Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Plaque Ring, 1.36 Carat Old European Cut Diamonds
Located in Poole, GB
An Art Deco emerald and diamond plaque ring, set with three old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.36 carats in total, vertically arranged within a geometric calibre-cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
7.70 Carat Cabochon-Cut Emerald, Diamond, and Ruby Cocktail Ring in Art-Deco
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
7.70 Carat Cabochon-Cut Emerald, Diamond, and Ruby Cocktail Ring in Art-Deco Style This Victorian era art-deco style enchanting forest green emerald, brick red ruby and diamond ring...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
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
GIA Certified D Color SI1 0.90 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Three Stone Engagement
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Dossier Number 6431207381 Ring Comes With GIA Certificate. Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired GIA Certified Elongated Emerald Cut Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Hexagonal Ring with 1.80ct G VVS Trilliant Diamond, circa 1930
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A mystical and quintessential Art deco design where the maker skillfully plays with several geometric shapes that interact with each other.
Diamond, Platinum
14K White Gold Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14k white gold Art Deco diamond and sapphire 3 stone ring with diamond accents.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Emerald and Diamond Ring with Calibré Emeralds in 18K White Gold
Located in Zurich, CH
This exquisite Art Deco-inspired ring features three prominent round brilliant-cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.70 carats, flanked by vivid green calibré-cut emeralds that form...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Art Deco 1930 18kt Yellow Gold Ring with Diamond, Rubies, Sapphires and Emeralds
Located in Aventura, FL
Embrace the elegance of the Art Deco wavy ring, an exquisite piece crafted in 18k yellow gold that epitomizes the glamour of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Ye...
4.60 Ct Zambian Emerald Cocktail Ring 14K Gold Emerald 3 Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Natural Zambian Emerald Cocktail Ring – 4.60 Carat Oval Emerald Statement Ring Make an unforgettable statement with this exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Three ...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Odeonesque Old Mine Cut Diamond Geometric Ring White Gold Signed 1940s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco Odeonesque Old Mine cut diamond geometric ring in 18 karat white gold, signed, Portugal, 1940s.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold 0.20 Karat Emerald 0.08 Karat White Diamond Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds 0.20 Karat Emerald "Cubes" Band eternity Unisex Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.80 Carat Emerald Diamond Wedding Ring 14K Gold 3 Stone Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring – 2.80 Carat Emerald Trilogy Ring with 0.60 Carat Natural Diamond Halo Experience timeless luxury with this exquis...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamond Amethyst Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Available also in different colored stones on order. An amazing Art Deco style band ring handcrafted in 18 karats white gold adorned with brilliant cut 0.08 karats white diamonds and...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Type-A Jadeite three-legged toad 18k gold ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This ring, crafted using a sandblasting technique, is inspired by a green jade three-legged toad, a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The ring features a three-legged toad with an an...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Vintage Cabochon Lapis Ring. Two Stone Lapis and Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Lapis Center Lapis Cut: Cabochon Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Diamond Setting: Prong Set Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Vintage, Split Shank, Prong...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Unisex Two Tone Gold Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Ring Art Deco 1920s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14K Unisex two Tone Gold Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Ring Shape: Three stone ring Finger size: 8 Total Diamond Weight: 1/3 Carat Old European Cut super clean and colorless...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Art Deco 1.05ct Diamond Solitaire, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This timeless solitaire ring dates back to the 1920s and features a beautiful old cut diamond at its centre. Weighing 1.05 carat the diamond is of good quality, with a colour of I an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1924 Art Deco Nordic Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.5/1.5gr
Located in SE
Ring created in 1924, the band in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three rows of 12 natural Rubies, Diamonds, and Sapphires. Rubies and Sapphires ca 1.8 mm x 1.5 mm /ca 0.03ct e...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Lauren Ring, 14K White Gold Deco Emerald Cut Diamond ring
By Corielle
Located in New Hope, PA
The Lauren Ring is a signature Corielle creation that captures timeless elegance with a bold, architectural edge. Handcrafted in luminous 14K white gold, it features a captivating 1 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Estate Platium Cabochon Star Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Classic 3 Stone Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
The sapphire is flanked by clean, bright baguette diamonds totaling .29 carat in G-H color and VS1-VS2 clarity, giving the ring a refined Art Deco-inspired balance without taking att...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
2.32 Ct Baguette & Pear Diamond Three-Row Ring 18K White Gold Statement Ring
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Baguette and pear-cut diamonds alternate across three staggered rows, producing a light performance defined by contrast — the baguettes delivering long, mirror-like step-cut reflecti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.66 Carat Round Aquamarine Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's 4.66ct round Aquamarine and Diamond Art Deco platinum engagement ring, a true embodiment of timeless elegance.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet diamond and blue sapphire eternity has the stones set within the platinum band. The stones are grouped in collections of three diamonds and three sapphires. The diamonds m...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring Size 5.25-5.5 #23345
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring Size 5.25-5.5 JAGi Certified- This stunning Art Deco style ring features three sparkling Old European cut diamonds set in beautifully detail...
