1.84 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut K VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: This elegant vintage engagement ring showcases a stunning 1.76 carat circular brilliant cut
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1.84 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut K VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: This elegant vintage engagement ring showcases a stunning 1.76 carat circular brilliant cut
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.02ct Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring (I VS2)
Located in New York, NY
Title: Vintage 1.02ct Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring (I VS2) Style
Diamond, Platinum
1.23 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut F SI2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.23 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut F SI2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
2.25 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut K SI2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 2.25 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut K SI2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1.94 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut H VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.94 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut H VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1.17 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut J VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.17 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut J VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1.24 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut J-SI2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.24 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut J-SI2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
1.94 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut H VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.94 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut H VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement
Diamond, Platinum
2.23 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond 14K Gold/Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 2.23 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut O SI1 Diamond 14 Karat Two Tone Gold/Platinum Engagement
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
1.08 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Shape I-VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.08 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Shape I-VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style
Diamond, Platinum
1.36 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.36 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Shape K-SI2 Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Diamond, 14k Gold
1.86 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut G-I2 Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.86 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut G-I2 Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring Style: Art Deco Metal
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco pearl diamond ring in 18k gold, circular ring, Rose cut diamond, certif
Located in PARIS, FR
rose-cut diamonds. Rings from this period are also known as "target rings," referring to their circular
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$216,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5 Carat Circular Brilliant Old Cut Diamond Impressive Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
cut diamond. This exquisite 5-carat Circular Brilliant diamond showcases a E color grade
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1.16 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut and Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.16 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut F SI1 and Round Brilliant E VS1 Diamond Platinum
Diamond, Platinum
Solid 14k White Gold 1.2ctw Round Cut Diamond Cluster Triple Circular Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (52) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G/H Color - VS1-SI1
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1920 Art Deco .74 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.20 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details GIA
White Diamond, Platinum
1.99 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut G SI1 Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.99 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut G SI1 Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring Ring
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.27 Carat GIA Cert Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
sparkling GIA certified circular brilliant cut diamond that weighs 1.27ct. and is graded I color with VS2
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Circular Diamond Ruby White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Charming Ring in 14 kt White Gold Studded With Very Bright ct 2,80 Diamonds And Carre-Cut Rubies
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
1.92ct Circular Brilliant Diamond Platinum Vintage Wedding Ring (GIA)
Located in New York, NY
design centered around a 1.04-carat Circular Brilliant Cut diamond, graded I color and VS2 clarity and
Diamond, Platinum
2.39 Carat F-G-H VS Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Antique Circular Cut Ring
Located in New York, NY
feature rare Circular Brilliant Cuts of 0.74ct F VS2 and 0.88ct G VS1, framed by a 0.77ct H VS2 Round
Diamond, Platinum
Retro Diamond Ruby Platinum Vintage Circular Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This striking Retro-era platinum ring features a bold circular design centered by a half-moon cut
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 1.69ct F VS2 Diamond Platinum Circular Brilliant Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
stunning 1.51-carat Circular Brilliant Cut diamond graded F color and VS2 clarity by GIA, offering
Diamond, Platinum
2.11ct Circular Brilliant M SI2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA Estate
Located in New York, NY
Title: This vintage platinum engagement ring showcases a captivating 2.11-carat circular brilliant
Diamond, Platinum
3.01ct Circular Brilliant K VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA Vintage
Located in New York, NY
Title: This exquisite vintage platinum engagement ring features a stunning 3.01-carat circular
Diamond, Platinum
1.57 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut L SI2 Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Rin
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.57 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut L SI2 Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Ring Style
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.83 Carat Circular Brilliant and Baguette Shape Diamond Platinum Art-Deco Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.83 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut K VVS2 and Old European Cut I SI1 and Baguette Shape I SI1
Diamond, Platinum
1.70 Carat Circular Brilliant and Marquis Diamond 14K Gold/Plat Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Gemstone 1: 1.55 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: J Clarity: VVS2 Shape: Circular Brilliant Cut GIA
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18K White Gold Rectangular Black Onyx Circular Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Shank maximum width: 2.90 mm Weight: 6.14 grams 18K White Gold diamond and onyx antique cocktail ring
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Circular Cube 8K Gold and Oxidised Silver Ring with Champagne Diamonds
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
‘Cubicist’ is a bold vision of contemporary, industrial design that is edgy, elegant and luxurious. Here, Emre stages a meeting of contrasts to create jewellery that are as modern an...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Pave Circular Cube 8k Gold and Oxidised Silver Ring with Black Diamonds
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
‘Cubicist’ is a bold vision of contemporary, industrial design that is edgy, elegant and luxurious. Here, Emre stages a meeting of contrasts to create jewellery that are as modern an...
