Art Deco Round Diamond & Calibre Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Ring, circa 1920s Round-cut center stone of 1.35 carats with color J-K
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Art Deco Round Diamond & Calibre Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Ring, circa 1920s Round-cut center stone of 1.35 carats with color J-K
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Art-Deco Style Double Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art-Deco Style Double Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Ring. A pair of European-cut diamonds, together
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Calibre Cut Cabochon Sapphire & Diamond Heart Invisible Set Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (15) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Calibre Cut Cabochon - Invisible Set - Deep Blue
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Calibre Cut Sapphire and Diamond Slightly Domed Band Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This handsome, classic style platinum ring is set with one row of deep blue calibre cut sapphire
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.29 Carat Calibre Sapphire Diamond Platinum Domed Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1940's late Art Deco Diamond and sapphire late Art Deco engagement ring. GIA certified center round
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18k Gold 1.35ctw Fancy Brown Diamond & Calibre Sapphire Antique Style Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
/H Color - VS1-SI1 Clarity - 0.75ctw (approx.) Numerous Natural Genuine Sapphires - French Calibre
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum 5.00 Ct Aquamarine, Diamond & Calibre-Cut Sapphire Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
by a dramatic double halo of diamonds and calibre-cut sapphires. The aquamarine displays a bright
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Original Antique Art Deco Diamond Five Stone and Calibre Sapphire Ring, 1920s
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Original Antique Art-Deco Diamond Five Stone and Calibre Sapphire Ring 1920s Mounted and tested in
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18k White Gold 1.17ctw Old Diamond Square Calibre Ruby & Sapphire Target Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
White Color - 0.16ctw (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Sapphires & Rubies - Calibre Cut - Blue & Red
Sapphire, Ruby, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Unusual Art Deco Yellow Sapphire with Calibre Amythests
Located in New York, NY
Unusual Elegant French Art Deco Ring with Calibre Cut Amythests and Cushion Cut Yellow Sapphire
Amethyst, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Platinum Round Brilliant Diamond and Calibre Cut Blue Sapphire Band
Located in New York, NY
sapphires, set in a sleek platinum band. Some minor chips on sapphires. Weight: 4 grams Stone: Sapphire
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
.54 Carat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Art Deco Calibre Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Late Art Deco 1940's sapphire and diamond ring. 2 square shaped sapphires set sideways in a
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable
Calibre Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
royal blue, triangle-cut sapphires (synthetic, but entirely original to the ring an the period), leading
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Calibre Cut Sapphire and Platinum Ring
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
This elegant Art Deco Diamond and Calibre Cut Sapphire ring is set in the centre with three
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Mid-Century 1.43 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Calibré Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
featuring twenty bright blue calibré cut sapphires. Fine, swirling detailing the gallery leads to slim white
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Natural Marquese Platinum Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Fabulous Art Deco natural calibre sapphire and diamond Marquee diamond and diamond marquee shaped
Diamond, Blue Sapphire
Art Deco Platinum .71 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Calibré Cut Sapphires
Located in Brooklyn, NY
center stone. Materials: platinum, .71ct transitional cut diamond (G-H/VS1), 10 calibré cut sapphires, 6
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Style Platinum Calibre Cut Sapphire Ring With 0.70 Carat Diamond GIA
By Valérie Danenberg
Located in PARIS, FR
bewitching and sparkling design. This ring is enhanced by its first row of caliber cut sapphires surrounded
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Style Platinum Calibre Cut Sapphire Ring With 0.75 Ct Diamond GIA CERT
By Valérie Danenberg
Located in PARIS, FR
Inspired by the beauty of the greatest queens of France, the Victorine double band engagement ring
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
A Coral, Calibré Cut Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Dress Ring.
