Platinum and Rose Cut Oval Ring. GIA 2ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum I VVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Center Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Certification: GIA C...
Diamond, Platinum
Solara - Natural Fancy Vivid Yellow GIA Certified Designer Diamond Ring in 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some rings glow. Solara radiates. This breathtaking masterpiece is a celebration of light in its purest, most powerful form. At its heart burns a monumental 3.09‑carat Fancy Vivid Y...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Emeralds Maravellous Vintage Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Magnificent Estate Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring in PlatinumThis spectacular estate statement ring is masterfully crafted in premium Platinum 900 and weighs a substanti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.71 Carat Natural Marquise Baguette Diamond Band 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Specifications Item Code: SER-29599A Category: Fine Jewelry Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Marquise and Baguette Diamond Art Deco Band Metal: 18K White Gold Gold Weight: 3.568 Grams Gros...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,025 / item
18K White Gold Mixed-Cut Diamond Lace Statement Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Command attention with the Diamond Lace Statement Ring. This opulent design features a central, structured band of refined baguette-cut diamonds, serving as a geometric anchor for th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 6.03 Carat Oval Ceylon Sri Lanka Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified natural 6.03 carat oval cut Sri Lanka origin heated blue sapphire and 1.36 carat total weight diamond ballerina-style cocktail ring in platinum 900, featuring a vivid r...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.56 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Style Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The principal stetting is flanked with stepped shoulders, each incorporating three eight cut diamonds, pavé set in a tiered Art Deco formation.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Emerald Éclat - Fine Columbian Emerald set in Classic Diamonds in Ring 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Some rings shine. Emerald Éclat performs — a luminous symphony where brilliant light and deep color rise together in breathtaking harmony. At its center rests a premium 3.90‑carat C...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cushion Cut Red Orange Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Magnificent Classic three stone AAA+ quality red orange sapphire and diamond ring in 14k gold. Ring contains 1 center vivid red orange sapphire cushion cut and 2 side pear cut diamo...
Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.48 Carats Certified Intense Green Emerald & Diamond Stunner Cocktail Ring 18K
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Command attention with this dazzling certified cocktail ring, a bold celebration of vibrant luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. Centered is a breathtaking 3.48-carat natural emerald,...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k 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
GIA Certified Natural Type A Jade Old Mine Diamond Black Onyx Platinum Ring 1910
Located in New York, NY
The Art Deco Jade Ring is platinum with magnificent design created with Old Mine Cut Diamonds and fancy cut Black Onyx gems.
Jade, Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Oval Ruby Bypass Cocktail Ring with Baguette and Round Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
Oval Ruby Bypass Cocktail Ring with Baguette and Round Diamond Accents Description: This striking bypass-style cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features two prom...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$25,368Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Vintage Style Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Exuding timeless romance, this exquisite engagement ring showcases a stunning 1-carat Old European cut natural diamond as its breathtaking centerpiece. Graded F in color and VS1 in c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.8ct Oval Cabochon Tanzanite & Diamond Halo Ring - 18k YellowGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A striking tribute to Art Deco opulence, this cocktail-style halo engagement ring centers a magnificent 4.80-carat natural Tanzanite.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 14k White Gold Jewelry Genuine H/Si White Diamond Band Eternity Gift Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This is a mixed-cut diamond band ring, typically styled as an anniversary band or a statement dress ring. Details:- Item Code :- RIMJOS-727 Material - 14K Solid White Gold Diamond W...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.47tcw Pear & Oval Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring - 18K Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A masterful study in silhouette and light, this 18K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring channels the architectural glamour of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine Natural Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Emeralds Maravellous Stylish Fine AAA Pear Cut Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring 18K White Gold AAA+ Colombian emerald 1.08 carats- VS, Vivid stunning Green set with Natural...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold forest Green Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
An exquisite statement piece, this cocktail engagement ring is meticulously crafted in 18K gold. The design features a twin-set of vivid, oval-cut Colombian emeralds totaling 1.86 ca...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960 GIA Certified 5.09ct Diamond Dome Cluster Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1960 raised dome ring with bright white sparkly diamonds in a tiered cluster set in a 14k white gold setting. Featuring 1 old European cut round diamond center, GIA certifie...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage Solid 18 Karat White Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Open-Work Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
A masterclass in mid-century elegance, this vintage statement ring centres a magnificent, high-luster Akoya pearl. Selected for its creamy white body color and soft rose overtones, t...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique-Style Polki & Rose-Cut Diamond Floral Cluster 14k Gold Cocktail Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
At the heart of the design is a central round rose-cut diamond, encircled by eight pear-shaped rose-cut diamonds that form a shimmering petal motif. To further enhance its brilliance...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
AGL GRS Certified 14.36 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
AGL and GRS certified 14.36 carat emerald-cut Colombian emerald with minor oil treatment, set in an 18K white and yellow gold halo cocktail ring with 2.77 carats total weight of roun...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Flower Natural Diamond Cocktail 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. Crafted in solid 14k gold, this statement ring features natural round diamonds ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, 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...
