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
Cluster Center Engagement Ring. 0.70TCW H VS1-VS2 Diamond Emerald Halo Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.70 carats total Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: H Color Overall Center Diamond Clarity: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Natural 2.28 Carat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cluster 5 Stone Platinum Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond in Platinum 900 Cluster 5 Stone Ring. This cluster ring features 5 blue Sapphire center stones. The sapphires carry a total weight of 2.28 carats....
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 1.70 Carat Old European Engagement Ring. Diamond Sapphire Halo Platinum JSI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.70 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 4.09-Carat White Opal and Diamond Halo in Platinum and Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA certified 4.09-carat white opal with a vibrant array of colors. This Opal comes from the mines in Australia and is cabochon cut to perfection. The Opal is mounted in a thin, but...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
0.85 Carat Round Cut Aquamarine Ring. 0.15ct Diamond Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Aquamarine Weight: Approx 0.85 Carats Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx 0.15 Carats Jewel...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 4.09-carat White Opal and Diamond Halo in Platinum and Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA certified 4.09-carat white opal with a vibrant array of colors. This Opal comes from the mines in Australia and is cabochon cut to perfection. The Opal is mounted in a thin, but...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
AGL Certified 10.88 Carat No Heat Burma Star Ruby in Vintage Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
AGL Certified 10.88 Carat Natural Burma Origin Star Ruby in Platinum and Baguette Diamond 3 Stone Ring. A vintage cocktail ring featuring a rare, no heat Star Ruby gemstone from Burm...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
0.50 Carat Old European Cut Cluster Ring. Diamond Platinum Filigree J VS2-SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 Carats Total Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Overall Center Diamond Clarity: VS2...
Diamond, Platinum
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
1.66ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Double Halo Ring – 14K Yellow Gold & Platinum
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A vintage-inspired masterpiece, this beautifully crafted ring features a 1.04 carat GIA-certified old mine cut diamond at the center, elegantly framed by a scalloped double diamond h...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA 0.85 Carat Old European Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Sapphire Platinum H VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.85 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: H Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Large Kunzite Ring. 20.80ct Emerald Cut Kunzite Ruby Accent Cocktail Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Kunzite Center Kunzite Weight: 20.80 carats Center Kunzite Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds and Natural Rubies Diamond Cut: Old European Cu...
Diamond, Kunzite, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Platinum and Three Stone Diamond Ring. 0.70TCW Cushion Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.70 carats total Center Diamond Cut: Antique cushion and old mine cuts Secondary Stones: Single-cut diamonds Stone Set...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Argyle Pink Diamond and White Diamond in Platinum Band Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This delicate Platinum ring band features a row of lustrous natural Argyle Pink Diamonds at the forefront of its design. The spectacular hues of the Pink Diamonds are perfectly accen...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
0.70 Carat Engagement Ring. Cushion Cut and Old European Halo Platinum I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.70ct Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: Di...
Diamond, Platinum
Elongated Platinum and Diamond Ring. 0.40ct Round Cut Halo Engagement I VS2-S1
Located in New York, NY
Additional single cut diamonds line the shoulders of the shank, complementing the structured composition and reinforcing the ring's Art Deco-inspired character. Shipping Information...
Diamond, Platinum
GRS Certified 6.35 Carat Royal Blue Sapphire with Diamonds in Platinum Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
This ring features a natural 6.35-carat oval cut Royal Blue Sapphire from Ceylon, Sri Lanka. Set in platinum, with 4 round cut and 4 baguette cut floating cluster diamond side stones...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Old European Engagement Ring. GIA 2ct Diamond Sapphire Platinum J SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary St...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum Eternity Yellow and White Diamond Band. H VS1 Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: White Diamonds Center White Diamond Weight: 0.30 Carats Total Center White Diamond Color: H Color Center White Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, 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
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...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Roman Malakov 1.44 Carats Total Blue Sapphire & Diamond Fashion Ring in Platinum
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous art deco fashion ring, featuring a 0.56 carat emerald cut blue sapphire, set on platinum.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 1.65 Carat French Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Sapphire Halo Platinum J SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.65 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique French Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: GI...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Alliance Ring 1.3 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø5.25US/2.9gr
Located in SE
Fine old German Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Yellow Gold band. Openwork crown is 17 mm...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA 2.50ct Radiant Cut Yellow Diamond Ring. White Diamond Halo Platinum U-V VS2
Located in New York, NY
The contrasting colors and geometric cuts create a refined layered effect, while additional diamonds and delicate milgrain detailing extend along the shoulders. The Bellair Ring bea...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Diamond Wedding Band. 0.60TCW Eternity Ring Pave Set Twist link G-H VS
Located in New York, NY
Era: Handcrafted Vintage-Style Material: Platinum Ring Size: The band is currently a size 6.75 and can be made in any finger size.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 4 Carat Oval Cut No Oil Emerald and Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 4 carat oval cut natural emerald and mixed cut diamond cocktail ring. Set in a vintage art deco platinum setting.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
7 Carat Brilliant Cut Wedding Ring. Diamond Eternity Band Platinum GHVS2 Sized 6
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: 7.00 carats Secondary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Secondary Stone Color: G-H Color Secondary Stone Clarity: VS2 S...
