Art Deco GIA 1.50 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Ring. Accent Platinum Ring I SI1
Located in New York, NY
Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Material: Platinum Ring Size: 6 Resizing: Can be resized at no extra cost.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring Mined .56 Carat Original 1930's Platinum
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1930's Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring .56ct Old European Cut Featuring a Genuine Natural Mined .50ct Old European Cut Diamond Center Hand Engraved...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.61 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic engagement ring dates to the art deco era. A lovely 0.61 carat old cut diamond is the centrepiece, it is I colour and SI1 clarity. Six platinum claws securely hold the d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Deco 2.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A 2.00ct old cut diamond sits in the centre of this superb solitaire engagement ring dating back to the 1930's. It has been graded by EDR as I-J in colour and SI3 in clarity. Flanked...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
A classic diamond solitaire, this engagement ring features a 0.40 carat diamond in the centre. It is a round brilliant diamond estimated as an F in colour and SI in clarity. It has b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 1.06 carat old mine cut diamond platinum solitare engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This authentic Art Deco solitaire engagement ring centers on a 1.06 carat old mine cut diamond certified by GIA under report number 2537678685.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 4 Carat Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Ring K VS1 Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted circa 1930, the Beckton Ring is a striking example of Art Deco jewelry, pairing a remarkable antique diamond with a sleek platinum setting and understated geometric detai...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.20 Carat Old European Fancy Yellow Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
GIA report certified fancy yellow 1.20-carat old European-cut diamond and platinum Art Deco solitaire engagement ring circa 1925. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #A8099.
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.00 ct Emerald‑Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Mirror‑Bright Platinum, Modern Art‑Deco Majesty Experience the clarity of pure geometry and the authority of platinum in this refined masterpiece.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 1.63ct GIA Certified Circular Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Circular Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - H Color - SI2 Clarity - 1.33ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete In...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring Mined 1/2 Carat Original 1947 Platinum .50ct
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1947 Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring .50ct Cut Featuring a Genuine Natural Mined .42ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Center Hand Engraved Details We...
Diamond, Platinum
$916Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Sapphire Ring .65 ct Round Original 1930's Antique Flowers Platinum
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1930's Vintage Sapphire .65ct Round Solitaire Platinum Featuring a Deep Royal Blue .65 Carat Genuine Natural Round Sapphire Center Two Hand...
Sapphire, Platinum
1940s Late Art Deco Platinum 1+ Carat Euro Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is an absolutely gorgeous Art Deco ring in platinum with a stunning 1+ carat old Euro cut diamond center accented by two beautiful baguette diamonds!
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
Late Deco 2.25 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, C.1930s
Located in London, GB
A divine solitaire engagement ring set with a gorgeous 2.25 carat old European diamond in the centre. Baguette cut diamonds have been elegantly flanked to either side in rub over set...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring - European .69ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .51ct Cut: European Color: J Clarity: SI1 Carat(s): .18ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Tot...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 0.73ctw Old European Prong Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a gorgeous, vintage, diamond engagement ring that was crafted from solid .900 platinum. It features an old European cut diamond uniquely prong set at the center, weighin...
Diamond, Platinum
An Art-Deco Willis & Sons 0.60ct Sapphire, Diamond 15K Gold & Platinum Halo Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Of timeless Solitaire with Accents design this handmade piece is dating back to an Art-Deco period – c1920’s By prominent Melbourne-based jeweller Willis & Sons Centrally se...
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Ring, Marquise Diamond Plaque
Located in Braintree, GB
An Art Deco diamond ring of beautifully drawn geometry — a square platinum plaque set on the diagonal, its centre an old-cut marquise diamond framed by a lozenge of old-cut brilliant...
Platinum
1.60 Carat Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Round Cut Aquamarine Solitaire Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: Approximately 1.60 carats Center Aquamarine Type: Natural Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Center Aquamarine Setti...
Aquamarine, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald-Cut 2.09 Carat Diamond Baguette Flanked Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco emerald-cut diamond flanked solitaire. Centrally set with an octagonal emerald-cut diamond, E colour, VS1 clarity, with a weight of 2.09 carats in an open back four claw set...
Diamond, Platinum
$5,000
Art Deco Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Ruby Ring A ring featuring a solitaire round cut ruby set in platinum.
Ruby, 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
Late Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful late deco solitaire ring centres around a sparkling 0.50 carat diamond. The transitional cut diamond has a colour of G and clarity of SI1 and is set within platinum cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
2.40 Carat Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Platinum Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This spectacular antique solitaire engagement ring features a beautiful 2.40ct Victorian old mine cut diamond neatly set at its centre in a six claw, open back platinum collet. Delic...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco 3 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA old Euro Cut Platinum Engraved KSI1
Located in New York, NY
Origin: French Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1920 Material: Platinum Ring Size: 4.75, Resizable at No Additional Cost This exceptional French Art Deco engagement ring, handcrafted circa ...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring - Round Brilliant .49ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $50 or Down 1/2 a size for $50 Era: Art Deco Date: 1930s - 1940s Metal Content: 90% Platinum Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s)...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1940s, this Late Deco solitaire ring is a timeless classic, set with a sparkling transitional cut diamond its centre. Weighing 0.40 carat, the diamond is of good q...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
Platinum and Rose Cut Oval Ring. GIA 1ct Diamond Accent Solitaire Ring 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 Center Diamond Setting...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.22ct Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring, London Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.22 carat diamond (total) and contemporary platinum solitaire ring; part of our diamond jewelry/estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Platinum
.84 Carat Mine Cut Diamond Art Deco Ring 14 Karat Gold and Platinum GIA Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Please contact for additional sizing options. Era: Art Deco 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped & Platinum as tested Stone Information: Natural Diamonds ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 2ct Cushion-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Bold yet refined, this exceptional 2ct cushion-cut diamond engagement ring is a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and Art Deco inspiration.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum
French 1930s Champagne Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum, dog head hallmark. This exquisite antique diamond solitaire is set with 8 claws and a champagne-colored brilliant-cut d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3ct Cushion-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A brilliant marriage of Art Deco inspiration and modern craftsmanship, this ring is an ideal choice for an engagement, anniversary, or cherished luxury gift.
Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco old mine diamond ring, circa 1930.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco old mine diamond ring. Set with a cushion shape old mine diamond, H colour, SI2 clarity with a weight of 2.18 carats in an open back claw setting, further set with two recta...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3ct Cushion-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Crafted in rich, enduring 950 platinum, this GIA-certified 3ct cushion-cut diamond ring is the epitome of modern sophistication with an unmistakable nod to Art Deco glamour.
Diamond, Gold, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
Deco Mined Diamond Engagement Ring .45ct I/SI1 Platinum Genuine 1930s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique Art Deco from 1930s Vintage .45ct Diamond Platinum Solitaire Art Deco Engagement Ring Featuring a Spectacular .45ct I/SI1 Genuine Transitional Cut Natural...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.10ct Diamond Solitarie Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Crafted in platinum, this stunning Art Deco Solitaire ring features a 1.10 carat Old Cushion Cut diamond as its centrepiece.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring, circa 1935.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring. Centrally set with an octagonal scissor cut natural aquamarine in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 16.30 carats, further ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 3.50 carat diamond engagement ring, circa 1930.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond flanked solitaire ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape old mine diamond, I colour, VVS2 clarity, with a weight of 3.50 carats, in an open part-rubover settings, ...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond flanked solitaire ring, English, 1976.
Located in London, GB
Diamond flanked solitaire ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald-cut diamond, G colour, VS1 clarity with a weight of 2.57 carats in an open back claw setting, flanked by six r...
Diamond, Platinum
$30,000Sale Price|33% Off
GIA Certified Art Deco 2.17 Carat Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Penelope GIA certified over 2 carat marquise cut diamond engagement ring. An estate Art Deco vintage solitaire with an icy, sparkling personality that throws off glittering fire ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1930.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Burmese sapphire and diamond flanked solitaire ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$5,742Sale Price|40% Off
Art Deco Filigree 1.28 Carat Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A fabulous filigree Art Deco diamond engagement ring. The sizable 1.28 carat solitaire old European cut diamond glimmers with a captivating prism of shooting sparks off the chunky, h...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.85 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Engagement Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 0.85 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secon...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 3.30 Carat Diamond and Onyx Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning and elegant solitaire ring, features a beautifully hand cut old cut diamond. Weighing 3.30 carat, it is a J in colour and VS1 in clarity. It is perfectly rub over set a...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Half Carat Engagement Ring. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring HSI1 Plat
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50ct Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Stone S...
Diamond, Platinum
1.50 Carat Ring. GIA Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Prong I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Ethereal Blue Majesty 1.85 carats Vivid Sapphire & Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Behold a piece of timeless elegance, where the deep allure of the ocean meets the pristine sparkle of the stars. This breathtaking ring is centered around a magnificent, 1.85 carats ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring Platinum
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Natural vintage square 0.71 carats Intense deep green Colombian emerald, VS clarity, set in a vintage platinum solitaire engagement ring. Diamond accent approx. 0.20 carats G-SI1. Th...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Aquamarine in Platinum Engagement Ring. 1.60ct Round Natural Aquamarine Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.60 Carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Stone Setting: Prong-Set Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Prong Engagement ...
Aquamarine, Platinum
GIA Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring. 1ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum GSI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: G Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Clarity Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Signed Sterling Onyx Marcasite Rectangular Silver Ring 1921
Located in Chicago, IL
On this antique early Art Deco period solitaire silver cocktail ring, a long rectangular mirror-cut black onyx is surrounded by 28 faceted marcasite stones.
Marcasite, Onyx, Sterling Silver
$89,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4 Carat Old Mine Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautiful diamond solitaire ring featuring a GIA certified 4 carat old mine brilliant cut diamond, offering the charm and character of an antique-style cut with the presence of a s...
Diamond, Platinum
5 Carat Engagement Ring. Cushion Diamond Accent Platinum Engagement Ring M VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 5. Carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: M Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Clarity Cert...
Diamond, Platinum
0.38 Carat Vintage Art Deco Old Euro Diamond Wedding 18K Yellow Gold Plat Ring
Located in New York, NY
A RARE Authentic Antique Art Deco CIRCA 1935 Handmade 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum (traces of stamp) Solitaire Engagement ring dazzles with 0.35CT OLD EUROPEAN Diamond Gemologic Cert...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.25 Carat Burma Ruby Engagement Ring Solitaire Pigeon Blood Red
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Beaumont natural ruby engagement ring is centered by a vivid, pigeon blood red oval ruby certified by the Gemological Institute of America. A classic, 3 stone platinum mount feat...
Ruby, Platinum
Roman Malakov 0.91 Carat Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
An antique roman-style engagement ring showcasing a 0.91 carat round diamond E-F Color and VS2 in Clarity. Made with 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Size 5.5 US Roman Malakov is a cus...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Tiffany Engagement Ring. GIA 1ct Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Platinum H VS1
By Tiffany & Co.
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: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification: G...
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.