1932 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 1ctw Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS6.75 /3.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid Platinum decorated with natural Ruby and Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks : Maker's hallmarks of G.Dalberg ,Stockholm, a letter " P " fo...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 2ct Pear-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Gold Weight: 2 g • Band Width ≈ 2 mm Ring Style • Solitaire · Hidden Halo · Half Eternity · Straight Band Ring Size • US 7 (Resizable · Custom Made to All Sizes) Design Theme ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1926 Nordic Ring 0.36ct Diamond solid 23K Gold Platinum Ø7US / 5.4gr
Located in SE
Fine 23K Antique Wedding Ring in original leather and silk box. Brilliant cut diamond Ø 4.25 mm / ca. 0.36 ct / color ca.G,H / VS mounted in Platinum setting. Made in Sweden. Make...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 2ct Pear-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in Two-Tone 18KGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Gold Weight: 2.5 g • Band Width ≈ 2 mm Ring Style • Solitaire · Hidden Halo · Straight Band Ring Size • US 7 (Resizable · Custom Made to All Sizes) Design Theme • Statement · ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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
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
GIA Certified 0.80ct Natural Kite Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Embodying the sharp geometric allure of the Art Deco era, this Kite-Cut Bezel-Set Engagement Ring is a masterclass in architectural elegance and modern light. The centerpiece feature...
Diamond, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified D VVS1 1ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Features & Details: Main Stone: 1.00ct Natural Emerald-Cut Diamond • Color: D (Absolutely Colorless) • Clarity: VVS (Very, Very Slightly Included) • Certification: GIA Metal: ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified D VS1 1.00ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Elevate your collection with the timeless sophistication of this 1.00 carat natural emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring, meticulously handcrafted in rich 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 0.1 ct Diamond solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS6 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
A Diamond ring in solid 18K Gold and Platinum, likely hand - made in USA ca. 1920s - 1930s. Hallmarked " Plat for Platinum , 18ct. Diamond of old European cut Ø 2.75 mm x 1.6 mm de...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified D IF 1ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Experience the pinnacle of diamond perfection with this impeccably crafted 1.00 carat natural emerald-cut diamond solitaire ring, designed for the connoisseur of understated luxury. ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Swedish hallmarks, 18K. Maker's hallmarks of C.G. Hallberg - one of the most prominent and top rated ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1925 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 0.3ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful 99 years old Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 4.5 mm x 2.75 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco .30 Carat European Cut Diamond Filigree Ring 18K White Gold, Circa 1920
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
An exquisite exemplar of early 20th-century craftsmanship, this authentic Art Deco solitaire engagement ring beautifully captures the romance and architectural precision of the 1920s.
Diamond, White Gold
J. Birnbach GIA 1.58 Carat G VS1 Old European Cut Diamond Deco Style Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This elegant platinum Art Deco–style ring beautifully blends antique inspiration with timeless sophistication. At the center sits a 1.58 carat Old European cut diamond, certified by ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Platinum French Stamped, 0.75 Carat Single Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The Mascaron stamp on the exterior of the band confirms it is Platinum and its French heritage. Unlike modern mass-produced rings, this piece embodies the essence of the Art Deco mo...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.80ct Radiant Hidden Halo Pave Band Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elegantly poised at the center of this exquisite diamond ring is a magnificent, radiant diamond weighing 1.80 carats, showcasing a pris...
Diamond, Platinum
Asscher Cut Aquamarine Ring. 1.20ct Aquamarine Round Diamond Engagement ring
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Secondary Stones: Diamonds Aquamarine Weight: Approx 1.20 Carats Total Diamond Weight: Approx 0.40 Carats Aquamarine Cut: Asscher Cut Dia...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
1ct Natural Tapered Baguette Diamond Solitaire Band in 18K Yellow Gold – Unisex
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
At its heart lies an approx. 1ct natural tapered baguette-cut diamond, delicately set in a clean channel setting that seamlessly blends modern minimalism with Art Deco glamour. Craf...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
7.30 Carat Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring, French, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural no heat Ceylon sapphire in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 7.30 carats, flanked b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$55,000
Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
French Amethyst and Diamond Ring This ring is featuring a hexagonal mixed-cut amethyst with weight of approximately 26.60ct, embellished by rose-cut and old European-cut diamonds w...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Champagne Color Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique diamond ring. with total weight of 5.55 ct. diamonds set in platinum. The center is 1.50ct. old European cut diamond, color: light champagne, clarity: SI. On the sides, t...