Diamond, Platinum
4 Carat Brilliant Cut Wedding Ring. Diamond Eternity Band Platinum JVS2 Sized 4
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Weight: 4.00ct Total Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Color: J Diamond Clarity: VS2 Overall Stone Setting: Prong-Set Jewelry T...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.95 Carat Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous antique three-stone emerald and diamond ring is elegant and timeless. The intense saturation of colour in the emerald is sublime, and the beautiful round-cut stone wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
AGL Certified 13.81 Carat Ceylon No Heat Blue Sapphire Platinum Vintage Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
AGL Certified 13.81 Carat Oval Cut Ceylon No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Platinum Ring. Item Details: Type: Cocktail Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 8.90 grams Setting: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 2 Carat Emerald Cut Yellow Diamond Ring. White Diamond Halo Platinum W-XSI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: W-X Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond Setting:...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Antique 2.05 Carat F Si1 Old Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This absolutely stunning 1920's engagement ring is set with a GIA certified old cut diamond graded 'F' in colour and 'SI1' in clarity - a spectacular colour for an antique stone. The...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Thee Stone Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.3gr
Located in SE
Old cluster ring, a fine example of early XX-century taste. Platinum on Gold openwork crown, band tested solid 14K Yellow Gold, hallmarked 585. The Crown is 13 mm x 7.5 mm at axes ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Halo Ring 1.25ct Bi-color Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Platinum Ø4.5US / 5.3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful antique Halo Ring hand-made ca. early XX cent. Fine design, great wear resistible construction, secure bezels - this ring is perfect for everyday wear. Fragmented Swedish ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 2 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old Euro Cut Diamond Accent Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Material: Platinum Ring Size: 8, resizable at no extra cost This stunning antique engagement ring centers a GIA-certified 2.00 carat old European cut d...
Diamond, Platinum
Two Stone Elongated Platinum Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Engagement I VS2-SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.40 carats total Center Diamond Color: I Color Overall Center Diamond Clarity: VS2-SI1 Secondary Stones:...
Diamond, Platinum
Amethyst and Tapered Baguette Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring.
Located in Miami, FL
Currently a size 6.25, this piece is a perfect marriage of bold color and classic Art Deco-inspired geometry.
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2.30 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald Ring. Round Diamond Accent Platinum 18K Yellow G
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 2.30 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Center Stone Setting: Bezel Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Diamond Wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian diamond ruby 18k yellow gold platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dating to the 1920s, its fine detailing hints at the geometric precision that would soon define the Art Deco movement, an intricate, richly colored ring with genuine collector appeal.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum 0.53 CT Diamond and Sapphire Three Stone Ring with GIA Report
Located in Ocala, FL
An elegant platinum ring showcasing a refined three-stone design, centered by a 0.53-carat round brilliant-cut diamond with a distinctive light-yellow hue. Graded S–T color and VS2 c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
4.50 Carat F2 Zambian Emerald Ring. GIA Emerald Diamond Halo Engagement Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Natural Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 4.50 Carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Certification: GIA Certificate Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond W...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
GIA 1 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring. 18k Yellow Gold Blackened Platinum Engagement
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 1.00 Carats Certification: GIA Certified Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond Cut: ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Eternity Platinum Diamond and Ruby Band. Round and French Wedding Ring G-H VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Natural Rubies Center Ruby Weight: 1.05 Carats Total Center Ruby Cut: French Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.55 Carats Total Diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring natural Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.75 /2.2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Ca. 1920s -1930s , German maker's and Swedish customs hallmarks confirming 18K Gold. Crown is 7.5 x...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Platinum Eternity Band. Diamond Each Side Wedding Band Platinum H VS 2.50mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Color: H Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS Clarity Stone Setting: Channel-Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: Eternity Wedding Band Desi...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2ct Marquise Cut Light Yellow Diamond Ring. White Diamond Platinum W-X SI1
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Marquise Cut Center Diamond Color: Light Yellow Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamo...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Antique Diamond Five-Stone 18ct Gold Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Likely dating from the Edwardian to early Art Deco period, this ring beautifully captures the transitional style of the era — where delicate platinum craftsmanship met the warmth of ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage AGL Certified 6.80 Carat No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This platinum ring features a 6.80 carat AGL certified Emerald cut Blue Sapphire of Thai origin with no heat treatment, as well as 6 baguette cut diamonds and 12 round cut diamonds. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Platinum ØUS 5.5 / 3.1gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, not hallmarked.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1957 Nordic Ring natural 0.6ctw Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8/ 3.65gr
Located in SE
67 Years old Classic Cluster Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum decorated with three natural Light / Medium Blue Sapphires and Diamonds of old European Diamond cut.. Set of S...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
British Alliance Ring 0.45 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.75 / 3.5gr
Located in SE
Antique or Vintage British Alliance made ca.1930s - 1950s Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with openwork crown and clusters in Platinum. Partially fragmented British hallmarks, 18K, ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.35 Carat Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring. Old European Accent Platinum J SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 1.35 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 S...
Diamond, Platinum
Sabrina GIA 1.78 carat Burma ruby diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Signed by designer Sabrina, this ring channels Art Deco geometry through an entirely contemporary lens.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Eternity Platinum Floral Band. 0.20ct Round Diamond Wedding Band Platinum 4.7mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Cut: Round Cut Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.20 Carats Total Stone Setting: Set Throughout Jewelry Type: Wedding Band Style: Eternit...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Old Mine 11.30 Carat No Heat Burma Blue Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Shop this antique relic from a simpler time. An unheated 11.30-carat oval cut Blue Sapphire of Burmese origin. Set in platinum with a round-cut diamond halo. GRS certified with origi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1.60 Carat Old European Cut Engagement Ring. Sapphire and Diamond Platinum J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.60 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Three-Stone (Trinity) 1.20ct Ceylon Sapphire & Old-Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Exquisitely designed as a Three-Stone (Trinity) Ring – that type of setting traditionally symbolised 2 souls coming together in 1 union This Art-Deco inspired Dress Ring is by Good...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.