$6,532Sale Price / item|20% Off
Spectrum Jewels 14K White Gold 3.32 Carat Multi Shape Diamond Wide Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This 14K White Gold 3.32 Carat Multi Shape Diamond Wide Band Ring features a band which gracefully wraps around the finger in a double-tiered open spiral. Adorning the spiral are alt...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Spectrum Jewels 18K White Gold 3.32 Carat Multi Shape Diamond Wide Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This 18K White Gold 3.32 Carat Multi Shape Diamond Wide Band Ring features a band which gracefully wraps around the finger in a double-tiered open spiral. Adorning the spiral are alt...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Baguette Halo Gemstone 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 ring showcases a large oval ruby surrounded by alternating baguette and ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$3,068Sale Price / item|20% Off
Oval Halo Natural Diamond Half Eternity Band 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. Oval Diamond Ring is an exquisite piece of jewelry, featuring a multi-tiered ba...
Diamond, 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
2.15 CTW Natural Yellow-Orange Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K White
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
2.15 CTW Natural Yellow-Orange Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold This striking engagement ring features a vibrant 1.63-carat natural yellow-orange sapphire. The ...
Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
1930s French 0.63 Ct Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated setting features an impressive four-claw set 0.63 carat transitional modern brilliant round cut diamond, held in high relief. The setting is further embellishe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
New Solid 18K White Gold 1.70ct Cushion Natural Aquamarine & Diamond Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
The cushion cut, often referred to as a "pillow cut," combines the structural geometry of the Art Deco era with a soft, romantic silhouette that maximises the stone’s brilliance and ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.00ct Fancy Yellow Diamond Teal Enamel Marquise & Round Diamond 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
A spectacular New Design Luxury Ring high-jewelry creation, this 6.00-carat Fancy Light Yellow Diamond & Teal Enamel 3-Dimensional Cocktail Ring is crafted in solid 18K white gol...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Plat...
$2,265Sale Price|50% Off
ICA 18K White Gold 0.73ct Insignificant Oil Emerald & 0.53ct Diamond Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Their crisp geometry and bright white brilliance amplify the emerald’s color, giving the ring a sophisticated Art Deco‑inspired silhouette.
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Toi et Moi Ring 1.02ct Mozambique Ruby & 1.31ct Diamonds Baguettes in 18K Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
In total, the ring features 1.31 carats of diamonds, combining baguettes and a pear brilliant to elevate the center ruby with a sophisticated, Art Deco–inspired brilliance.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Old Mine Cut Diamond Dome Band
Located in New York, NY
Old Mine Cut Diamond Dome Band Description: A substantial 18K white gold dome ring featuring a luminous old mine cut diamond at its center, flanked by graduated round diamonds set i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Monumental 10 Carat Emerald Cut Green Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The geometric tiered design creates strong symmetry and reinforces the ring’s Art Deco revival influence.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald-Cut Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified H VVS2
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in polished platinum and bearing a discreet maker’s mark, this ring is a luxurious staple for collectors of top-tier diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-Century Solid 18K White Gold South Sea Pearl & Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
A masterpiece of mid-century architectural design, this vintage statement ring centers a magnificent, high-luster South Sea pearl. The pearl is expertly seated atop a sculpted 18k wh...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.54ct Burma No Heat Sapphire With Old European Cut Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in Media, PA
A exceptional Art Deco-style three-stone ring anchored by a rare, GIA Certified 1.54 Carat Unheated Burma (Myanmar) Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco 1.02 Carat Emerald and 11.88 Carat Diamond Platinum Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated Art Deco frame features an impressive 1.02ct emerald cut emerald flanked with tiered motifs embellished with a total of twenty-eight square cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Onyx Diamond 14k Gold Pendant Brooch, Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage onyx brooch/pendant has been crafted in 14k yellow gold. This iconic Art Deco brooch is embellished with an impressive collet set onyx panel, bearin...
