2 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Accent Platinum H SI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: H Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certificat...
Diamond, Platinum
1.58 Carat Oval-Cut Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 1.58 Carat Oval-Cut Blue Sapphire and 0.18 CTTW Round-Cut Diamond Filigree Setting in Platinum 900 Ring Size 6. Details: Item Type: Cocktail Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
0.90 Ct Ruby Diamond Delicate Band 14K Gold HI VS Diamond Ruby Ring For Her
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Ring Elegant, timeless, and effortlessly wearable, this 14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Ruby Ring showcases the rich crimson be...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
3 Carat Aquamarine Halo Ring. Santa Maria Aquamarine Diamond Sapphire Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 3.00 Carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Center Aquamarine Color: Santa Maria-like Saturation Secondary Stone...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
4.88 Carat Sugarloaf Cabochon Sapphire and Ruby Ring White Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Composition: 14k White Gold Total Ring Weight: 5g Ring Size: 7 Classic style three stone ring Condition: Excellent Condition Comments: 100% NATURAL
Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 3 Carat Ring. GIA Round Brilliant Diamond Baguette Side Engagement I SI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Clarity Ce...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1930s 1.50 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Stamped with the marks "10% IRID-PLAT" and "HAND MADE," this exquisite ring was meticulously handcrafted using techniques from the Art Deco period.
Diamond, Platinum
Ethiopian Opal and Fire Opal Ring 18K White Gold With Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This ornate three-stone cocktail ring features a luminous central white cabochon opal flanked by fiery orange opals, set within intricate diamond halos and accented with rich red-ora...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Gold Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring Oval & Marquise Cut
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This striking vintage sapphire ring, dating to the 1980s, is crafted in 14ct yellow gold and showcases a beautifully balanced and elegant design. At its center sits a natural oval-cu...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22.48 Carat Cushion Checkerboard Amethyst & Diamond Filigree 18K Two Tone Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The double-claw prongs at each corner of the cushion stone echo the Art Deco and Edwardian tradition of corner-held stones, while the filigree basket below them references the finest...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.58 Carat Oval-Cut Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 1.58 Carat Oval-Cut Blue Sapphire and 0.18 CTTW Round-Cut Diamond Filigree Setting in Platinum 900 Ring Size 6. Details: Item Type: Cocktail Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Vivid Green Jadeite Jade Minimalism Silver Check Band RIng
Located in Kowloon, HK
This jadeite is 100% natural, untreated and undyed top-graded Type-A Myanmar jade. Beautiful smooth, fine texture with vivid, intense green colour gifted by Mother Nature makes this ...
Jade, Silver
GIA Certified 3.28 Carat Elongated Radiant Cut Tsavorite Garnet Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Featuring An All GIA Certified Five Stone Emerald Cut Diamond and Radiant Cut Garnet Engagement Ring. Shape- Elongated Radiant Cut 9 (Octagonal Step Cut) ...
Garnet, Tsavorite, Platinum
Natural GIA Certified 1.21ct F VS1 14K Gold Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
GIA Certified 1.21ct Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring F VS1 14K White Gold 2.33CTW Size 6 🡆 Description: This is a natural diamond engagement ring, crafted in solid 14-karat white g...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Black Onyx and 0.46 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive and unusual Art Deco ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold and platinum.
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Solid 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry Genuine H/Si White Diamond Stackable Dainty Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This item is a three-stone pear diamond cluster ring set in a two-tone yellow and white gold band. It uses a specialized multi-stone layout to mimic the silhouette of a classic, high...
