Antique Ring 1ct Emerald 0.9 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.5 /4.7gr
Located in SE
European Renaissance - styled cluster Ring,ca. 1900s -1930s with carved band and shoulders decorated with natural Emerald and Diamonds. Band hallmarked 18K. Crown 14 mm x 12.5 mm ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
3.08ctw Ruby and Diamond Cluster Band Ring in 18k Yellow & White Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
3.08CTW Ruby and Diamond Cluster Band Ring in 18K Yellow & White Gold. This piece features 30 princess cut rubies arranged in a captivating cluster design, elegantly adorning a size ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.28 Carat Radiant Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond 3-Stone Ring in 18k White Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting our Natural Diamond Cluster Ring, a true marvel of exquisite craftsmanship. This remarkable piece features three radiant-cut fancy yellow diamonds elegantly positioned sid...
Yellow Diamond, Diamond, White Gold
0.78ct Diamond and sapphire chunky Egyptian engagement ring 18ct gold 6.3g
Located in London, GB
0.78ct Diamond and sapphire chunky Egyptian engagement ring 18ct gold 6.3g 0.78ct Diamond and sapphire chunky Egyptian engagement ring 18ct gold 6.3g Blue sapphire and diamonds chunk...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Moissanite Square Halo Engagement Ring 925 Silver Women's Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Square Halo Engagement Ring 925 Silver Women's Ring. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver. Main Stone: Moissanite. Moissanite Color & Clarity: D Color & VVS1 Clarity. Moiss...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sophia D, 1.20 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Dome Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold center princess cut diamond weighs 1.20 carats with 1.85 carats of rubies Dome Ring
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1933 German Ring natural 0.45ct Emerald Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS7 /2.6 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period German Ring with open - work crown with top part in Silver set with bezel set princess cut natural Emerald and Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring and Earring Channel Set 18K Gold Jewelry Set
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring and Earring Jewelry Set in 18K and 14K Yellow Gold / Channel-Set Princess Cut Cluster Ruby and Diamond Jewelry Set.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1930s Pessis et Frères Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Authentic antique jewel - French work of the 1930s. Art Deco ring, stamped by the Paris jeweler Pessis et Frères.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$1,248Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Pink Sapphire Half Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Gift for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features princess-cut natural pink sapphires totaling 1.12 carats, set in 18k yellow gold. each measuring approximately 2.5 mm in size. and securely set in channel ...
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The ring has fine millgrain detailing which is often seen in Art Deco jewellery and lends itself nicely to the design of this particular ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 2ct Sapphire 2.8 ct Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.5 US /4.9gr
Located in SE
Cluster ring in solid 14K Rose Gold holding three rows of 32 Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire. Made ca. late XIX - early XX cent. The crown side is 15 mm wide in the middle. Sa...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Wide Emerald Diamond Band Ring in 18K Yellow Gold 2.4ctw
Located in Covington, LA
The combination of geometric symmetry, openwork detailing, and strong gemstone contrast gives the ring a striking Art Deco–inspired aesthetic.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.07 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.5 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 120605741 Shape: Circular Brilliant Carat ...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Green Tourmaline 18 Karat Gold Ring Yellow Sapphire
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Fantastic ring in yellow gold 18 k gr. 15,90 with green tourmaline baguette ct 14,30, a yellow sapphire on the side princess cut. Size 13eu. Fantastic and unique. All Giulia Colussi ...
Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Square Ring Studded in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue sapphire and diamond square shape ring set in 18k gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your learning and spiritual healing. Designed wi...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Engagement Band in 925 Solid Silver Everyday Ring for Mom
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Diamond Engagement Band in sterling silver featuring natural blue sapphire of 0.94 carat and diamonds of 0.46 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted band ring goes with every...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Ruby Diamond Black Jade Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold and beautiful cocktail ring centered with a large near-round carved ruby weighing an estimated 17.61 carats, clustered with concentric rings of channel-set rectangular shape r...
Moonstone, Onyx, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,193 / item
Men’s East-West Amethyst Bezel Ring Silver, Gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Inspired by the symmetry and architectural detail of Art Deco, this men’s ring features an octagon-cut amethyst set horizontally in an east-west orientation.
