$4,044Sale Price|20% Off
Romantic Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Its elegant low profile and finely pierced gallery showcase the craftsmanship and refined geometry that define true Art Deco jewelry.
Diamond, Platinum
Heart Engagement Ring. 0.80ct Heart Shape Diamond Sapphire Accent Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.90 carats Center Diamond Cut: Heart Shape Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: Sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. 1.20ct Old Euro Diamond Halo Platinum Ring JSI1
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: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary St...
Diamond, Platinum
2.50 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Rose Cut Diamond Accent Ring Platinum I VVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.50ct Center Diamond Cut: Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Certification: GIA Certificate ...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring. 1.10ct Emerald Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: Approximately 1.10 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Old European Cut and S...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Natural Emerald Diamond Halo Ring. GIA 2.50ct Emerald Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 2.50 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Certification: GIA Certificate Secondary Stones: Diamond Diamond Weight: 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1980s Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
This Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring was made in the 1980s. An emerald cut royal blue sapphire is the highlight of this ring and it's followed by beautiful carré c...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 0.80 Carat Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. Sapphire Double Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum, the Boston Ring balances Art Deco-inspired geometry with the romance of antique diamond cuts and richly colored sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2 Carat Rose Cut Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Three Stone Ring Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certific...
Diamond, Platinum
Zambian Emerald Ring. GIA 4.30ct Emerald Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: Approximately 4.30 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Center Emerald Type: Natural Center Emerald Color: Vivid Green...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.55 Carat Sapphire Ring. Cushion Sapphire Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 1.55 carats Center Sapphire Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.70 carats total Diamond Cut...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
0.60ct Antique Cushion Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Halo Ring Platinum H VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.60 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stone...
Diamond, Platinum
2 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring. Baguette Halo Engagement Ring Platinum I VVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VVS1 Certification: GIA Sec...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Sapphire Engagement Ring. GIA 0.50ct Asscher Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50ct Center Diamond Cut: Asscher Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification: GIA Certificat...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. GIA 0.50ct Diamond Double Halo Emerald Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certi...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
GIA Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. 0.80 Carat Diamond Halo Ring Platinum H VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.80 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Seco...
Diamond, Platinum
1.65 Carat Emerald Cut Sapphire Ring. Baguette Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 1.65 carats Center Sapphire Cut: Emerald Cut Center Sapphire Type: Natural Center Sapphire Color: Deep Blue Center Sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1 Carat Antique Cushion Cut Ring. Diamond and Sapphire Halo Platinum Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Elongated Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. 0.80 Diamond Emerald Halo Ring Platinum H VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.80ct Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certificat...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Aquamarine and Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring. 2.70ct Aquamarine Platinum Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: Approximately 2.70 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond, Blue Sapphire Diamond Wei...
Sapphire, Diamond, Aquamarine, Platinum
3 Carat Ring. Antique Old European Cut Diamond Square Halo Engagement Ring K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
1 carat Emerald Engagement Ring. Diamond Square Halo Ring Platinum 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: Approximately 1.00 Carat Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Secondary Diamond Weight: Approxima...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Emerald And Diamond Ring. AGL 1ct Colombian No Oil Emerald Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 1.00 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Center Emerald Type: Natural, No Oil Center Emerald Origin: Colombia Certifi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3 Carat Diamond Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.80 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K–L Center Diamond Clarity: SI1–SI2 Certification...
Diamond, Platinum
6 Carat Engagement Ring. Rose Cut Diamond Accent Platinum Ring K VS1 Pear Shape
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 6.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Rose Cut, Pear Shape Center Diamond Color: K–L Center Diamond Clarity: VS2...
Diamond, Platinum
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring. 0.90ct Cushion Cut Ruby FIligree Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Fine milgrain and geometric cutouts decorate the open-work under-gallery, adding intricate texture and a distinctly architectural character. The Chartreuse Ring is an antique recrea...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Old European Cut Halo Ring. 1.50ct Diamond French Ruby Halo Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Diamond And Emerald Ring.. 1.70ct Old Euro Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.70ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: Natur...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Aquamarine and Sapphire Double Halo Ring. 3ct Aquamarine Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 3.00 carats Center Aquamarine Type: Natural Center Aquamarine Cut: Emerald Cut Center Aquamarine Color: Lively Tea...