Diamond, White Diamond, 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
Platinum Baguette Diamond GIA Certified 4.35 Carat Sugar Loaf Burmese Ruby Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Art Deco Inspired Extremely Elegant Vintage Inspired Baguette Diamond Cushion Cut Sugar Loaf Burmese Ruby Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Colombian Emerald Diamond Geometric 18K White Gold Engagement Ring 1990s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Vintage Colombian Emerald and Diamond Engagement or Cocktail Ring in 18kt White Gold, 1990s. A composition of striking architectural clarity, this vintage ring centers on a Colombia...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
5ct IGI Certified Natural Colombian Emerald Halo Engagement Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Crafted with a deep appreciation for Art Deco glamour and modern refinement, this ring is a celebration of bold elegance—perfect for engagements, anniversaries, or as an unforgettabl...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
White Gold Natural Emerald Cut and Diamond Halo Ring 18K
Located in Great Neck, NY
Elegant Zambian emerald and diamond halo ring crafted in solid 18K white gold, featuring a vibrant emerald cut natural Zambian emerald measuring approximately 9.6 x 7.5 mm. The emera...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum French Pave Emerald Cut Diamond 6.78 Carat GIA Colombian Emerald Ring
By DeKaraDesign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Colombian Emerald Report Number 6207969167 D VS2 1.03 Carat Diamond Report Number 6415999914 D SI1 1.01 Carat Diamond Report Number 6415203938 Ring Comes With Three GIA Certificates...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.90 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring. Baguette Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold LVS2
Located in New York, NY
Their crisp geometric shape creates a striking contrast against the softer brilliance of the Old European cut diamond, giving the ring a refined three-stone composition with a subtle...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Row Diamond Eternity Band. 3 Carats H VS Brilliant Round Wedding Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Natural Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 3.00 Carats Diamond Cut: Brilliant Cut, Full Cut Diamond Color: Approximately H Color Diamond Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
LÖF 18k Yellow Gold 1 Carat Diamond and Black Enamel Cigar Band Ring
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DESIGNER - LÖF // TYPE - Ring // METAL - 18k Yellow Gold // STYLE - Art Deco // STONES 1cts Diamonds // STONE CUT- Calibre-cut // SIZE - all sizes available // ORIGIN - United State...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Marquise Turquoise Halo Peridot Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Marquise Turquoise Diamond Halo Peridot Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Diamond, Peridot, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.02 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional engagement ring features a GIA certified 4.02 carat old european cut diamond, set in platinum for a look of pure sophistication. The step cut of the center stone rev...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified Fancy Yellow Heart Cut Diamond Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
18K white and yellow gold natural diamond ring. Centering a GIA certified 1.39 carat Fancy Yellow heart shape diamond. Adorned with three round cut diamond halo that beautifully curv...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Pave Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Full Eternity Band Stack Ring Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, IN
Natural Pave Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Handmade Full Eternity Band Fine Ring Jewelry. Details:- Item Code :- RIMJ-840-14k Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Weight - 1.08 Carat ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Rotating Turquoise Cabochon Blue Topaz Diamond Kinetic Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
A distinctive spinner ring in 14K white gold, centered by a smooth turquoise cabochon that serves as the focal point of the design. The turquoise is bezel set within a polished white...
Blue Topaz, Turquoise, Topaz, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 8.30 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum Untreated
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Statement GIA Certified Unheated Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring Three Stone in Platinum. The cushion Ceylon blue natural sapphire weigh a total of 7.11 carats an...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
18K Rose Gold Marquise Turquoise Diamond Halo Amethyst Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Turquoise Diamond Halo Amethyst Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mario Buccellati Vintage 0.60ct Princess Cut Diamond Band Ring. 18K White Yellow
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Diamond Diamond Weight: 0.60 carats total Diamond Cut: Princess Cut Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Vintage, Two-Tone, Designer Design: Three princess-cut ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Silvorra 925 Silver 7.91CT Bold Statement Black Star & Zircon Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Bold contemporary cocktail ring features a 7.91 Carat black star and three zircon stones and is crafted in 925 sterling silver designed to make a striking statement. The round B...
Zircon, Black Star, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Oval Emerald Gemstone Solid 14k Yellow Gold H/Si White Diamond Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This jewelry piece is an oval emerald halo statement ring featuring a sophisticated mixed-metal setting. Details:- Item Code :- RIMJOS-714 Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond W...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold GIA Certified 1.50 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The diamond is extremely fiery and the color is amazing, especially in the 18k yellow gold setting. Ring has a vintage inspired gallery that is reminiscent of Art Deco jewelry.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.54 Carat Trilliant Rubellite Pink Tourmaline & Diamond 18K Two Tone Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vivid pink 3.54 carat trilliant cut rubellite tourmaline three-prong set in an 18K yellow gold basket on a diamond-paved 18K white gold bypass shank, featuring 46 round brilliant acc...
