Diamond and Emerald Halo Engagement Ring. 0.60ct Old Euro Cut 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 Clarity Seco...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Carre Cut Engagement Ring. 1 Carat I VS1 Diamond Round Cut Halo Accent Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 Carat Center Diamond Cut: Carré Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Clarity Secondary St...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum and East West Halo Ring. 0.70ct Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement J VVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.70 carat Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Old European Cut Eternity Band. 4.30TCW I VS1-SI1 Diamond Platinum Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Natural Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 4.30 Carats Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Diamond Color: I Color Diamond Clarity: VS1–SI1 Overall...
Diamond, Platinum
0.70ct Diamond Wedding Ring. Alternate Marquise and Round Cut Band Platinum H VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.70 Carats Total Center Diamond Color: H Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS Clarity Stone Setting: Diamond-Accented Jewe...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Halo Ring Platinum 18k Gold K SI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Cartier 1 Carat Round Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Half Eternity Platinum G VVS1
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VVS1 Certification: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Old European Diamond Filigree Ring. 0.60TCW Platinum Cluster J VS2-SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.60 Carats Total Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Overall Center Diamond Clarity: VS2...
Diamond, Platinum
3.19 Carat Oval Cut Emerald Minor Oil & Diamond Cluster Platinum Vintage Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 3.19 carat oval cut minor oil Colombian emerald and round cut diamond cluster ring in platinum 900 vintage ring setting. GRS Certified. A vintage ring setting circa late 20th...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3 Row Diamond Eternity Band. 3 Carats H VS Brilliant Round Wedding Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Natural Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 3.00 Carats Diamond Cut: Brilliant Cut, Full Cut Diamond Color: Approximately H Color Diamond Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
0.70ct Diamond Chunky trilogy engagement ring in platinum wedding
Located in London, GB
0.70ct round diamond trilogy engagement ring in platinum. Classic three stone diamond ring trilogy style, bezel rubover setting dimaonds. Trilogy ring total diamond weight 0.70ct G...
Diamond, Platinum
0.70 Carat Round Brilliant Ring. Diamond French Ruby Halo Engagement Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.70 carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA 1.35ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring. French Sapphire Halo Platinum J SI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.35 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Clarity Ce...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Platinum and Peridot Engagement Ring. 3.70ct Emerald cut & Sapphire Diamond Halo
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Peridot Center Peridot Weight: 3.70 carats Center Peridot Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond, Sapphire Stone Setting: Double Halo Jewelry Type...
Diamond, Peridot, Sapphire, Platinum
Unusual Art Deco Yellow Sapphire with Calibre Amythests
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Elegant French Art Deco Ring with Calibre Cut Amythests and Cushion Cut Yellow Sapphire Ring circa 1930 France.
Amethyst, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
6 Carat Calibre French Cut Wedding Ring. Eternity Diamond Platinum H VS2 4.6mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 6.00 carats total Diamond Cut: Calibre French Cut Diamond Color: H Diamond Clarity: VS2 Stone Setting: Channel-set Jewelry Ty...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Natural 1.19 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Filigree Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Ring. Named after its similar shape to a ballerina tutu, this vintage ballerina ring features a single blue sapphire center stone. The sa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco English 18kt White Gold Jadeite Jade and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Art Deco English ring is crafted in 18k white gold and centered by a 2.50ct jadeite jade stone accented with diamonds.
Diamond, Jade
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
GIA 2 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring. Double Halo Ring 18k Gold Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
0.83 Carat Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
This one of a kind Art Deco style ring is unique in its shape, designed at an angle with scrolled open work details. It features an old European cut diamond weighing 0.83ct pavé set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA 0.70 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring. Floral Cluster Engagement Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.70 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: H Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 1.85ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF01-020526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A trio of Ruby cabochons with a total weight of 3.25 carats make a statement at the center of this dynamic ring. The symmetrical Platinum setting offers Art Deco elegance, while Diam...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1920s Emerald Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, mascaron hallmark and in 18 karat yellow gold. Elegant antique ring it presents a mounting of round shape decorated in the center in closed setting of yellow gold o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2 Carat Square Burma Ruby Wedding Ring. Eternity Band Platinum Engraved 2.80mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Ruby Weight: Approximately 2.00 carats Ruby Cut: Square Cut Stone Setting: Channel-set eternity band Jewelry Type: Wedding Band Style: Eternity D...
Ruby, Platinum
2.09 Carat Oval Cut No Heat Ruby & Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
2.09 carat oval cut no heat ruby and diamond halo ring. Adorned with 12 round cut diamonds forming a halo, totaling 1.08 carat. The ruby is prong set in 18k yellow gold and the rest ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum Diamond Wedding Ring. Round and Marquise Cut Diamond Full Eternity Band
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: 0.15 carats Secondary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone Setting: Alternating Square and Marquise Boxes Jewelry T...
Diamond, Platinum
$128,175Sale Price|25% Off
10.82 Carat Emerald Cut No Heat Ceylon Blue Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting an exquisite Art Deco Platinum Ring, featuring a 10.82 carat emerald-cut no heat Ceylon Blue Sapphire, certified by GIA and AGL with treatment and origin report.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Eternity 7 Carat Diamond Band. Brilliant Wedding Ring Platinum G/HVS2 Sized 6
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 7 Carats Total Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Color: G/H Diamond Clarity: VS2 Stone Setting: Shared Prong-Set Jewel...