Diamond, Platinum
Carved Natural Emerald & Diamond 3-Stone Ring in 14K White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Make a striking statement with this handcrafted three-stone cocktail ring featuring intricately carved melon-cut light green emeralds set in polished 14K white gold. Accentuated with...
Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Art Deco Band Ring Size 6.25-6.5 #26217
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K White Gold and Diamond Art Deco Band Ring Size 6.25-6.5 This striking 18K white gold ring features a bold Art Deco design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three Diamond Gold Ring Band 14K Yellow Gold Round Thin Ring Band Women Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Three Diamond Gold Ring Band 14K Yellow Gold Round Thin Ring Band Women Gift. Base Metal Yellow Gold Gold Weight 1.02 Grams Approx For 11 Size Certification BIS Hallmark, IGI Mater...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Deco 4.86 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ballerina Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1930s 2.56 carat diamond and platinum ballerina ring; part of our diverse collection of Art Deco diamond jewelry.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.00 Carat Round Cut Diamond Gold Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930-1939 Art Deco round diamond engagement ring. The center diamond is a 1.00 Carat round cut GIA certified diamond which is accented by three sing cut diamonds on each side of the ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Late Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
This timeless solitaire ring dates back to the 1940s and features a sparkling round brilliant diamond at its centre. Weighing 0.90 carat, the diamond comes fully GIA certified with a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Art Deco 1.14 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated Art Deco setting is ornamented with an impressive vertical linear f...
Diamond, White Gold
EGL .90 Carat Transitional Cut Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
A masterpiece that captures the essence of vintage charm and artistry. On each side of the stone is three single cut diamonds. Certified by the EGL as near colorless, this dazzling r...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Multi-Sapphire Triple Stone Ring in 18kt Gold with Diamond Halo
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Expertly crafted in 18kt rose gold, this ring features a striking vertical arrangement of three premium sapphires. At the center sits a brilliant oval-cut yellow sapphire, flanked by...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Late Deco 0.70ct Diamond Solitaire ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Classic in it’s design, this is this Late Deco solitaire features a 0.70 carat round brilliant diamond. The diamond has been graded as an F in colour and SI2 in clarity and has been...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Ctw Old Cut Diamond & Emerald Dinner Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 900 Platinum Ring Size: 8 Thick: 1.75 mm Head & Measures: 19.15 mm by 17.75 mm Weight: 7.71 grams Ladies handmade 900 platinum art deco (1920-193...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Late Deco 1.05ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
This timeless Late Deco solitaire ring showcases a sparkling transitional cut diamond at its centre. The 1.05 carat diamond is of I colour and VS clarity, and is claw set in 18 carat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Report Certified Art Deco 2.19 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning Art Deco diamond ring is supplied with a GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) Diamond Grading Certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond gradi...
Diamond, White Gold
Late Deco 0.25ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1940s comes this classic solitaire ring set with a 0.25 carat, round brilliant diamond at it’s centre. The diamond has a colour of F and clarity of VS11 and has been c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Palladium Bezel Diamond Filigree Ring Size 5.75
Located in Addison, TX
Details Era: Art Deco Metal: 14K Yellow Gold & Palladium Purity: 14K Gold Total Weight: 2.1 Grams Ring Size: 5.75 Ring Top Dimensions: 19.8mm × 15.4mm Center Design: North-South Fili...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.19 Carat Brown Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
GIA certified natural brown European cut diamond three stone Art Deco engagement ring. 2.19ct old European cut brown center diamond.