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
Antique Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØU7.25 /2.25gr
Located in SE
Three - stones Ring with bezel set natural Blue Sapphire stone square cut 4 mm x 4 mm x 1.8 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct. and two prong set old diamond cut natural Diamonds Ø 2 mm / ca. 0.06...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
LÖF 18k Yellow Gold 3ct white sapphire ring with mixed size round diamonds
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DESIGNER - LÖF // TYPE - Ring // METAL - 18k Yellow Gold // STYLE - Art Deco // STONES - Multiple options // STONE CUT- Baguette, Princess // SIZE - 35mm // ORIGIN - United States /...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Dainty Square Ring Set in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue sapphire and diamond square shape ring set in 18k gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your learning and spiritual healing. Designed wi...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
7.58 Carat Zircon Diamond Pink Sapphire 18k Gold Black Rhodium Cluster Ring
By Brenda Smith
Located in Woodstock, GA
7.58 Carat Zircon Diamond Pink Sapphire 18k Gold Black Rhodium Cluster Ring, In Stock. This cluster ring features a blue zircon oval from Cambodia, cut in Idar Oberstein, Germany. T...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Blue Zircon, Zircon, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Gold
LÖF 18k Yellow Gold Certified 2 Carat Emerald and diamond Cocktail Ring
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DESIGNER - LÖF // TYPE - Ring // METAL - 18k Yellow Gold // STYLE - Art Deco // STONES 2cts Emeralds, 1ct Diamonds // STONE CUT- Round, Baguette, Emerald cut // SIZE - All sizes avai...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
LÖF 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, white enamel, 6.5 carats of Antique Diamonds
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
LÖF's 1stDibs exclusive Limited edition Rufus Ring. A gorgeous art deco inspired cocktail ring with white and black enamel, cabochon rubies, calibre-cut baguette diamonds, princess ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Channel-Set Band Ring, Size 6.75
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Beautifully crafted in 14K yellow gold, this elegant ladies' band features a timeless alternating pattern of vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds. Five princess-cut rubies are chann...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.33 Carat Square Emerald & Diamond Channel 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural emerald and diamond cocktail ring featuring a 1.33 carat emerald-cut emerald surrounded by an octagonal halo with 1 carat total of princess and round diamonds in 18K yellow g...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.20 Ct Natural Tourmaline Mens Band 14K Yellow Gold Multi Tourmaline Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Multi Tourmaline Wave Ring – 2.20 Carat Natural Tourmaline Channel Set Designer Band A vibrant celebration of color and contemporary design, this 14K Yellow Gold Mul...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 2.0 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Multirow Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite 14 Karat Yellow gold wedding band featuring 124 white diamonds and 37 princess cut diamond. This ring is superbly detailed to perfection and set with 2.00 carat of sparklin...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.60 Carat Natural Sapphire Diamond Ring, 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This stunning combination of deep blue natural sapphire and sparkling white diamonds is fit for the hand of a princess. A 2.60 carat sapphire offers elegant depth and color, surround...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Peridot Engagement Ring with Ruby and Diamond Halo in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 14K Rose Gold Total weight: 3.15 g.
Diamond, Peridot, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Solid 14k Rose Gold Jewelry Genuine H/Si White Diamond Band Eternity Gift Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This item is a princess-cut diamond engagement ring setting (semi-mount) crafted in a bold rose and white gold band. It features a modern, architectural design optimized to showcase ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 4.12 Carat Fancy Yellow VS1 Radiant Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA-certified natural 4.12 carat radiant cut fancy yellow diamond in 18K white gold Art Deco-inspired channel setting with baguette diamond halo and double-row baguette cut diamond s...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 1.0 Carat Round and Baguette Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Bridal Set Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Stunning and classic, this diamond ring is beautifully crafted in 14K Solid White gold. This five stone wide band is surrounded with small sparkling 50 round, 16 Baguette and 4 princ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
10.5 Carat Madagascar Ruby Statement Solitaire Ring in 14K Solid Gold CU 12mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A breathtaking 10.5 carat princess-cut Madagascar ruby is the star of this solitaire ring, set in solid 14k real gold. With its bold 12mm size, this stunning piece combines timeless ...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 14k Yellow Gold Genuine H/Si White Diamond Designer Two Tone Ring Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, IN
This item is actually a two-tone diamond semi-mount engagement ring rather than a pendant. A semi-mount ring is partially completed, featuring accent stones on the setting but missin...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond 1.01 Carats 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Statement Designer Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Astounding elegance and astonishing shine emanate from every facet of this incredibly beautiful. Fashioned in a fabulous Oval Shape cluster illusion, this ring incorporates Baguette ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald 0.3ct Diamond solid 18K ØUS7.75/2.4gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, hallmarked 18K .
