GIA 2ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum H VVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Certification: GIA Cert...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.21 Carat Diamond Solitaire, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A classic solitaire engagement ring featuring a 1.21 carat diamond. The sparkling diamond is a transitional cut diamond, I in colour and VS2 in clarity. It has held within a platinum...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 2 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum circa 1930, this ring showcases the architectural elegance associated with the Art Deco era. making this an exceptional antique diamond engagement ring with b...
Diamond, Platinum
Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring. 2.70ct Cushion Sapphire Engagement Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 2.70 Carats Center Sapphire Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.90 Carats Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.10 Carat Old European Engagement Ring. French Sapphire Halo Platinum Ring JVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.10 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Black Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Long Beach, CA
STYLE / REFERENCE: Cocktail Ring METAL / MATERIAL: Platinum CIRCA / YEAR: Contemporary CENTER STONE: 15.70mm ACCENT STONES / WEIGHT: Diamonds 0.78ctw SIZE: 6 1/4 This stunning r...
White Diamond, Platinum
3 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Halo Ring H VVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VVS1 Center Diamond Setting:...
Diamond, Platinum
1.40 Carat Old European Engagement Ring. French Sapphire Halo Platinum Ring VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: L Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Diamond And Ruby Ring. 0.50ct Diamond Ruby Double Halo Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Cent...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Halo Engagement Platinum Ring H Color SI
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 Carat Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: H Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Clarity Secon...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 1.50ctw Round Solitaire w/ Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous vintage diamond engagement ring was crafted from solid platinum during the 1940's. It features a stunning and super fiery old transitional cut diamond neatly pave set a...
Diamond, Platinum
0.50 Carat Round Brilliant Eternity Ring. Diamond Wedding Ring Platinum G-H VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50 carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: VS Stone Setting: Pavé-set etern...
Diamond, Platinum
2 Carat Rose Cut Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Stone Accent Ring Platinum I VVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Oval Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Certification: GIA Ce...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1 Carat Oval Rose Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Solitaire Ring Platinum G VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Oval Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Cer...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique GIA 1.50ct Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum J SI2
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Material: Platinum Ring Size: Currently sized at 5.75, it can be resized at no extra cost.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.30 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond with Accent Ring Platinum K SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.30 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, Platinum
0.60 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring. Cushion Cut Cluster Halo Ring Platinum I VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.60 carats Center Diamond Cut: Elongated Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS1–VS2 S...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring. 2.10ct Old European Diamond Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.10 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.80 Carat Old European Engagement Ring. H VS1 Sapphiire Ring Platinum H VS1
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Style Material: Platinum Ring Size: 5.5; Resizable to any finger size at no additional cost This elegant Art Deco-style engagement ring centers a GIA-certified 0.80-ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Late Deco Diamond Full Eternity Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
There is a total of 3.00 carats in this wonderful deco eternity ring. The diamonds are transitional cut diamonds, which are hand cut stones, and there are 20 of them in total. They a...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring. Carre Emerald Halo Platinum Ring H VS2
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 1.00 Carats Certification: GIA Certified Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond Cut:...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring. GIA 1.20ct Old European Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.20 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: F Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Certification...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
4.50 Carat French Cut Wedding Ring. Diamond Eternity Band Ring Platinum 4mm H VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 4.50 carats total Center Diamond Cut: Antique French Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: V...
Diamond, Platinum
Kunzite and Ruby Ring. 2.50ct Round Kunzite Diamond Double Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Kunzite Center Kunzite Weight: 2.50ct Center Kunzite Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stones: Rubies and diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: Rubies ~0.45ct Total...
Ruby, Kunzite, Diamond, Platinum
2.25 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Halo Ring Platinum L VS1 Bezel
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.25 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: L Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Clarity Seco...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.95 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring. Sapphire Halo Ring Platinum I SI1
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 0.95 Carats Certification: GIA Certified Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond Cut:...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 1.05 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond G VS2 Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.05 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.62 Carat Oval Green Alexandrite & Diamond Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 2.62 carat oval cut natural green alexandrite measuring 8.6 x 7.5mm is set in a four-prong platinum 900 mounting flanked by stepped baguette diamond clusters on each sh...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
1.40 Carat Old European Engagement Ring. French Sapphire Halo Ring Platinum KSI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
3 Carat Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Ring Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Clarity Seco...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.10 Carat Sapphire Ring. Cushion Cut And Diamond Accent Ring Elongated Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 1.10 carats Center Sapphire Type: Natural Center Sapphire Cut: Elongated Cushion Cut Center Sapphire Color: Deep Blue ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum Oval Green Jadeite Jade Cabochon and Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Oval Green Jadeite Jade Cabochon and Diamond Filigree Ring Description: This exquisite antique-style cocktail ring is crafted in solid platinum and centers on a beautifully...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Platinum
1.75ct Old European Cut Engagement Ring. Emerald Onyx Accents Ring Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.75 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Platinum and Diamond Eternity Band. 0.50ct Baguette Cut Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 Carats Total Center Diamond Cut: Baguette Cut Stone Setting: Bezel-Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: Infinity Band, Et...
