Vintage Art Deco Diamond Calibre Ruby Ring Sz 8.5 Platinum Engagement Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & ruby ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Certified Round Diamond & Red Pink Ruby Halo Set Art Deco Style Platinum Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Art Deco Metal: Platinum 950 Total weight: 3.41 g.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 1940s Retro Platinum & 14K Rose Gold 1.2tgw Ruby and Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, ruby, platinum, and rose gold ring, comprising one large old European cut diamond, sixteen smaller rose cut diamonds, and eight square and rectangular cut rubies...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond And Ruby Ring. 0.50ct Diamond Ruby Double Halo Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 US, Resizable Color: J Color Clarity: VS1 Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite ring showcases a striking appro...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Vintage Lotus Ring Platinum 18k Emerald Ruby Diamonds Statement Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Vintage one-of-a-kind Lotus Flower Ring Excellent condition Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold Finger size 7.5 (can be resized by a professional jeweler) Design size approx 37 x 17mm (1.5...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
This incredible art deco eternity band is crafted in platinum. This gorgeous ring features a pattern of diamonds, sapphires and rubies going around the entire ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ruby Ring Sz 5.5 Platinum Navette Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & ruby ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 18k Gold Platinum Ruby Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring, 2.32ct
Located in Brunswick, ME
Untreated Ruby and Diamond Vintage Engagement Bypass 18k gold and platinum Ring Natural 100% ruby antique oval cut 1.60 carats, cherry-red excellent color and brilliance, country of...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ruby Square Ring Sz 7.25 Platinum Jewelry 1920s
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & ruby square ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant ruby proudly stands out in this platinum trilogy ring. The stunning ruby has a carat weight of 0.50 and is a round cut stone. Contrasting either side are a pair of sparklin...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 6.43 CTW Old European Diamond Ruby Platinum X Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 3.75 carats - M color with VS2 clarity Set with wide prongs and flanked by rows of calibré cut ruby shoulders and 'X' motif profile Wei...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco style 1.42 carat diamond ruby platinum cluster swirl ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A dramatic interpretation of Art Deco glamour, this captivating platinum cluster ring centers on a commanding 1.42 carat old European cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.9 grams Ring Size: L 1/2 (52) Face Dimensions: 12mm x 12mm Band Width: 2mm Ruby Dimensions: 1 (4mm x 3mm), 1 (4mm x 2mm) Sapphire Dimensions: 1 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
French 1920s Art Deco Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
An elegant ring typical of the Art Deco period, it features a flat setting with rounded lines adorned with rose-cut diamonds and calibrated rubies, all set against an openwork fan-li...
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Ring. GIA 1.20ct Mozambique Ruby Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Ruby Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.20-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Certificate: GIA Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.40-Carats S...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sophia D. Art Deco Style Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Sophia D. Art Deco Style Diamond and Ruby Floral Ring. At its center is a stunning 2.01-carat round diamond, accented by rubies totaling 2.51 carats and 0.38 carats o...
Diamond, Ruby
Art Deco inspired old mine cut diamond ruby target platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking homage to the glamour of the 1930s, this Art Deco–inspired target ring centers on a captivating 0.53 carat old mine cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Diamond and Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful vintage five-stone ring from the Art Deco period, circa 1920. The central ruby measures 20 points and is flanked by two beautiful 5 points diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$120,000Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Burma No Heat Oval Ruby And Diamond Ring, AGL Certified.
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Art Deco ring centers around a vivid Burma ruby of exceptional pedigree- untreated, unheated, and alive with a rich, velvety red hue thta has long been revered as the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central ruby in this ring is absolutely stunning. It is bright pink in colour and measures approx 60pts and either side of it are four smaller diamonds each measuring 5pts each. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$8,240Sale Price|20% Off
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring. 0.90ct Cushion Cut Ruby FIligree Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite platinum ring showcases a captivating approx 0.9-carat cushio...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 2.18 CTW No Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Foliate Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an cushion cut ruby weighing 1.30 carats - transparent medium purplish red in color Bezel set in an octagonal form head bead set with an old European cut diamond halo Flank...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.24CT Natural Oval Ruby Platinum Art Deco Setting with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The natural oval ruby is truly a work of art, complemented by emerald cut diamonds on either side, all securely set in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,188Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Old Euro Cut Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Looking for a pop of color in your antique diamond engagement ring? Look no further! This platinum beauty features a 0.65 carat Old European Cut Diamond (+- K/VS) set with four prong...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sophia D. Yellow Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
This Sophia D. Art Deco style ring showcases a 1.31-carat yellow diamond at its center, complemented by 0.16 carats of accent diamonds and 1.90 total carat of rubies.
Yellow Diamond, Ruby
Art Deco Mine Cut Diamond & French Cut Ruby Bow Motif Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
An elegant engagement ring featuring a 0.62-carat old mine-cut diamond, with a clarity of VS2 and a color grade of I. The diamond is set in a refined platinum mounting in the shape ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Introducing a stunning 18ct Gold Art Deco Plaque Ring, a true statement piece for any jewellery lover.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
.64 Carat Art Deco Red Oval Ruby Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art deco ruby and diamond ring. Oval center ruby with 8 round and 4 mele baguette cut diamonds in a handmade platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 1.15ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco show stopper features a wonderful red ruby in its centre with multiple diamond halos surrounding the stone. The central ruby is and old cushion cut, 1.15 carat stone an...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Vintage Art Deco Ring 1900s
Located in Sewickley, PA
Striking and richly detailed, this vintage Art Deco inspired ring showcases a dramatic marquise-shaped design accented with vivid rubies and sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$7,900Sale Price|20% Off
Gorgeous Platinum Burma Ruby & Diamond Deco Style Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
The stunning Art Deco inspired platinum ring weighs 4.2 grams and is a size 6.75 (easily resized up or down as needed).
