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
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
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
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
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 Diamond Ring, 900 Platinum Old Mine Cut 5 3/4 Genuine .71 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Carry forward the time-honored values of true love and lifetime commitment when you propose with a vintage engagement ring! This exquisite ring is an Art Deco piece dating from the 1...
Diamond, 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
Circa 1920s Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band (0.70 ct)
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Metal: Platinum 950‰ Diamonds: 28 Old European–cut brilliants, total ~0.70 ct Style: Authentic Art Deco eternity band, circa 1920s Size: French 53 (no resizing possible) Weight: ...
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
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
$788Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
$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
$11,200Sale Price|20% 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 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
$11,280Sale Price|20% Off
1.50 Carat Ring. GIA Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Prong I VS2
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring centers a GIA-certified emerald-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.50 carats, graded I color with VS2 clarity. The clean lines of the emerald cut highlight the di...
Diamond, Platinum
Half Carat Engagement Ring. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring HSI1 Plat
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx 0.5-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Primary Stone Color: H Color Primary Stone Clarity: SI1 Clarity Jewelry Type: E...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Aquamarine in Platinum Engagement Ring. 1.60ct Round Natural Aquamarine Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Aquamarine Stone Cut: Round Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite engagement ring showcases a stunning round-cut natural aquamar...
Aquamarine, Platinum
Art Deco Cushion Shape Old Mine Diamond Ring, circa 1930
Located in London, GB
Art Deco cushion shape old mine diamond ring. Set with a cushion shape old mine diamond, G colour, VS2 clarity with a weight of 2.18 carats in an open back four claw setting, flanked...
Diamond, White Gold, 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
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
$11,440Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany Engagement Ring. GIA 1ct Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Platinum H VS1
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of refined simplicity, this Tiffany & Co. diamond engagement ring embodies the enduring elegance and precision for which the house is celebrated. Designed a...
Diamond, Platinum
$7,280Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Engagement Ring. GIA 0.80ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring Platinum G VS1
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Carat Weight: Approx 0.80 Carats Certification: GIA Color: G Color Range: G–H–I Clarity: VS1 Clarity Range: VS1–VS2 Cut: Round Brilliant Cut ...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
0.50 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Ring. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum H SI1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx 0.5-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Primary Stone Color: H Color Primary Stone Clarity: SI1 Clarity Jewelry Type: E...
Diamond, Platinum
1.70 ct Tacori Petite Crescent RoyalT Round GIA Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tacori
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your collection with this exquisite Tacori engagement ring, featuring a 1.70 ct round-cut GIA-certified white diamond as the centerpiece. The diamond boasts an F color grade ...
Diamond, Platinum
$9,360Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old European Cut Diamond Ring Platinum JSI1
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 9.25 US, Resizable Certification: GIA Color: K Color Clarity: SI1 Overall Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond Center Stone Weight: 1.10ct Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Ar...
Diamond, 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
1.30ct Old Mine Cut Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Art Deco inspired ring is beautifully centred with a striking 1.30ct old mine cut diamond, securely held in place by a six claw, open back setting, allowing the light ...
Diamond, Platinum
$14,560Sale Price|20% Off
1.60 Carat Diamond Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Ring Platinum J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx 1.6-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: J Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS1 Clarity Secondary Stone: Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$36,400Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Engagement Ring. 3ct Round Transitional Cut Diamond Ring Platinum L VS1
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Approx. 3.10-Carats diamond solitaire engagement ring is a stunning example of timeless elegance and refined craftsmanship. The centerpiece is a captivating round tran...
Diamond, Platinum
$20,800Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century 2 Carat Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Ring Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Age: Vintage Era: Mid-Century Era. Circa 1950 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 2.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: K Color Primary...
