ring is a size 4.5. It could be worn as a pinky ring
Garnet, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver, Sterling Silver
New African 5 Ct Emerald Green Garnet Sapphire & Tsavorite Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
What beautifully constructed ring. The ring is a size 6.5. The stone is from Africa and is just
Garnet, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver, Sterling Silver
New African 7.60 Carat Emerald Green Garnet Sapphire & Tsavorite Sterling Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
What beautiful colors in this ring! The ring is a size 6.75. The stone is from Africa and is
Garnet, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Silver, Sterling 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.
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold 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.