Tourmaline, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
IGI-Certified 1.4ct Pear-Cut Emerald, Sapphire &Ruby Ring with Triangle Diamonds
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
💎 Product Description: Celebrate color, luxury, and bold artistry with this striking trio cocktail ring featuring three 1.4ct Natural Pear-Cut gemstones—Green Emerald, Blue Sapphire...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2ct Oval Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Capturing the timeless glamour of the Art Deco era, this exquisite halo engagement ring is a masterclass in sophisticated design and vibrant color.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA-Certified 2.5ct Oval-Cut Diamond & Baguette Engagement Ring in 18K WhiteGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A bold expression of sophistication, this GIA-certified 3.1-carat three-stone diamond ring embodies the perfect harmony between vintage inspiration and modern refinement.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Marquise Turquoise Halo Morganite Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Turquoise Diamond Halo Morganite Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Diamond, Morganite, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.15 Carat Tanzanite and Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful three stone Tanzanite Ring is crafted in 14-karat White gold and features 3 Tanzanite weighing to 1.15 carat, 10 Round White Diamonds in GH- I1 quality with 0.07 ctw i...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 10 Carat No Heat Pink Star Sapphire White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
14K white gold ring is set with a GIA certified natural pink star sapphire from Sri Lanka, no heat treatment, displaying asterism, flanked by six round diamonds totaling 0.40 carats....
Pink Sapphire, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
2.60ct Oval Cut Yellow Sapphire Ring. Round Cut Diamond Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Yellow Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 2.60 carats Center Sapphire Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Diamond Weight: 1.20 carats Seco...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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
Antique Danish Ring 1ctw. Diamonds 14K Green/White Gold ØUS8
Located in SE
Danish ring made ca. 1920 - 1930s. Solid/tested 14K Green Gold band + 14K White Gold face with ornamental open work set with 15 diamonds. Under x 10 magnification some diamonds sho...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Eternity Sapphire and Diamond Band. French and Round Wedding Ring 8.77m
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Sapphire, Diamond Sapphire Type: Natural Sapphire Cut: Elongated French Cut Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone Setting: Channel Set Jewelry Typ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
J. Birnbach GIA Certified Antique Filigree Diamond Ring = 3.37 CTW
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional piece recently restored by the house of J. Birnbach features three, antique cut diamonds = 3.37 carat total weight [0.91 carat Old European Cut L SI1 GIA, 1.18 carat...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA-Certified 3ct Oval-Cut Diamond & Baguette Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
This GIA-certified 3.6-carat three-stone diamond ring is a statement of quiet grandeur and architectural precision—an Art Deco-inspired treasure handcrafted for the discerning connoi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
VR Jewels 14K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Natural Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This teardrop halo ring features a 0.57-carat vibrant pinkish-red pear-cut ruby, set in 14k yellow gold. The center stone measures approximately 5.5 x 4.5 mm and is secured in a thre...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,587Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pear Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring 0.80 ct 18k White Gold Bridal Gift
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
A pear-cut diamond leads the design, its tapered facets drawing light to a bright point above a band of alternating marquise and round accents. The spaced setting lets each stone bre...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
LÖF 18k Yellow, Rose, and White Gold stacking rings: diamonds & yellow sapphires
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DESIGNER - LÖF // METAL - 18k Yellow, White, and Rose Gold // STYLE - Art Deco // STONES- 3 carats TCW Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Diamond // STONE CUT- Baguette cut // SIZE - All...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Go...
Vintage Inspired Oval Opal Halo Ring with Heart Motifs in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: The mesmerizing and iridescent opal is cut in an oval shape and set amid two sparkling half moon diamonds. They are mounted in a classic prong setting for ult...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
No Oil Colombian Emerald Ring. 2.60ct GIA Gubelin Emerald and Diamond Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond S...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Cushion Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Cocktail Birthstone Ring 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cushion Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Cocktail Birthstone Ring 14K White Gold features a bold cushion-cut emerald centerpiece framed with a halo of round brilliant diamonds. The ring ...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
1939 Ring natural 0.6ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS9 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Three Stones Ring decorated with natural Emerald stone and rose - cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring. 14K Yellow Gold Engagement J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carat Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: R...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.50 Carat Diamonds Wedding Ring. Brilliant Diamond Harlequin Eternity Band HVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approximately 1.50 carats Secondary Stone Cut: Brilliant Cut Secondary Stone Color: H Color Secondary Stone Clarity:...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 1 ctw. Sapphire 0.5ctw. Diamond 14K ØUS6.75 /6.6gr
Located in SE
Antique German Alliance ca.1900s - 1930s Ring in solid 14K Orange toned Gold with clusters in 14K White Gold or Silver. Hallmarked 585, metal tested solid 14K Gold Three natural Sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
The Classic Trilogy 18K Gold 1.10 Carats Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
A true masterpiece of classic design. This magnificent 1.10 carats three-stone ring features a 100% natural, 0.60ct AAA+ Colombian emerald boasting a vivid green hue and exceptional ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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.