14-carat gold ring with light blue synthetic spinels. Denmark, 1930s
Located in bronshoj, DK
14 carat gold ring with light blue synthetic spinels. Elegant Danish goldsmith's work crafted in 14 carat gold and set with three square-cut light blue synthetic spinels. The ring's ...
14k Gold
Zorab Creations Tourmaline Assent Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
The superb acquiescence of quality stones here within this piece is second to none. Housed within a white gold setting, a run of three statement gems makes for an eye-catching and la...
White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Palladium
Beautiful Brazil 10.85 Aquamarine & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in bangkok, TH
A sensational vintage aquamarine ring, probably 20-30 years old, in a solid platinum setting. The star of the show is that gorgeous Brazilian aquamarine weighing an extraordinary 10....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond 1.08 (VS1/G) carats and Diamond 2.27 carats Ring set in Platinum 950 Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 1.1 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 9.91 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Platinum
$6,300 / item
18K 0.7 Carat Diamond Tsavorite Garnet Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Diamond with Tsavorite garnet three stone ring on 18k solid gold Metal: 18k Gold Stone: Natural Diamond Color and Clarity: GHI, SI1 Stone Weight: 0.7 ct diamond Side Stone: Natu...
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Deco 4.50ct Burma Pink Star Sapphire GIA & Old European Cut Diamonds in Platinum
Located in Tampa, FL
This beautiful Art Deco platinum ring circa 1920 is set with an exceptional no heat ~4.50 carat Pink Star Sapphire that exemplifies extraordinary color, clarity and quality of asteri...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Retro 14ct Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring with Scrollwork Gallery
Located in London, England
A characterful retro 14ct gold ring and set with a bright emerald-cut emerald flanked by two lively old European-cut diamonds. The squared settings give the ring a bold, architectur...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
2.94 Carat Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Cape Town, ZA
A true heirloom, this exceptional Art Deco ring centres a 2.94ct Burmese sapphire in a softly geometric rectangular cushion cut. Its rich, medium-dark blue hue is graded excellent+ f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Zorab Creations Aqua-Green Tourmaline Trifecta Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
The clandestine and enigmatic color of the Tourmaline gem really shines through here within this Trifecta Ring. So-called as its wearer has the honor of toting three immaculately s...
White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Palladium
Burmese Ruby Trilogy Ring Yellow Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
A superb Ruby trilogy ring in 14K Yellow Gold. Designed with three oval-cut ruby, vivid pink-red color. Burmese origin, heat treatment. each 6.4mm x 4.5mm approx. Total ruby weight a...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Ring Unisex 1930s
Located in Wallkill, NY
14K white gold early mid century diamond Ring, Can be worn by both a man or woman. The ring is a size 11 and can be sized by us or your jeweler. Diamonds equal .65 points (Old Euro C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.60 Carat Pear Shape Sapphire Ring. Old Euro Diamond Platinum Engagement
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Sapphire Weight: Approx 1.60 Carats Certification: GIA Certified Sapphire Cut: Pear Shape Secondary Stones: Diamonds Total Side Diamond Weig...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Blue Sapphire Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 0.70 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 0.7 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 3.05 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situate...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Blue Sapphire Ring set in 14K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 0.77 carat Ring set in 14K Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 47 Total Weight: 2.34 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it was then situate...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
0.70ct Diamond Chunky trilogy engagement ring in platinum wedding
Located in London, GB
0.70ct round diamond trilogy engagement ring in platinum. Classic three stone diamond ring trilogy style, bezel rubover setting dimaonds. Trilogy ring total diamond weight 0.70ct G...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond & Emerald Trilogy Ring 18k White Gold
Located in London, GB
Lovely trilogy ring with sparkly diamond and emeralds . Emerald and Diamond Ring crafted in 18k White Gold featuring a 1.00 carat emerald cut diamond in the centre , Colour F , clari...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Rose Gold Diamond Designer Disc Handmade Fine Ring Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, IN
Natural Diamond 14k Rose Gold Handmade Long Fine Ring Jewelry Details:- Item Code:- RIMJOS-728-RG Material - 14K Solid Rose Gold Diamond Weight - 0.35 Carat Gross Weight - 2.94 Gram...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Zorab Creation Spessartite Garnet Triplet Harvest Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Called the ‘Harvest’ ring due to the unique and spellbinding autumnal hue of the central stone, this Zorab Creations ring is the perfect gift for a loved one who idolizes the finer t...