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Natural Unenhanced Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with a natural unenhanced Burmese oval old cut ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.50 carats, flanked by two...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant red ruby is flanked by old cut diamonds in this Art Deco three stone ring.
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Sophia D. 6.06 Carat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Sophia D platinum ring that features a 6.06 Carat Ruby accentuated with 1.49 carat round diamonds and 0.79 carat baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.53 Carat Ruby and Diamond Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This is a Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring. This ring showcases an unheated, 1.09 carat, oval cut prong set Ruby at the center. The Ruby is surrounded by 14 round cut diamonds, with ano...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Halo Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning art deco ring is has three diamonds, vertically set and perfectly haloed by french cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Gia Burma Ruby & Diamond Oval Platter Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring Width: 17.6mm (0.69") (at the halo - north to south) - 16.2mm (0.63") (east to west), 1.5mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 6.8mm rise off the finger Condition: Antique, Art ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 3 Carat Diamond and Ruby Tablet or Plaque Ring in Platinum, Circa 1925
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This tablet (aka shield) ring is quintessential Art Deco: the strong geometric pattern with open channels, the varied gem-setting techniques, the way components appear to lap over a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Ring. 1.10ct Oval Cut Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum, Gold, 18K Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Oval Cut Style: Art Deco Total Weight: 3.82 Grams This exquisite platinum rin...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Platinum Oval Ruby and Accented Diamond Bypass Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
This one-of-a-kind ring is a celebration of rare color and exceptional design. At its heart an oval ruby accented with Diamond Bypass Ring 15 round diamonds approx. 0.15 carats, and ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.40 Carat Star Ruby Diamond Art Deco Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This dazzling 1920's Art Deco masterpiece begins with a oval cabochon 3.40ct Star ruby which is mounted in a platinum filigree setting. 18 round cut diamonds adorn the dome style cro...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
9.38 ctw Art Deco Style Diamond & East African Ruby Platinum Cluster Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking expression of timeless elegance, this Art Deco style cluster ring is centered around a vivid red cushion-cut East African ruby, radiating exceptional color and presence.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.61 Carat Star Ruby Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Star Ruby and diamond 1920's Art Deco engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Sophia D. 1.51 Carat Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A Sophia D art deco style ring featuring a cushion-cut 1.51 carat center diamond accented with 2.16 carat rubies and 0.39 carat diamonds set in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby
Sophia D. 1.29 Carat Ruby with Diamonds Art Deco Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Sophia D Art Deco platinum ring. The center ruby stone is 1.29 carats accented with .48 carats of diamonds and .95 carats of rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Ruby Diamond Square Plaque Ring Platinum 18k White Gold K /5.25
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Circa Art Deco era, this stunning ring features a central natural reddish pink ruby, surround by very sparkling, F-G colour natural diamonds, and set on a square/cushion-shaped plaqu...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
Art-Deco Untreated, Unheated 2.10 carats Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art-Deco Untreated, Unheated 2.10 carats Natural Ruby Vivid Red and Diamond Cluster Ring. The oval-cut ruby with exceptional clarity and vivid red color (Royal Red Color: deep carmi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 4.67 Carat Burmese Ruby 0.86 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 4.67 carat Burmese ruby and 0.86 carat diamond, platinum Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Style Emerald-Cut Diamond, Tsavorite, Black Onyx and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco style cocktail ring featuring a single emerald-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.90 CTS, set in platinum within a frame of French-cut tsavorite, ruby and black onyx g...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Tsavorite, Platinum
Art Deco Style French Cut Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Deco style platinum ring, with French cut rubies and approx. 0.50ctw in diamonds. Ring size - 6.75, ring top - 19mm x 7mm. Weight - 4.1 grams.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art-Deco Platinum Burmese Ruby, Sapphire Diamond Reversible Swivel Eternity Band
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This rarely seen reversible swivel eternity ring (or a convertible / rotating flip ring) dates back to an Art-Deco c1930’s era, yet it’s in remarkable original condition It fea...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.66 Carat Art Deco Ruby White Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco cushion cut Ruby and white diamond engagement ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.04 Carat Oval Ruby Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ruby and diamond Art Deco halo engagement ring. From the early 1900's exquisite piece features a vibrant 1.04ct oval ruby mounted in a three tiered platinum mounting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified .81 Carat Diamond Ruby Halo Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond ruby engagement ring. GIA certified .81 round cut center European Ideal cut diamond, mounted in a Platinum setting with a halo of 8 calibre cut sapphires, accented with 8 rou...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
0.50ct Diamond and Ruby Halo Ring. Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 US, Resizable Color: J Color Clarity: VS1 Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite ring showcases a striking appro...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring. 1.6ct Oval Cut Ruby Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum, Gold, 18k Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Oval Cut Style: Art Deco Total Weight: 5.32 Grams This exquisite gemstone ring ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 5.8 grams Ring Size: N (54) Face Dimensions: 23mm x 11mm Principal Diamonds: Approx. 0.72 carats (0.18 carats each), Colour: G-H, Clarity: VS Furt...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco style GIA 1.63 old European cut diamond ruby platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Art Deco style engagement ring centers on a 1.63 carat old European cut diamond, certified by GIA #2536480081, showcasing a warm K color paired with crisp VS2 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Antique Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum This antique cocktail ring is crafted in 900 platinum and features a circular ruby and diamond design with rich red rubies total...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.