Diamond, Platinum
Fancy Deep Orange-Yellow Diamond Ring GIA
Located in New York, NY
Fancy Deep Orange-Yellow Diamond, Diamond, and Emerald Ring centering a prong-set oval brilliant-cut fancy deep orange-yellow diamond weighing 2.21 cts. framed by rows of single-cut...
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
GIA-Certified 1.00ct Oval-Cut Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White Gold with Baguettes
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Key Features Center Stone: 1.00ct Natural Oval-Cut Diamond • G Color VS Clarity • GIA Certified Accent Stones: 0.65ct Natural Round & Baguette Diamonds • Hand-set Halo Design fo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA-Certified 2.5ct Oval-Cut Diamond & Baguette Engagement Ring in 18K WhiteGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Specifications: Center Stone: 2.50ct Natural Oval-Cut Diamond • Clarity: VS • Color: F • Certification: GIA Certified Side Stones: 0.60ct Total Natural Baguette Diamonds Meta...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA-Certified 1ct Oval Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring – 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
💎 Product Description: An icon of brilliance and beauty — this Oval-Cut Diamond Double Halo Engagement Ring embodies timeless grandeur and refined artistry. The centerpiece, a 1.00c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA-Certified 3ct Oval-Cut Diamond & Baguette Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Specifications: Center Stone: Approx. 3.00ct Natural Oval-Cut Diamond • Clarity: VS • Color: G • Certification: GIA Certified Side Stones: 0.60ct Total Natural Baguette Diamon...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 1.1ct Baguette Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Capturing the architectural splendor of the Art Deco era, this 18K White Gold Diamond Ring is a masterwork of light engineering. Featuring a sophisticated Illusion-Set Halo, a precis...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 1ct Natural Oval-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring – 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
💎 Product Description: Where timeless artistry meets modern brilliance — this Oval-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring captures the essence of refined luxury. At its heart lies a 1.00-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 1.2tcw Baguette Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A sculptural masterpiece of Art Deco elegance, this Cluster Bypass Engagement Ring features interlocking arms that wrap the finger in a continuous embrace of light. Utilizing a preci...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique Ring natural 12ct Citrine Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø US 7.25 / 7.5gr
Located in SE
A Citrine Ring, band with divided shoulders and crown in solid 14ct Greenish Yellow Gold featuring claw set natural Yellow - Orange Citrine stone oval cut 21 mm x 13 mm x 7.75 mm d...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold
GIA-Certified 1ct Natural Oval-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring – 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
💎 Product Description: A dazzling symphony of light and luxury — this Oval-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring is the embodiment of timeless sophistication. The centerpiece, a 1.00-car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful diamond solitaire ring boasts a central diamond with tapered baguette diamond shoulders. Total diamond weight certified 1.05 carats, G/I colour and clarity VS2. Size:...
Diamond, Platinum
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 1.50 Carat Solitaire Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisite diamond ring features a phenomenally brilliant 1 carat old European cut diamond center complemented by a richly detailed diamond encrusted platinum setting. Fiery, beautifu...
Platinum
$192,000
X Midnight Sun Eclipse
Located in Stockholm, SE
Inspired by the celestial ballet of nordic midnight skies, this magnificent 12-carat oval-cut diamond captures a solitary star suspended in eternal motion. Its generous form is embra...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Emerald in this ring measures 1ct and is a great colour. Either side sit a baguette and round diamond on the shoulders. The diamond total of the ring is 20pts. The ring is modell...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1 Carat Art Deco Solitaire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are thrilled to have acquired this stunning vintage solitaire style engagement ring!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 6.5mm Head Height: 5.2...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic and stunning diamond solitaire ring dates back to the 1920s, and is expertly made. The stone is 1.02 carats. The Old European cut diamond (H - VS2) is beautifully claw s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring. 2.80ct Old European Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Era Material: Platinum Ring Size: 6.5, resizable to any finger size at no extra cost The centerpiece of this elegant antique Art Deco engagement ring is an approximate...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco PLATINUM Diamond Solitaire Ring. Platinum diamond Square setting
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1930s Size: 6 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Art deco Amazing Art Deco Solitaire ring. Diamond set in a square ...