White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Palladium, Rhodium
Classic Natural 6.99 Carat Vivid Green Emerald and Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Couplet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A remarkable expression of exceptional gemstone quality and master craftsmanship, this bespoke platinum ring showcases a 6.99-carat natural vivid green emerald of extraordinary color...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Celestial IV – Starlight - Fine SriLanka Sapphire Vivid Blue Royal Blue Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some rings shine. Celestial IV – Starlight glows with the quiet, cosmic brilliance of a star suspended in twilight. At its heart rests a 4.25‑carat Sri Lankan sapphire, Heat Vivid B...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Zorab Creation Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Citrine Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
If the number three is symbolic to you, then we urge you to consider the beauty of this design. Three separate unique gems, Amethyst 0.59 carats, Blue Topaz 0.81 carats and Citrine 0...
Amethyst, Citrine, White Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, Palladium
Platinum and 3 Ruby Engagement Ring. 0.70TCW Oval Rubies Round Cut Diamond Halo
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 0.70 Carats Total Center Ruby Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone Setting: Bezel-...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14k Gold Platinum 2.73 CTW Diamond Ring with GIA Report and Natural Fancy Center
Located in Ocala, FL
An elegant platinum and 14K gold diamond ring showcasing a GIA-graded 2.50 carat natural Fancy Yellow-Brown round brilliant center diamond. Measuring approximately 8.34–8.38 x 5.63 m...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Crimson Embrace - Natural Burma Ruby Vivid Red Pigeon's Blood GRS Cert Ring 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some rings glow softly. Royal Ember radiates like a sovereign flame. At its heart rests a commanding 5.04‑carat Vivid Red Burmese ruby, certified by GRS, glowing with the unmistakab...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6 / 2.4 gr
Located in SE
Emerald and Diamonds Ring hand- made ca. 1900s - 1920s in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with claw set natural Emerald stone emerald cut 3.25 mm x 2.75 mm / ca.0.15 ct accented two diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sapphire Ring with Unheated Ceylon Sapphire and Old-Cut Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
Sapphire Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Set with an approximately 2.5 ct unheated Ceylon sapphire, accented by two old-cut diamonds of approximately 0.10 ct each. Crafted in 18k yellow gold...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Vintage” Fancy Chocolate, Greenish 3 Diamond 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Vintage” Fancy Chocolate, Greenish 3 Diamond 18K Rose Gold Ring Bochic “Vintage” Fancy Greenish Gray Diamond Ring — 2.75 Carats Total — Set in 18K Rose Gold, Circa 1990 An ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
4.63ct Zambian Emerald & 0.84ct Diamond Two-Tone 18k Gold Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
We love this bold and intricate ring, and we know you will too. The inner intricate Jardin of the Zambian Emerald is a highlight of this piece. Totaling nearly 1 carat of baguette cu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Round London Blue Topaz & Aquamarine Sapphire and Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Eye-catchingly striking, this piece really stands out on the hand! 14K White Gold. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Total weight: 7.90 g.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.60ct Diamond chunky trilogy engagement ring 18ct yellow gold
Located in London, GB
0.60ct Diamond chunky trilogy engagement ring 18ct yellow gold 0.60ct Round diamond trilogy engagement ring in 18k yellow gold. Classic three diamond ring trilogy engagement ring in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.40 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 2.40 Carat Natural Ruby and 0.52 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gems...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage GIA Certified 1.05 Carat Center Diamond 1.15ct Diamond Anniversary Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous platinum anniversary ring. The ring is centered with sparkling GIA certified old European cut diamond that weighs 1.05ct. The color of the diamond is J with SI2 cl...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Finish Ring A.Tillander 0.65ct Sapphire 0.7ctw Diamonds Platinum Ø5.5US
Located in SE
Old Ring hand - made in White & Blue at the workshop of A.Tillander, famous Finish jewelry brand that once started in Imperial Russia and was in favor among Russian Nobility. It was ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18K Gold Zambian Emerald Diamond Ring 1.85 Carat Emerald 0.15 Ct G VS Diamond
Located in Jaipur, IN
A refined composition of color and brilliance, this 18K yellow gold ring showcases 1.85 carats of natural Zambian emeralds, celebrated for their rich, vivid green hue and natural cha...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
0.63ct Princess Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring In 18ct White Gold
Located in London, GB
0.63ct Princess Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring In 18ct White Gold Spoil your future spouse with this 0.63ct Princess Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring by Trilogy. Crafted in 18ct Whit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.00 Carats Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring 18K
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
18K White/Yellow Ring set with a center Natural AAA Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring. The emerald is bright best green AAA clarity and color 7.6mm x 5.7mm approx. 1.10 carats. Diam...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Certified 6.81 Ct Colombian Emerald 1.60 Ct Diamond Trilogy ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Colombian Luxurious Jungle Green Extremely Beautiful, massive size, Natural Colombian Emerald Diamond ring Comes fully certified for Colombian origin, 6.81 Ct weighted off mounting, ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
AGL Certified 8.01 Carat No Oil Colombian Emerald Vintage Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
AGL Certified 8.01 Carat No Oil Colombian Emerald and Trillion Cut Diamond Vintage Platinum Ring. This Colombian Emerald stands out for its rich, vivid dark green color and excelle...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal & Baguette Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Expertly crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, this striking ring features a breathtaking Australian solid black opal sourced from Lightning Ridge. The opal glows with intense flashes o...