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
Vintage Old Euro Cut Engagement Ring. GIA 1.10ct Diamond Ring Platinum J SI1
Located in New York, NY
Don’t miss the opportunity to own a timeless vintage masterpiece that embodies both luxury and heritage. Ring Size: 9.25 US, Resizable Certification: GIA Color: K Color Clarity: SI...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 4.95 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very good Era: Art Deco Year: 1915-1935 Metal: Platinum Diamond: Carat Weight: 4.95 Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI1 2 Accent Diamonds: 0.50 carats tota...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,560Sale Price|40% Off
Edwardian Diamond Solitaire Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An antique Late Edwardian / Early Art Deco platinum and diamond solitaire engagement ring with an elegant, streamlined shape, filigree tapered band, geometric details.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.50 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Rose Cut Diamond Accent Ring Platinum I VVS2
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional solitaire ring showcases a GIA-certified round rose-cut diamond weighing approximately 2.50 carats. Graded I color with an impressive VVS2 clarity, the center stone ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.56ct Old Cut Diamond & Platinum Antique Engagement Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Introducing an absolutely stunning platinum engagement ring, dating back to around the 1920s The exquisite ring centres a wonderful 1.56 carat transitional cut diamond beautifully m...
Diamond, Platinum
1.80 Carat Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Round Aquamarine Round Diamond Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.80-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Cut: Calibre Baguette Cut Jewelry ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
$11,440Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Old Mine Engagement Ring. GIA 1.3ct Diamond Platinum Bailey Banks Biddle
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: 1.30 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old Mine Cut Primary Stone Color: H Color Primary Stone Clarity: SI2 Certification: GIA Certified Second...
Diamond, Platinum
$36,400Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century 3 Carat Engagement Ring. Round Transitional Platinum Engraved L VS1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 3.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Transitional Cut Primary Stone Color: L Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS1 Clarity Jewelry Ty...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 1.67ct GIA European Diamond w/ Marquise Accents Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This breathtaking vintage diamond engagement ring was crafted during the 1940's from solid platinum. It features a fine quality, GIA certified, old European cut diamond solitaire nea...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1ct Heart-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
The 0.30ct of E–F color, VS clarity pavé diamonds continue along the half eternity band, accentuating the fluid elegance of its 2mm profile. Combining Art Deco sophistication with m...
Diamond, Platinum
0.75ct Diamond Old Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring In 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
0.75ct Diamond Old Cut Solitaire Engagement Ring In 18ct Yellow Gold 0.75ct Old cut diamond round shaped antique style solitaire engagement ring in 18ct yellow gold and platinum head...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring .40 ct E-F VS1-VS2
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully preserved Art Deco solitaire, entirely hand-fabricated in 14k white gold with an octagonal filigree setting and hand-engraved floral and starburst motifs running the fu...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Princess-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Gold Weight: 2.2 g • Split Band Width Approx. 2 mm Ring Style • Solitaire · Hidden Halo · Half Eternity · Split Band Ring Size • US 7 (Resizable · Custom Made to All Sizes) Des...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$49,200Sale Price|25% Off
GIA Certified 2ct Cushion-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring with Hidden Halo
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Where Classic Romance Meets Art Deco Glamour Make a timeless promise with Celeste, an exquisite creation that embodies elegance, brilliance, and artisanal mastery.
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2ct Emerald‑Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K WhiteGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Key Features Center Diamond • 2.00 ct Natural Emerald‑Cut Diamond • E Color, VS Clarity • GIA Certified Side Diamonds • 0.23 ct Natural Pavé Diamonds (Half‑Eternity Shank) • E–...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 4.00ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A Masterpiece of Elegance, Power, and Prestige Command attention with the breathtaking brilliance of the Aurora Ring — an opulent celebration of glamour and timeless Art Deco elegan...
Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
$2,800Sale Price|42% Off
GIA Certified 0.5ct Princess-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Details: Main Stone: 0.5 carat natural princess-cut diamond Stone Quality: VS clarity, G color (GIA Certified) Side Stones: Approx. 0.15 carats natural pavé diamonds Metal: 18K y...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Cushion-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K WhiteGold
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, White Gold, 18k Gold
$4,875Sale Price|25% Off
0.5ct GIA Princess-Cut Diamond Cathedral Solitaire Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A flawless fusion of Art Deco geometry and modern minimalism, this handcrafted engagement ring is a celebration of refined elegance and architectural beauty.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
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.