Platinum
Art Deco 1.20 Ct Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Diamond Allure This superb Art Deco period Diamond solitaire ring is 1925 ca.
Diamond, Platinum
Sapphire Platinum Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring 1930's Antique .80ct
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1930's Vintage Sapphire .80ct Round Solitaire Platinum Featuring a Genuine Natural Round Cut .80ct Sapphire Gemstone Hand Engraving All Ove...
Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring. GIA 2.30ct Old Euro Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Era Material: Platinum Ring Size: 7.75, resizable to any finger size at no extra cost The centerpiece of this elegant antique ring is a GIA-certified 2.30-carat old Eu...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Round Cut Amethyst Ring. 4.60ct Amethyst Solitaire Ring Platinum French
Located in New York, NY
Center Amethyst Measurements: Approximately 12.01mm x 11.84mm x 5.36mm Origin: France Era: Art Deco, circa 1930 Material: Platinum Ring Size: Currently a size 5.25, the ring can be r...
Amethyst, Platinum
Art Deco 2.29 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Solitaire Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 2.29 carats - K color with VS1 clarity Set in a six prong basket with a pierced gallery Depicting a geometric pattern fully around Test...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1920s Platinum 0.78ctw Diamond Solitaire Ring with Diamond Shoulders
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A platinum and diamond ring, comprising one round transitional cut diamond, and six rose cut diamonds, set in platinum, to a platinum band. This show-stopping ring is striking in i...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco 1.90 Ct Diamond Solitaire Plus Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Ultra Deco This marvellous Art Deco Diamond solitaire ring is French origin Finely hand-fabricated in gleaming platinum during the 20’s – bearing French marks Traditional ever loved ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Style .60 Ct Cushion Diamond Solitaire Plus Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Diamond Target This fantastic Diamond solitaire ring has been hand fabricated in solid Platinum, following the highest standards of crafting in a classy traditional target design Art...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Filigree Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring centering a Brilliant cut Diamond, approx. 0.45 carat; wonderful H color and VS2 clarity, milgrain setting; shank is 18K and top mounting i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond solitaire ring, Engagement ring, 18k gold and platinum
Located in NEWARK, GB
You cannot help but be enchanted by this superb Vintage Art Deco Diamond solitaire ring. This beautiful piece is what engagement rings are all about, it is a wonderful, stunning vin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Round Brilliant-Cut 1.01 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco diamond ring, set with a round brilliant cut diamond, weighing 1.01 carats, G colour, VVS2 clarity, accompanied by GIA certificate 312554, in a square setting, with three...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire 18ct Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A charming antique Art Deco ring, circa 1920s, featuring an old European cut natural diamond of approximately 0.30ct. The diamond is securely set in platinum, with clean, defined lin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Patterned Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning ring, with a centre stone which weighs 2.34 carat. It is a beautiful old cut diamond which is expertly and professionally set within this unique and hand crafted m...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 3.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Taking centre stage in this beautiful Art Deco solitaire ring is a 3.90 carat, baguette cut diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.22ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A mesmerizing pear cut diamond takes centre stage in this Art Deco solitaire ring. Weighing 2.22 carat, the central diamond is a K in colour and SI1 in clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning Asscher cut diamond takes pride of place in this Art Deco take on the classic solitaire ring. The 1.00 carat central diamond has a colour of between H and I and a clarity ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Taking centre stage in this beautiful Art Deco solitaire ring is a 0.60 carat, old cut diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.64ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning old marquise cut diamond takes centre stage in this Art Deco solitaire ring. A rare scut of stone to find in an antique piece, this diamond comes fully certified by GIA, w...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco take on the timeless solitaire engagement ring centres around a sparkling old cut diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This timeless solitaire ring dates to the Art Deco era. A single 1.50 carat old cut diamond takes centre stage, claw set within a platinum collet.
Diamond, 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.