Diamond, Platinum
2.50 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Rose Cut Diamond Accent Ring Platinum I VVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.50ct Center Diamond Cut: Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Certification: GIA Certificate ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.20 Carat Diamond Ring. Cushion Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring G SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.20ct Center Diamond Cut: Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: GIA Certificat...
Diamond, Platinum
4 Carat Diamond Ring. GIA Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 4.20 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels VCA Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Lisbon, PT
Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Saltwater Pearl and Diamond Ring in Platinum, France, 1920s–1930s. A rare and elegant Van Cleef & Arpels pearl and diamond ring from the late Art Deco per...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage OGI Ltd 2.23ct GIA Certified Burma Sapphire Ring in Platinum
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in timeless elegance with this exquisite vintage cocktail ring, a true masterpiece of fine jewelry craftsmanship. Featuring a stunning OGI Ltd GIA Certified No Heat Burma Cab...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Diamond And Emerald Ring.. 1.70ct Old Euro Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.70ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: Natur...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage French 1940s Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage French 0.90 carat ruby and 0.48 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring in the Art Deco style; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French 1930s 2.50 Carats Sapphire Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum ring, dog head hallmark. Superb art deco ring, it is adorned on its top with an intense blue sapphire set with 4 flat claws on an asymmetrical decoration, and should...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 3 Carat Diamond Ring. Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Halo Engagement Ring IVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond Setting: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. GIA 1.80 Carat Diamond Halo Ring Platinum H VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.80ct Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certificat...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.60 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Platinum Engagement Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.60 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Platinum
0.50 Carat Diamond Halo Ring.Asscher Cut Diamond Emerald Halo Ring JVS2 Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Fine milgrain detailing and an intricate openwork under-gallery further enhance the refined craftsmanship of the platinum mounting. The Vine Ring beautifully balances the architectu...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.56ct Old Cut Diamond & Platinum Antique Engagement Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Introducing an absolutely stunning platinum engagement ring, dating back to around the 1920s The exquisite ring centres a wonderful 1.56 carat transitional cut diamond beautifully m...
Diamond, Platinum
Eternity French Cut Band Ring. 4.50ct Diamond Wedding Ring Platinum 4mm H VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approximately 4.50 carats total Secondary Stone Cut: Antique French Cut and French Cut Secondary Stone Color: H Colo...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1ct Emerald Cut Diamond Ring. Baguette Halo Engagement Ring Platinum I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carat Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, Platinum
2 Carat Rose Cut Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Three Stone Ring Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certific...
Diamond, Platinum
Aquamarine Wedding Band. 2.40TCW Asscher Cut Aquamarine Eternity Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 2.40 Carats Total Center Aquamarine Cut: Asscher Cut Stone Setting: Channel-Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: Eternit...
Aquamarine, Platinum
Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring. GIA 1.80ct Emerald Diamond Cluster Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 1.80 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Certification: GIA Gemstone Origin: Colombia Secondary Stones: Diamonds Dia...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Halo Diamond Platinum Pear Shape Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
There are ten pave set round diamonds on each side of the shank. The ring has an Art Deco inspired gallery. PLATINUM IS FOREVER
Diamond, Turquoise, Platinum
Floral Engagement Ring. 0.60ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Platinum I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.60 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary St...
Diamond, Platinum
1 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Geometric Halo Engagement Platinum Ring H Color
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carat Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Secondary Stones: D...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.95ct Oval Art Deco Mixed-Cut Geometric Bezel Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious platinum , the ring features a polished finish that enhances its Art Deco-inspired design, characterized by geometric bezels and slim square edges.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.85 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Cocktail Platinum East-West Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage marquise cut natural diamond cluster east-west set cocktail ring in platinum 900. Set with a stunning handmade two prong setting fastening the diamonds. This ring has a charm...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. 0.80 Diamond Emerald Halo Ring Platinum H VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.80ct Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certificat...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Eternity French Cut Diamond Band Ring. 6ct Channel Wedding Ring 4.6mm Platinum H
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approximately 6.00 carats Secondary Stone Cut: Antique French Cut and French Cut Secondary Stone Color: H Color Seco...
Diamond, Platinum
AGL Burma Ruby Halo Ring. 1.40ct Unheated Cushion Cut Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 1.40 carats Center Ruby Cut: Cushion Cut Center Ruby Type: Natural, Non-Heated Center Ruby Origin: Burma Center Ruby Setting: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.