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
Platinum Eternity Yellow and White Diamond Band. H VS1 Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: White Diamonds Center White Diamond Weight: 0.30 Carats Total Center White Diamond Color: H Color Center White Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Oval Cut Citrine Ring. 3.40TCW Oval Cut Citrine Floral Diamond 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Citrine Center Citrine Weight: 3.40 Carats Total Center Citrine Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Citrines, Diamonds Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.02 ...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
1920 Antique Ring Rubellite Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US7 / 1.8 gr.
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three natural Rubellites / or Red Tourmalines and 6 natural Seed Pearls. Swedish hallmarks, 18K, Stockholm, year combination S7 / hand -...
Pearl, Rubelite, 18k Gold
Silvorra 925 Sterling Silver Marquise-Cut Amethyst and White Zircon Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
This elegant solid 925 sterling silver, band showcases marquise-cut natural amethyst gemstones accented by sparkling white zircon stones. The amethysts are arranged in three distinct...
Amethyst, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Hand Engraved 18K White Gold Diamond Australian Opal Engagement Ring Bridal Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
There is a beautiful Art Deco inspired gallery which gives the ring a graceful finish.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
1937 Ring natural Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 8.75US / 3.3gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Fine cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and four square cut and faceted Rubies in Platinum clusters. Band with carved shoulders. Swedish h...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
1930 Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS8.25 /5.3gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance - styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and eight rose - cut Diamonds s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
4.00 Carat Pear & Marquise Natural Diamond Statement Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
This wide statement ring combines pear-cut and marquise-cut natural diamonds in a sculptural three-row openwork composition. Pear-shaped diamonds frame the upper and lower rows, whil...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.22tcw Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut & Round Cut Diamond Vintage Ring 925
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a 2.22tcw vintage Colombian emerald and diamond ring. This is a perfect, three-stone statement ring. The emeralds are of good, varying quality and are handset in a bezel...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring Blue Ribbon 0.7ctw Diamonds Enamel 18K solid Gold ØUS6.5 /2.74gr
Located in SE
Cobalt Blue Enamel, Diamonds on 18K Yellow Gold. Reminds closely ' Bagues de Firmament ' or " Rings of the Heavens" as the diamonds represent celestial bodies in the deep blue night ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Natural Oval Sapphire Diamond 18K Gold 2.75ctw Sapphire 1.00ctw Dia Ring Size 5
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Offered is one (1) lady’s sapphire and diamond ring crafted in solid 18K white gold, featuring a bezel-set oval faceted natural blue sapphire, flanked by six (6) round brilliant cut ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.81 Carat Natural Emerald & Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
A large emerald-cut natural emerald forms the focal point of this structured three-stone-inspired ring, secured vertically in a four-prong setting. Graduated baguette-cut natural dia...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Pear Cut Yellow Gold Ring. GIA 2ct Old Euro Diamond Engagement JVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.10 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
0.76tcw 14K Colombian Emerald-Round Cut & Diamond Vintage Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a 0.76tcw vintage Colombian emerald and diamond ring. This is a perfect statement ring with three round emeralds. The emeralds are of good, varying quality and are hands...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Solid 18K White Gold Multi-Color Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
A masterclass in textural contrast and tonal harmony, this vintage statement ring showcases a sophisticated tiered "cloud" or scalloped silhouette. Handcrafted in high-polish 18k whi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 1...