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Certified Vintage 18 Karat Gold 2.46 Carat VS2 Central Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
We offer a huge collection of vintage and antique jewellery pieces, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold JB Star Diamond GIA Certified 8.12 Carat No Heat Sapphire Ring
By JB Star
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Designer Collection Beautiful Modern/Art Deco Inspired Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Alliance Ring Sapphire natural Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold frame holding Blue Sapphires and Diamonds set in Platinum or White gold clusters. Swedish, early XX century. Hallmarked with fr...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 3ctw. Emerald 0.6ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.75/ 5gr
Located in SE
Nice German cluster Emeralds and Diamonds Ring. Plain band and shoulders. Openwork crown in White Gold 16mm x 12.6mm x 6.9mm deep. All stones with open backs. Claw set natural oval c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 8.1mm x 6.5mm No Heat Sapphire Diamond Ring. Vivid And Super Clean
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The sapphire is full of life! The ring is set in 18k white gold and diamonds. There are 10 princess cut diamonds totaling 0.40 cts that make up this ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dark Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring, Early 20th Century
Located in London, England
The sapphire is that deep midnight hue so famously associated with Princess Diana’s engagement ring, later worn by the Princess of Wales.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Style Engraved Diamond Wedding Band 14K White Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We always love these dainty engraved diamond bands!! Band Details Material: 14K White Gold Width: 3.2mm Weight: 2.5 Grams Finger Size: 6 3/4 Sizable Upon Request Accented by the fo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold 7.82 CT Natural Blue Sapphire Princess-Cut Tennis Necklace
Located in Jaipur, IN
A river of royal blue magnificence — this 14K solid yellow gold tennis necklace features 7.82 carats of natural blue sapphires in continuous princess-cut prong settings. Deep, satura...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Sapphire Unheated Purple Diamond GIA Ring Antique Old Mine 17.37 CTS!
Located in Sylvania, GA
Fine Vintage Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Pendants, and Rings from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Victorian eras.
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Diamond Platinum Ring GIA 5.11-carat D VVS2 VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The most popular diamond shapes include the round brilliant cut, which is loved for its sparkle and timeless look, and the princess cut, a square shape that offers a modern appeal.
Diamond, Platinum
TJD 2.0 Carat Round & Baguette Diamond 14K White Gold Multi row Engagement Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Unique yet timeless designer diamond studded ring to make you feel special and stand-out. Made by our skillful craftsmen in 14 karat white gold and studded with 50 brilliant, 18 bagu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.50 carat sapphire 0.80 carat natural diamonds statement ing
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This stunning combination of deep blue sapphire and sparkling white diamonds is fit for the hand of a princess. A 2.50 carat sapphire offers elegant depth and color, surrounded by 2 ...
14k Gold, White Gold
Joud Bleu Bracelet with Royal Blue Enamel and Princess-Cut Diamond Elegance
Located in Houston, TX
14K gold bracelet with a royal blue enamel and princess-cut diamond centerpiece on a sparkling diamond rondelle chain a refined expression of Art Deco opulence, where bold modern col...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.55 Carat Princess Cubic Zirconia Cut Sterling Silver Classic Tennis Bracelet
By Lustre of London
Located in London, GB
This fabulous tennis bracelet is embellished with 8.55ct of invisibly set sparkling princess cut cubic zirconia and is a real show stopper. Conposed of 925 sterling silver with a po...
Sterling Silver, Silver
1.07 Carat Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Halo Princess Cut Stud Earrings
By Lustre of London
Located in London, GB
With an understated classic design, these studs have a timeless elegance, taking you effortlessly from desk to dinner. Featuring a 0.75ct princess cut cubic zirconia at the centre, ...
Sterling Silver, Platinum, Silver
Bagués Masriera 18K Gold Art Deco Enamel Diamond Quartz Ring & Brooch Set
Located in Westport, CT
An extraordinary and rare Bagués-Masriera 18K yellow gold geometric enamel, rock crystal quartz and diamond ring and brooch set. Created by the prestigious Spanish jewelry house Bagu...
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Enamel
$5,696Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Peacock Sapphire and Diamond Brooch in Platinum
Located in Tucson, AZ
This Peacock brooch was made likely in the 1920's by the famous long time Chicago jewelry house. This brooch is set with an estimated 1.75- 2.0 carats diamond total weight, GHI col...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold
9.86 Carats Natural Diamonds Princess Shape Ruby Floral Earrings 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
These earrings showcase a dazzling 9.62 carat natural princess-shaped ruby accented with 0.24 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in 18K yellow gold. Adorn yourself with ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20.82 Carat Russian Emerald Cushion Cut for Fine Jewelry Natural emerald Gem
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Russian Emerald Princess Cut for Fine Jewelry Ring Natural Gemstone Gemstone - Emerald Weight - 20.82 Carats Size - 14.5x11 MM
Emerald
14K Yellow Gold 0.28 CT Natural Diamond Cushion Princess Cluster Stud Earrings
Located in Jaipur, IN
Four princess cuts, a border of brilliants, one flawless cushion frame — these 14K solid yellow gold two-tone stud earrings set a four-stone princess diamond quadrant cluster within ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
LÖF 18k Yellow Gold Drop Down Earrings. Diamonds, White, Pink & Blue Sapphires
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DESIGNER - LÖF // TYPE - Ring // METAL - 18k Yellow Gold // STYLE - Art Deco // STONES 1.5ct Antique Diamonds, 14cts Sapphires // STONE CUT- Old European Cut, Cushion, Oval, Princess...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
Dome Diamond ring 14KT yellow gold cocktail evening ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegant dome ring in 14KT yellow gold made with natural VS diamonds and art deco elements.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.