Located in Amsterdam, NL
cut rubies, emerald and sapphires, the pierced mount set with single cut (8/8) diamonds. Ring size 6.5
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable
.80 Carat Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in McLean, VA
weighing approximately .33 ct. total weight and 10 calibre cut sapphires. Ring has nicely preserved
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Portland, ME
Art Deco platinum diamond and sapphire engagement ring. The open work setting is set with one GIA
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.14ct Transitional Cut Diamond & Sapphire Henrietta Ring
Located in London, GB
) 0.14ct Mixed Single Cut Diamonds Calibre Cut Sapphires Ring Size: UK: L US: 5.75
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Colorful Faceted Emerald & Calibre Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Faceted Emerald invisibly set with sumptuous graduated Calibre Cut Sapphires Set in 18kt
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Diamond Calibré Cut Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
cut diamonds wrapped in a winding ribbon of channel-set calibré-cut sapphires. The shoulders of the
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Elegant Diamond and Calibre Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
Geometric design and bold, contrasting color define this diamond and sapphire ring. A 1.22 carat
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Calibre Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
calibre cut natural sapphires of excellent royal blue color and a row of old rose cut diamonds. The back
Diamond, Sapphire
Art Deco Calibre Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Art Deco Diamond and Calibre Blue Sapphire 18K Gold with Detailed Platinum Design Engagement Ring
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond and Calibré Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco three stone cushion-cut diamond ring with a calibré sapphire surround, in 18k gold and
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Hancocks 2.04ct Carat Old-Cut Diamond Ring with Calibre-Cut Sapphire Shoulders
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
European brilliant cut diamond with GIA certificate Calibre cut sapphires weighing a total of 0.50 Carats
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Hancocks 2.50 Carat Old-Cut Diamond Ring with Calibre-Cut Sapphire Shoulders
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
2.50 Carat I VS1 old European brilliant cut diamond with GIA certificate Calibre cut sapphires
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Hancocks 1.75 Old European Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring Calibre-Cut Sapphire Band
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
decorated with sapphires between shoulders set with calibre-cut sapphires, all to a highly ornate platinum
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique French Early Art Deco Calibre Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
European diamond (5.3 x 4.05 mm, approximately 0.75 ct) framed by calibre cut synthetic blue sapphires and
Diamond
Art Deco Style Diamond and Blue Sapphire Calibre Cut 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
diamonds are surrounded by a contrasting halo of calibre cut square and tapered keystone blue sapphires
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond and Blue Sapphire Calibre Cut 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
. 26 calibre cut blue sapphires weigh 1.07 carats. Hallmarked, “AU 750 D0.96 S1.07”. Face of ring
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hancocks 5.03 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Ring with Tapering Calibre Set Sapphire
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
within a sapphire-set gallery between narrow, elegantly tapered calibre set sapphire shoulders all to a
GIA 1.60 Carat Old Oval Diamond French Calibre Sapphire Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
. Looks like 2.5ct! The ring could be worn as an Engagement ring or beautiful and unique Wedding
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Ring, circa 1920
Located in Aspen, CO
Platinum, diamond and sapphire ring, the 26 calibre cut natural bright blue sapphires surround the
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 3-Stone Ring in Platinum
Located in Houston, TX
Art Deco three-stone ring in platinum with diamonds and a sapphire. There is one round sapphire
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Filigree and Blue Cocktail Statement Dinner Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
breathtaking set of three bright white diamonds, and accented with two beautiful blue calibre sapphires. This
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Calibré Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
An intricate and bold ring with 20 square & calibré-cut sapphires (appx. 2.10 cts) and round
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1920s Calibre Sapphire European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
, approx. total weight, .15ct. H, VS 21 Calibre cut sapphires, 1mm Width at top: 13.1mm Height at top
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Style Diamond and Blue Sapphire Calibre Cut 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
. 26 calibre cut blue sapphires weigh 1.07 carats. Hallmarked, "750” for 18 karat gold. Face of ring
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond and Blue Sapphire Calibre Cut 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
. 26 calibre cut blue sapphires weigh 1.07 carats. Hallmarked, "750” for 18 karat gold. Face of ring