Sapphire, Diamond, Aquamarine, Platinum
Platinum and Rose Cut Oval Ring. GIA 2ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum I VVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Certification: GIA C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.05 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond G VS2 Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.05 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, Platinum
Half Carat Emerald Cut Ring. Old Euro Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum IVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Aquamarine Diamond Engagement Ring. 0.80ct Emerald Cut Platinum Ring East West
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: Approximately 0.80 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Cut: Old E...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.20 Carat Diamond Ring. Cushion Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring G SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.20ct Center Diamond Cut: Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: GIA Certificat...
Diamond, Platinum
Halo Engagement Ring. 0.60ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring Platinum J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.60 carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 S...
Diamond, Platinum
Aquamarine and Sapphire Ring. 1ct Aquamarine Diamond Double Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: Approximately 1.00 carat Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Center Aquamarine Color: Lively Teal Saturation Seconda...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. GIA 1.80 Carat Diamond Halo Ring Platinum H VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.80ct Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certificat...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Old Euro Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring. 1.30ct Halo Platinum Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.30 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary St...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
3 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Halo Ring H VVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VVS1 Center Diamond Setting:...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 5.51ct G VS1
Located in Fairfield, CT
Inspired by the timeless elegance of Art Deco design, the ring offers a refined and enduring aesthetic.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Silver and 18k Gold Ring. Five Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Shared Prong
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Total Diamond Weight: Approx 0.45 Carats Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Five Stone Engagement Ring, Low Profile Engagemen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Emerald Flower Cluster Ring with Sapphire and Ruby Accents Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Emerald Flower Cluster Ring with Sapphire and Ruby Accents A vibrant celebration of color and craftsmanship, this handcrafted flower cluster ring is centered around ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Emerald Engagement Ring. 2ct Old Euro Diamond Halo Ring Platinum J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
14K White Gold Mosaic Baguette Cut Split-Shank Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Featuring a unique split-shank band, this ring creates a sense of openness and lightness on the finger, while the elevated central setting adds a touch of structural drama. he center...
14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1ct Emerald Cut Diamond Ring. Baguette Halo Engagement Ring Platinum I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carat Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,792Sale Price|20% Off
Timeless Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Timeless Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this ring features 1.00 carat total weight of diamonds in a graceful three-stone design. The center is framed by s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Platinum 0.30ct Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Delicately hand-pierced and hand-engraved, the setting features fine lace-like openwork, a hallmark of the Edwardian to early Art Deco era (circa 1910–1925). The Old European diamond...
Diamond, Palladium, Platinum
1.10 Carat Sapphire Ring. Cushion Cut And Diamond Accent Ring Elongated Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 1.10 carats Center Sapphire Type: Natural Center Sapphire Cut: Elongated Cushion Cut Center Sapphire Color: Deep Blue ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Diamond And Ruby Ring. 0.50ct Diamond Ruby Double Halo Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Cent...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.10 Carat Old European Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Halo Ring Platinum J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 1.10 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Sapphire Halo Ring. 1ct Cushion Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18K White Gold and Topaz Diamond Halo Ring. 1.70ct Blue Topaz Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Blue Topaz Center Blue Topaz Weight: 1.70 Carats Center Blue Topaz Color: London Blue Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.10 Carats Total St...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Halo Diamond Ring. 0.70ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum JSI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.70 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Center Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Old Euro Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. GIA 1.60ct Platinum Diamond Ring KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.60ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification: GIA Certi...
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
Yellow Gold Engagement Ring. 1.80ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring 18k Gold J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.80ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: Diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Emerald Ring. 1ct Natural Emerald Cut Ring Blackened Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 1.00 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald cut Stone Setting: Prong setting in blackened platinum Jewelry Type: Ring Style...
Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold
Dual Pear-Cut Diamond Open Double-Band Ring 0.73 Ct 18K Gold Anniversary RIng
Located in Deira, AE
Two prong-set pear-cut diamonds rise from a split pavé band, their pointed tips elevated above the shank to catch light from above while the continuous round brilliant pavé below del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.40 Carat Old European Engagement Ring. French Sapphire Halo Ring Platinum KSI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.40 Carat Old European Engagement Ring. French Sapphire Halo Platinum Ring VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: L Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.