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
5.36 Carat Sapphire and Colombian Emerald Ring 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
A bright colorful ring mount in the center, with one oval cabochon cut Colombian emerald of 1.90 carats. Flanked at the sides, with a pair of oval cabochon cuts of Royal blue Sapphir...
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Edwardian 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This stunning trilogy ring from the Edwardian period features an oval cut, 0.90 carat, ruby at it’s centre flanked by two 0.20 carat old cut diamonds, all claw set into a platinum mo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Emerald & Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. NOTE: The color and size of natural gemstones may slightly vary, as no two gems...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,350Sale Price|50% Off
ICA 18K Gold Oval 1.62ct F1 Emerald & 0.30ct Brilliant Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Unique two-tone gold deco design ring with rare minor clarity enhanced oval emerald at the center and surrounded by 6 high grade and decent size bright diamonds. Best emerald ring! ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
New Solid 18K White Gold 2.29ct Round Natural Sapphire & Pear Diamond Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
This breathtaking three-stone ring is a masterclass in classic European elegance and tonal contrast. At the centre of this timeless design lies a magnificent 1.25-carat round-cut sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Rose Gold Crossover Ring with Natural Rose-Cut Diamond Saltwater Pearls
Located in Heemstede, NL
Experience the timeless elegance of this 18K Pink Gold Crossover Ring with Natural Rose-Cut Diamond and Saltwater Pearls from the early 1900s. Meticulously crafted in luxurious 18K p...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
$2,250Sale Price|50% Off
ICA 18K Gold Oval 1.05ct Myanmar Ruby & 0.38ct Brilliant Diamond Fine Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A celebration of passion and precision, this handcrafted ring features a vivid 1.05 carat oval ruby, ICA-certified. Its rich crimson hue is intensified by natural inclusions and a he...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Marquise Natural Diamond Bypass Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This bypass ring carries three natural diamonds placed on two split ends of an ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1929 Nordic Ring Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS5 / 2.36 gr
Located in SE
Sapphire and Diamonds Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. Multiple claws with flat tips , all set with regular spacing and create a sort of openwork crown that allows the Light to go deeper. Su...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
3.25 Carat Oval Cut Natural Blue Sapphire Set in Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Lively natural blue sapphire set in platinum and adorned with 0.23 carats in baguette-cut diamonds. This vintage ring is an ideal engagement or statement ring. The center Sapphire ...
Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Princess Cut Solitaire Natural Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This three-stone diamond ring features a princess cut natural diamond at the ce...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Emerald Diamond Solitaire Halo Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This three stone ring features a pear shape emerald set at the center, framed w...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Spessartine Spessartite Garnet Diamond Engagement Ring Untreated 14K White Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Discover timeless elegance with this stunning 5.00-carat natural, untreated Spessartine Spessartite Garnet engagement ring. ring featuring a vivid 5.00 carat Spessartite Garnet (10...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, White Gold
Burma Unheated Ruby and Natural Diamonds Ring in 18K Yellow 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. Features: Main Gemstone (1pcs) -...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Emerald Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This three-stone gemstone ring features a prominent oval natural emerald flanke...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold...
Ruby and Diamond Ring GIA Certified 2.19 Carat Burma No Heat in 18K
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Introducing a brand new ruby and diamond ring by Rewa Jewels. This ring has been inspired by traditional Art Deco themes through it's colorful stones and traditional shaped such as r...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1913 Ring 0.25ct Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS9.5/ 3gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Old cluster ring hand - made in 1913. Classic combination of high graded Gold, Platinum and Diamonds. Platinum on Gold openwork crown with 3 diamond stones. Swedish hallmarks, 18k ,...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1937 Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/ 2.1gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period three stones Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand- made in 1937.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1928 Nordic Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.75 / 2gr
Located in SE
Emerald and Diamonds Ring made in 1928. Band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with claws holding natural 3.5 mm x 2.5 mm / ca.0.15 ct Emerald stone accented two diamonds of irregular old d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
0.60ct Diamond princess cut trilogy engagement ring 18ct white gold
Located in London, GB
0.60ct Diamond princess cut trilogy engagement ring 18ct white gold 0.60ct Princess diamond trilogy engagement ring in 18k white gold. Diamonds total weight 0.60ct beautiful matchin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Emerald Sapphire Diamond Halo 14k Gold Trilogy Cocktail Ring Size P/ 7.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This breath-taking 14ct yellow gold oval trilogy ring featuring one 2.15 carat oval faceted, natural vibrant Emerald and 4.13 carats of natural sapphires, surrounding by forty-eight ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.