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond and Blue Sapphire Calibre Cut 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
surrounded by a contrasting halo of calibre cut square and tapered keystone blue sapphires. The diamond
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco style platinum Pink Sapphire and 1.12 ct. Diamond Marquise-Shaped Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
-shaped cluster ring Gemstones Pink Sapphires: 6 calibré-cut, 0.30 carats , treatment not indicated
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
2.86carat Beautiful Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
twenty-four seamlessly set scissor-cut calibre sapphires. Both the diamond and sapphires are set inside
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.28 Carat Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Art Deco Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
diamonds and on the four corners with calibre-cut natural sapphires. The inner diamond-set section is
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Calibre Cut Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in New York, NY
Calibre cut Sapphire and Diamond unusual style ring set in Platinum
Art Deco 1930s Calibre Cut Sapphire Diamond Platinum Buckle Ring
Located in New York, NY
Calibre Cut Sapphires Weighing Approximately .75 Cts. This Geometric Ring Is Also Embellished With
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1.63 Carat Natural Fancy Yellow & Calibre Sapphire Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
-cut sapphires. The ring is finished with delicate milgraining, gracefully cinched diamond-set
.93 Carat Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Art Deco Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
encircled by deep blue calibre sapphires set atop a splendidly detailed platinum and diamond mounting
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.18 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring with Calibre Sapphires
Located in San Francisco, CA
blue (minuscule) calibre sapphires, outlined in turn by small glittering white diamonds. Sleek diamond
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 1.00 Carat Old Cut Diamond Calibre Cut Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
shank. Utterly enchanting. Cut – Old mine / miner cut diamond and calibre cut sapphires. Colour
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Calibre Cut Sapphire And Diamond Platinum Dinner Ring
Located in New York, NY
platinum and old european cut diamond dinner band ring consisting of numerous custom cut calibre
Art Deco 3.10 Carat Calibre Sapphires Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
encircled on top with a row of royal blue calibre sapphires. Few come as fine or as fabulous as this
Diamond, Platinum
1.95 Carat G-VS1 Art Deco Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
, masterfully and artfully hand crafted in platinum, diamonds and calibre sapphires - circa 1925. This ring
Diamond, Platinum
1.15 Carat Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Edwardian Engagement Rin
Located in San Francisco, CA
accented with a pair under-lapping french-cut calibre sapphires at top and bottom. A splendid original
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
.69 Carat Emerald-Cut Art Deco Style Diamond and Calibre Sapphire Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Deco style home recently crafted in 18K white gold, royal blue calibre sapphires and small full-cut
Art Deco 3 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
brilliant cut Diamonds Calibré Sapphires RING SIZE 6.25 US MEASUREMENTS Head: 1.7 x 1.4cm Width of band
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
4.50 Carat Diamonds and Sapphires French Antique Ring
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
4.50 Carats Diamonds and Sapphires French Antique Ring Very beautiful ring, called "Toi et moi
Diamond, Platinum
1.75 Carat Edwardian Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
set with accent diamonds throughout the ring and sapphire calibre around the center diamond
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Calibre Cut Sapphire And Fancy Square Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
unsual twist design art deco ring embellished by 10 custom cut calibre cut beautiful color
Oval Sapphires South Sea Pearls Dangle Drop Earrings 3 Carats 18K White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White gold drop earrings featuring 6 oval Sapphires weighing 3.00 carats and two South Sea Pearls measuring 11-12 mm.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Pair of 18K Yellow Gold Tiffany Bands with Cabochon Rubies and Sapphires
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This tailored pair of vintage Tiffany & Company matching 18K yellow gold bands, set with fine quality natural rubies and blue sapphires, are an unusual offering from the maker. The ...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamonds Ring 3.50CT 18Karat White Gold Fine Modern Party Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This statement-making white gold ring is a true testament to the artistry of jewelry design. Crafted from 18k white gold, it features bold settings of round and baguette diamonds tha...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.79 in L 1.3 in
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Platinum Natural Diamond Ribbon Bow Pin Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Baltimore, MD
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Platinum Natural Diamond Ribbon Bow Pin Brooch Metal: Platinum Weight: 6.51 grams Diamonds: Approx. 2.00 CTW F-G VS natural round diamonds Dimensions: 33 x 20m...