Diamond, 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
Diamond Channel Wedding Ring. 3 Rows Diamond Full Eternity Band Platinum H VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond Diamond Color: H Diamond Clarity: VS Stone Setting: Channel Set, Eternity Setting Jewelry Type: Band Style: Eternity, Channel Set, Antique-...
Diamond, Platinum
2 Carat Diamond Ring. Old Euro Diamond Emerald Halo Engagement Platinum J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Clarity Seco...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Half Eternity Alternate Ruby and Diamond Band. Round Cut Wedding Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Rubies and Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.65 Carats Total Ruby Weight: 0.90 Carats Total Diamond Color: L-M Color Diamond Clarity: VS2-SI2 Diamond Cut: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$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
Diamond and Sapphire Floral Ring. 1.20ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Natural Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.20 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Seco...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
No Oil Colombian Emerald Ring. 2.60ct GIA Gubelin Emerald and Diamond Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond S...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Half Eternity 0.10ct Round Brilliant Band. Diamond Wedding Ring Platinum G VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.10 carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS1 Stone Setting: Half-eternity o...
Diamond, Platinum
Single Cut Wedding Ring. Pave Set Diamond Eternity Band Platinum Engraved 2mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: 0.30 carats Secondary Stone Cut: Single Cut Stone Setting: Pavé Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: Eternity, Pavé, Milgr...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum and Diamond Dome Ring. GIA 0.80ct Old European Cut Geometric Accent HI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.80 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: I1 Certification: GIA C...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage GIA 1.05 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Engagement Platinum I VS2
Located in New York, NY
The openwork under-gallery adds an airy dimension beneath the center stone and highlights the meticulous craftsmanship of the platinum mounting. Handcrafted in platinum circa 1935, ...
Diamond, Platinum
2 Carat Cushion Cut Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond J SI1 Sapphire Halo Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Cer...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Late Deco 3.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This stunning cluster ring dates back to the 1930s. At its heart sits an impressive 3.50 carat, cornflower blue sapphire. The sapphire is a natural stone cut in an unusual cabochon s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Twist Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Elegantly twisting shoulders frame a central transitional cut diamond in this wonderful take on the classic solitaire design. The 0.60 carat diamond has a colour of I and clarity of ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
.44 Carat Diamond Sapphire Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic late art deco open work 1930's cocktail ring. 15 round diamonds in a platinum setting accented with 8 French cut baguette sapphires in a platinum setting. 15 round diamonds...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage AGL Certified No Heat Blue Sapphire & Old Euro Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Item Details: - Metal: Platinum - Weight: 7.60 Grams - Style: Art Deco - Era: Vintage, Circa 1930 - Setting: Prong - Size: 7.75 (adjustable) - Ring Face: 2.7 x 2.5 CM Center Stone D...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 13.50 Carat GIA Purplish-Pink Tourmaline and Diamond 18K & Platinum Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
18K yellow gold and Platinum ring, weighing 16.28 grams, featuring a GIA Certified 13.50-carat cushion-cut Purplish-Pink Tourmaline, set in a secured prong, crafted from 18K yellow g...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum
Platinum 11.84 Carat Round Black Diamond Engagement and Pink Diamond Prong Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A diamond so bold can say a lot. This platinum ring displays an 11.84 CT round-cut black diamond. This unique stone conveys a strong sense of confidence and elegance. Eighty-four rou...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
Sophia D Art Deco Mosaic Sapphire and Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum, the design reflects classic Art Deco symmetry with a strong, modern presence.
Diamond, Sapphire
GIA Certified 5.38 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ballerina Vintage Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified vintage 5.83 carat black opal and diamond halo ballerina ring in platinum 900. Featuring a center stone that is absolutely captivating, bearing tremendous color, luster...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Gia Engagement Ring. 1.00ct Cushion Cut Diamond Old European Halo Platinum H SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: G...
Diamond, Platinum
1.18 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine diamond engagement ring ring has been crafted in platinum. The solitaire ring displays a stunning feature antique 1.18Ct Old European round cut diamond held in relief in a...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Eternal Ring. 4ct Asscher Cut Diamond Wedding Band Platinum G-H VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Weight: Approximately 4.00 carats Diamond Cut: Asscher Cut Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: VS Stone Setting: Half-bezel set Jewelr...
Diamond, Platinum
Eternity Platinum and Diamond Band. Single Cut Wedding Ring Engraved Pave Set 2m
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Single Cut Diamond Weight: 0.30 Carats Total Stone Setting: Pave-Set Jewelry Type: Wedding Band Style: Eternity Band Design: Sin...
Diamond, Platinum
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
Antique 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum 0.42ctw Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising five old European cut diamonds, in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing about this Antique Yellow Go...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Diamond and Ruby Band Ring. Princess and Round Diamond Wedding Band Platinum 6mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond, Ruby Diamond Cut: Princess Cut and Round Brilliant Cut Ruby Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone Setting: Channel Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 1.10 Carat Diamond Elongated Ring. Old Euro and Sapphire Platinum K VS2
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: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Clarity Seco...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Ruby and Diamond Wedding Ring. 0.50ct French 1ct Round Platinum Eternity
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Ruby, Diamond Ruby Weight: Approximately 1.00 carats Ruby Cut: French Cut Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50 carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut...
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.