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.12 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Experience timeless elegance with our 1920's, GIA certified 1.12ct Art Deco diamond engagement ring. All three bezel set stones are Old European Cut, with the center diamond being 1....
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco style 1.13 carat old mine cut fancy color diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Designed in the spirit of the Art Deco era, this platinum ring builds its drama around color contrast — a warm, cognac-toned center stone held close in a smooth bezel, ringed by a cr...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
4.95 Ct Emerald Sapphire Cocktail Ring 14K Gold 3 Stone Emerald Sapphire Band
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Cocktail Ring with 2.85 Carat Natural Zambian Emerald & 2.10 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Make a striking statement with this 14K Yellow Gold Three Stone ...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.28 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring Art Deco, circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.28 carat diamond and platinum solitaire style engagement ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, f...
Diamond, Platinum
14k Solid Gold Diamond Band Half Eternity Wedding Band Three Prong Stack Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Diamond Band Half Eternity Wedding Band Three Prong Stack Ring Thickness 2.5mm Approx Diamond Weight 0.36 cts Approx Total Carat Weight 0.24 & Under Main Stone Diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Thee Stone Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.3gr
Located in SE
Old cluster ring, a fine example of early XX-century taste. Platinum on Gold openwork crown, band tested solid 14K Yellow Gold, hallmarked 585. The Crown is 13 mm x 7.5 mm at axes ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
1.95 Carat Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Cushion Cut 18k Yellow Gold Stone Accent
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.95ct Center Aquamarine Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Aquamarines Secondary Stone Weight: 0.36ct Total Aqua...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Art Deco Inspired Hand Engraved Platinum Australian Opal Diamond Bridal Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
There is a beautiful Art Deco inspired gallery which gives the ring a graceful finish.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Inspired Filigree Shield Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Artfully cast in warm 9k yellow gold, the dramatic lace-like openwork details of this art deco inspired ring are masterfully accented with delicate milgrain.
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold 3-Stone Halo Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Wow her with the scintillating look of this three stone engagement ring. This ring is beautifully designed and studded with 50 round diamonds accentuated in micro-prong and prong set...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Gold Ring 1.25 Carat Natural Old Euro & Baguette Diamond Circa 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco Natural Diamond Ring set in 14k White Gold, size 6.25.The center stone is an approximate 0.95 carat Old European Cut Natural Diamond 6.4x4mm, H-I color and I clarity.Set on ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage three Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Deco Halo Moissanite wedding ring. Antique style moissanite bridal ring.
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage three Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art Deco Moissanite wedding ring. Antique style moissanite bridal ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Deco 1.20ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1940, this stunning trilogy ring features a central ruby flanked by a pair of glittering diamonds. The 1.20 carat central ruby has a beautiful pinky red colour and...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Full Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The tourmaline and diamond stones alternate in groups of three. There is a replacement diamond stone in one of the collections of four tourmaline stones. Set in a 18carat gold band w...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold
12-14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring Size 8 #21527
Located in Washington Depot, CT
12-14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring Size 8 Capture the beauty of the past with this exquisite Art Deco style ring crafted in 12-14K white gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique ROUND SHIELD ring. 14k TRILOGY three diamond and sapphire shield ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1930s Size: 5 1/2 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: White Style: Art deco About this item Very beautiful Art Deco diamond and ...
Handcrafted Yellow Gold Wave Band Ring with Turquoise Deco Style Trilogy
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the Rossella Ugolini Rose Gold Wave Band Ring with three Turquoise. This unique ring features an open flat band designing Yellow Gold , with a tapered Gold stripe that cr...
Turquoise, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930's Platinum 3 Stone Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Boston, MA
A true vintage treasure, this 1930s three-stone diamond ring encapsulates the classic style and sophistication of the Art Deco period.
Diamond, Platinum
Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine Amethyst Cabochon Candy Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Citrine Amethyst Cabochon Candy Cocktail Ring. The character of the Citrine Candy ring is almost tangible...
Amethyst, Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.