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Tiered Hoop Earrings 2.29 Carats in 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
These diamond hoop earrings present a striking balance of texture, movement, and light through cascading rows of pear-shaped natural diamonds. The tiered composition creates depth an...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Art Deco 14K White Gold Suite with Colombian Emeralds & Old-Cut Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A remarkably preserved late Art Deco / early Retro emerald and diamond suite, circa 1935–1945, masterfully crafted in solid 14K white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.56 Carat Ruby 1.02 Carat Diamond Ladies Cocktail Watch in White Gold Art Deco
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This 1940s wristwatch has an unusual, geometric Art Deco style design. The cuboid shaped case is embellished with impressive applied geometric tiered designs, accented with three ba...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Ruby Emerald Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Vintage Clown Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a stylized platinum clown with yellow gold details and articulating legs Centering a round shaped ruby cabochon weighing approximately 0.72 carat Transparent medium purpl...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.29 Carat G-VS1 Excellent cut Natural Diamond Round Brilliant
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stone Creation - Natural Shape - Round Brilliant Cut Measurements - 7.14 - 7.16 x 4.24 mm Weight - 1.29 Carat Color - G Clarity - VS1 Cut - Excellent Polish - Excellent Symmetry - E...
Diamond
Genuine CVD Diamond Solid 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry Designer Dangle Earrings
Located in Jaipur, IN
These stunning earrings are the 14K Gold Diamond Femme Fatale Circle Earrings, known for their sleek, architectural geometry and eye-catching movement Details:- Item Code :- EAMJ-10...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold 1.21 TCW Zambian Emerald Diamond Sunburst Fluted Medallion Pendant
Located in Jaipur, IN
It presides. Design & Art Deco Grandeur The design philosophy of this pendant draws from some of the richest traditions in fine jewelry history — the solar disc imagery of ancie...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14K Gold Blue Opal 18.04 Ct Baguette Diamond 4.67 Ct Drop Earrings Fine Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, IN
The Deep Blue Hour — A Blue Opal & Baguette Diamond Three-Tier Statement Drop Earring Pair in 14K Solid Yellow Gold Item Code :- EAMJ-1806 Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Diamond W...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Solid 14k Yellow Gold Genuine H/Si White Diamond Marquise Leaf Dangle Earring
Located in Jaipur, IN
Type: Art Deco-inspired pavé diamond dangle earrings.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 18K Gold Natural Topaz Rock Crystal Onyx Diamond Statement Pendant
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
The upper tier complements the design with a smaller oval blue natural topaz encircled by a sleek ring of polished black onyx, dramatically accented with a brilliant-cut diamond halo...
Crystal, Diamond, Onyx, Rock Crystal, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold
Modern Akoya Cultured Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
New earrings. Our opinion : These diamond-pearl earrings are reminiscent of vintage Art Deco jewelry, and can be matched with the pendant and ring of the same design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectra Fine Jewelry Emerald Diamond Romantic Chandelier Earrings
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The diamonds are bezel-set in an Art Deco style with milgrain, or mille-grain in French, which is a jewelry design technique where small beads or grains of metal are used to create b...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Bohemian Necklace Garnets Seed Pearls Gilt 830 Silver / 38 cm / 26.7 gr.
Located in SE
Bohemian ca. 1930s Austrian / Bohemian Garnet Necklace. Metal parts made of gilded or gold filled Silver. All blood Red Bohemian Garnets are rose cut, both prong and bezel set with...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold-filled, Silver
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.