Citrine Engagement Ring. 3.40ct Oval Citrine Cluster Diamond 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Citrine Center Citrine Weight: 3.40ct Total Center Citrine Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Citrine and diamonds Diamond Weight: ~0.02ct Total Diamond ...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
1957 Nordic Ring natural 0.6ctw Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8/ 3.65gr
Located in SE
67 Years old Classic Cluster Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum decorated with three natural Light / Medium Blue Sapphires and Diamonds of old European Diamond cut.. Set of S...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
20th Century 1.80ct Diamond Emerald Target Engagement Cocktail Ring White Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
A 20th Century Diamond and Emerald Target Cocktail Ring. This spectacular ring designed in a style which is iconically Art Deco features a Transitional round brilliant-cut diamond mi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.92 Carat Oval Pear Natural Diamond Halo Solitaire Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
An elegant engagement ring centered with an oval-cut natural diamond surrounded by a delicate halo of round natural diamonds. Pear-cut natural diamonds accent each shoulder, forming ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,272Sale Price / item|20% Off
Genuine Emerald Diamond Unisex Engagement Dome Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Emerald Diamond Unisex Engagement Dome Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural emerald of 1.62 carats and diamond of 0.23 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every sty...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930 Ring natural 1.5 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Renaissance styled Swedish ring in solid 18K with two Silver clusters holding two natural rose cut Diamonds ca. Ø 5.5 mm 1.3 mm and 1.7 mm deep / ca.0.75ct each, color ca. J-M / SI. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$7,466Sale Price / item|20% Off
Peacock Green Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Gold by AtelierX
Located in Stockholm, SE
Real 8-10mm tahitian pearls with 18k solid gold. Simple raw elegance. The Tahiti Pearl Peacock Green Ring, set with diamonds, is far more than a contemporary fashion accessory—it is ...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Alliance Ring Sapphire natural Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold frame holding Blue Sapphires and Diamonds set in Platinum or White gold clusters. Swedish, early XX century. Hallmarked with fr...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2.81 Carat Natural Cushion Natural Diamond Solitaire Halo Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
A radiant-cut natural diamond forms the center of this three-stone ring, framed by a fine halo of round natural diamonds. Marquise-cut diamonds sit at either side of the center stone...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cushion Cut Amethyst and Diamond Ring. 6.40ct Elongated Cocktail 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Amethyst Center Amethyst Weight: 6.40ct Center Amethyst Cut: Elongated Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Amethysts and diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: Am...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
1925 Men Lord Ring 0.5ct Diamond 0.8ctw Sapphires solid 18K Gold ØUS10 / 8.3 gr
Located in SE
Three Stones Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4.75 mm x 3.5 mm deep / ca.0.5 ct. each,color ca F,G /SI. There is a minor flaw inside this ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1 carat Emerald Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Halo Platinum 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: Approximately 1.00 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.45...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18 karat Yellow Gold Turquoise White Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise 0.23 carats White Diamonds orange enamel in a "Hermes-colored" hue Cocktail Bold Ring. Size ring: 6,5 USA / 53 FR/ 13 IT Any size available...
Diamond, Turquoise, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold
1.5 Carat Zambian Emerald Ring with Natural Diamond in Solid 14K Gold EM 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
This timeless three-stone ring features a rich 1.5 carat Zambian emerald, flanked by sparkling earth-mined diamonds. Set in solid 14k gold, it’s a graceful blend of vibrant color and...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1940 Ring natural Emerald W.Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø US10/ 4 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with carved band and crown decorated with natural diamond cut Emerald Ø 2.5 mm / ca. 0.1 ct accented with six old diamond cut natural White Sapphires Ø2.5 mm / 0.1 ct each, ...
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Spectrum Jewels 4.43 Carat Oval Emerald Diamond 18K White Gold Engagement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This 4.43 Carat Oval Emerald Diamond 18K White Gold Engagement Ring focal point is emerald gemstone, on either side of the emerald sit pear shaped diamonds, creating a three stone c...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,132Sale Price / item|20% Off
Spectrum Jewels 4.43 Carat Oval Emerald Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This 4.43 Carat Oval Emerald Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring focal point is emerald gemstone, on either side of the emerald sit pear shaped diamonds, creating a three stone c...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Emerald Diamond Halo Ring. 1ct Emerald Diamond Engagement Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: Approximately 1.00 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Center Emerald Type: Natural Center Emerald Setting: Bezel Set...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
$684Sale Price / item|35% Off
18k Gold Diamond Wedding Band Micro Pave Full Eternity Band Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 18k solid Gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, these ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Burma Unheated Ruby and Burma Unheated Blue sapphire ring in 18k solid gold
Located in Singapore, SG
Kindly note that the stated price for this item is fixed and non-negotiable. We appreciate your understanding and respect for our pricing decision. This ring features two precious s...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
2.95 Carat Emerald Pear Natural Diamond Halo Solitaire Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
An elegant three-stone engagement ring centered with an emerald-cut natural diamond in a four-prong setting. Pear-cut natural diamonds extend from either side, while a scalloped halo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold 0.87 Karat Brown Diamonds Cabochon Turquoise Wave Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini "Deco" Collection a wave Ring handcrafted in 18 Karat Rose Gold with 0.87 Karat Brown Diamonds and three Cabochon round cut Turquoise. A ring that recalls the wave o...