Diamond, Platinum
$5,512Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamonds 1.87 cts 18 Karat White Gold Anniversary Half Band Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This 18K white gold anniversary ring features a timeless design with sparkling baguette diamonds set in a channel setting. The half-band design makes it perfect for everyday wear and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co Cabochon Emerald Brooch A Tiffany & Co. brooch that converts to a pendant, set with 12 round-cut diamonds and a cabochon emerald. Approximate Length: 1.50" Metal Type:...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Gorgeous Art Deco Vintage Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring Wedding Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
So so gorgeous! This special sparkly Art Deco antique is really a sight to behold! Crafted in Platinum, this antique style of ring features an intricate Deco openwork further studded...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Plat GIA European Diamond & Emerald Milgrain Etched Domed Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a truly magnificent and gorgeous art deco period engagement ring that is crafted in solid platinum featuring a stunning circular brilliant (old European) cut diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$20,800Sale Price|39% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.65ct Sapphire & Diamonds Three-Stone Ring Platinum
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern three-stone GIA certified Ceylon sapphire and diamonds ring. A very lively sapphire with hard to find elongated epaulet diamonds. High jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Style Certified Square Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This one of a kind handmade made art deco style ring features a GIA certified Ceylon sapphire weighing 1.63cts. Sapphire is mounted in a bezel setting and is surrounded by baguette a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous Santa Maria color emerald cut aquamarine is the centerpiece of this handcrafted platinum engagement ring. The aquamarine weighing 1.16 carats is embellished with 6 bright ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
1948 Ring natural 2ct. Sapphire 0.6 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/2.7gr
Located in SE
Three Stone Cluster Ring set with sort of transitional bezel and claw setting with oval cut natural Blue Sapphire accented with 2 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum claws on solid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
$8,389Sale Price / set|30% Off
W 0.55 in L 1.77 in
Art Deco 1930 Dangle Earrings In Platinum With 10.52 Ctw In Diamonds & Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco platinum dangle earrings Magnificent antique dangle drop earrings, created in America during the art deco period, back in the 1930. This beautiful pair was carefully cra...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Platinum Stamped, Three Row Diamond Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Three Row Diamond Band Platinum Stamped Circa 1930s This exquisite ring is a true masterpiece of the 1930s. Crafted in platinum and stamped for authenticity, it features three ro...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful 1920s antique cocktail ring with classic Art Deco styling is centred by a chunky-faceted Old European 85 point (approx) diamond of J/K color and SI2 clarity. The delightf...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Ring 1.75ct natural Blue-Green Zircon solid 18K White Gold ØUS3.5 /2.8gr
Located in SE
Ring featuring natural Zircon Ø 6.75 mm x 5 mm deep / ca. 1.75 ct / old European diamond cut , of vibrant Bluish Green color. Band with openwork shoulders in solid 18K White Gold . S...
Zircon, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.
Whether or not a sapphire ring is a good investment will depend upon a range of factors such as condition, rarity and more. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. (Kashmir is the birthplace of the most famous sapphires.) According to the Geological Institute of America, the stones from this mountainous region on the India-Pakistan border display a potent combination of a rich, intense blue color and a soft and velvety appearance.
Sapphires can be colorless, or white, although examples are very rare, since the corundum from which they are formed has to have been untouched by any other element. Non-blue colored sapphires are referred to as “fancy sapphires” and can be pink, purple, orange, yellow or green. The rarest, and the most valuable, fancy sapphire is the pinkish-orange padparadscha (from the Sinhalese word for “lotus blossom”).
Determining the value of any collectible depends upon a variety of aspects. In the case of assessing the value of an antique or vintage sapphire ring, as with other gems, the 4Cs are crucial. The 4Cs is the grading system established by the GIA to determine how precious stones are evaluated. The 4Cs are color, clarity, cut and carat weight. The most desirable cut is the one that shows to best advantage the particular stone’s individual combination of color, clarity, and brilliance.
At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Buyers should keep in mind that the value of any investment is subject to fluctuation, and any investment decisions should be made according to the guidance of a financial advisor. Find a range of antique and vintage sapphire rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.