Brown Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18 Karat White Gold 3.20 Karat Sapphires 0.30 Karat White Diamonds Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection, Unisex Bold Modern 3.20 Karat Sapphires 0.30 Karat White Diamonds 18K White Gold Unisex Design Ring This cocktail ring is handcrafted in 18 karats...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning Estate 14 Karat Gold Diamond and Yellow Zircon Halo Ring, 4.52 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOVE IT! This Stunning Estate Diamond and Yellow Zircon Ring Engagement Ring is really going to be hard to let go of...It looks just amazing when worn! Crafted in 14K White Gold, the...
Zircon, 14k Gold
1.55 Carat Natural Emerald Halo & Pear Cut Diamond Bridal Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
A pear-cut natural diamond forms the center of this statement ring, framed by a round diamond halo that follows its elongated teardrop silhouette. The shoulders feature a central row...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1927 Lord Ring 0.5 ct Sapphire 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.5/ 6g
Located in SE
Three Stones Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire stone of medium Blue color old diamond cut Ø 4mm x 2 mm deep / about 0.5ct. Two old diamond cut natural ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
4.11 Carat Solitaire Natural Emerald Baguette Diamond Halo Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
This natural emerald and diamond ring features a prominent rectangular emerald-cut green emerald secured by four yellow gold prongs, surrounded by a geometric halo of pavé-set round ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Peacock Green Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold by AtelierX
Located in Stockholm, SE
Real 10-11mm tahitian peacock green blended with 18k white gold and a real D color diamond aside. Classic material with contemporary twist. Ring size 13,15,17 available The Tahiti P...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,012Sale Price / item|20% Off
Estate 2.1 ct Oval Emerald Ring with Diamonds Encircling in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Estate Emerald Ring with Diamond in 18K Gold featuring natural emerald of 2.1 carats and diamonds of 0.52 carat. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Emerald enhances...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,184Sale Price|20% Off
Mixed Cut 1.29 CT Fancy Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your collection with this stunning 14K yellow gold ring, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and vibrant elegance. Featuring a captivating cluster design, this piece showcases thr...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Carats Rose Sapphires 18K Gold Rose Quartz 0.10 Karat White Diamonds Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection Modern style ring handcrafted in 18 Karat Rose Gold with 3 Carat Rose Sapphires, Pink Cabochon oval cut Rose Quartz and 0.10 Karat White Diamonds...
White Diamond, Quartz, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Ring 2ct Sapphire 2.8 ct Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.5 US /4.9gr
Located in SE
Cluster ring in solid 14K Rose Gold holding three rows of 32 Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire. Made ca. late XIX - early XX cent. The crown side is 15 mm wide in the middle. Sa...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,195 / item
Men’s East-West Amethyst Bezel Ring Silver, Gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Men’s Art Deco-Inspired Amethyst Ring. Men’s East-West Amethyst Bezel Ring.
Amethyst, Topaz, Gold Plate, Silver
GIA Certified 6.34 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The classic three-stone design perfectly balances Art Deco inspiration with contemporary elegance, making this extraordinary jewel an exquisite engagement ring or a distinguished add...
Diamond, Platinum
4.07ct Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring GIA
Located in New York, NY
A timeless three-stone engagement ring showcasing a magnificent 4.07 carat emerald cut diamond certified by GIA as natural, graded H color and SI1 clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
2000s Emerald and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive emerald cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The Art Deco style ring has a round form and displays a feature 0.38 Ct modern brilliant round cut diamond ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Platinum Peruzzi Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This platinum diamond ring is on the cusp of the Edwardian and Art Deco eras.
Diamond, Platinum
$756Sale Price / item|30% Off
Vintage Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring. Art Deco Moissanite wedding ring. Antique style moissanite halo ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Platinum, 1920s 9 Carat Aquamarine & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Ring Platinum Circa 1920s Step into the elegance of the 1920s with this stunning Art Deco ring, expertly crafted from platinum.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 9k White Gold Step Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The center stone’s broad, ordered facets complement the linear arrangement of the surrounding diamonds, creating an architectural composition with Art Deco inspiration.
Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold
Antique and Vintage 4.55 Carat Diamond and Platinum Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This platinum three stone ring is supplied with three IDGL diamond grading certificates.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, 1920s Square Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s A striking example of 1920s craftsmanship, this elegant Art Deco ring showcases a rich arrangement of...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
1.18 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This platinum and diamond solitaire ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate for the feature diamond, in addition to an independent diamond grading report car...
Diamond, 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.