Black Diamond, Gold, Silver
18 Karat Pink and White Gold Emerald and Diamond Retro Cocktail Ring, circa 1940
Located in Zurich, CH
scroll motifs in white gold, decorated with 16 circular-cut diamonds, and the border enhanced with six
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Unavailable
David Webb Diamond Enamel Gold Platinum Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
upon a collet-set circular-cut diamond, ring size 6 1/4, has an inner horse shoe for easy downsizing
Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Unavailable
Pink sapphire and diamond ring
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
baguette cut diamond circular style cluster ring.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat Gold, Tourmaline and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
within a simple millegrained border of antique circular-cut diamonds, this ring presents an opportunity
Diamond, Tourmaline
Antique Art Deco, French, Platinum, Large Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Pink sapphire and diamond ring, circa 1925. Sri Lanka is the most historically famous source of
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Antique, Art Deco, French, Platinum, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
openwork mount sparkling with pavé-set antique circular-cut diamonds. A brilliant statement ring that
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco, 18 Carat White Gold Rare Natural Purple Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
heat treatment, it sits between a beautifully matched pair of early 20th century circular-cut diamonds
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Unavailable
Gold Aquamarine Abstract Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Made in 18k yellow gold and set with an abstractly cut aquamarine and circular cut diamonds. This
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold
RENE BOIVIN. A jade and diamond jabot pin.
By René Boivin
Located in London, GB
of circular-cut diamonds, suspending three interconnecting jade rings, circa 1935, French assay marks
Diamond, Jade, Platinum, 18k Gold
1920s Art Deco 3.80 Carat Old Cut Cushion Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A beautiful Art Deco Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring, ca. 1920s The central old-cut cushion
Diamond, Platinum
Gorgeous 1.85 Carat Circular Cut Diamond Platinum Sapphire Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Elegant platinum 1.85 carat center circular cut diamond surrounded with sapphire weighing 0.75
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco GIA Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco GIA Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring. Featuring a GIA certified
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage GIA 2.89 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
unique vintage ring showcases a stunning 2.89-carat circular brilliant cut diamond, certified by GIA
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.35 Carat Circular Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Karat in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
GIA Certified 18k White Gold 2.35ctw Circular Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Raymond Lee Jewelers in
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 2.18 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Karat In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
GIA 18k White Gold 2.18ctw Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Center Details: GIA
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century funky coral diamond 18k yellow gold circular ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamonds in a unique circular design, blending bold and timeless elegance from the 1950s. Center stone
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Pink and White Gold Diamond Retro Cocktail Ring circa 1940s
Located in Zurich, CH
weight of circular-cut diamonds: circa 0.4 carats Ring size: EU 58 / US 8.5 Total weight: 11.9 grams
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
1.43 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This original vintage circular-cut diamond filigree engagement ring features a 1.43 carat center
Diamond, Platinum
1880s Victorian Yellow Gold GIA Certified Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 9 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 1.7 grams Center Diamond
White Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
.90 Carat Natural Round Cut Diamonds Wide Men's Ring 14 Karat Signet Circular
Located in New York, NY
Men's Circular Signet Beaded Round cut diamonds Ring. .90ct. natural rounds cuts, bead set. Vs
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Sapphires Emeralds Stone Rose Gold and Silver Circular Shape Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver, circular shape all studded with diamonds 2.59 ct
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18 Karat Gold Custom Cut Burma Ruby Baguette Diamond Art Deco Style Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold custom cut burma ruby baguette diamond art deco circular ring. Art Deco Style, color
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Custom Cut Burma Ruby Baguette Diamond Art Deco Style Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold custom cut burma ruby baguette diamond art deco circular ring. Art Deco Style, color
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
art deco 1.80 carat circular cut diamond gold platinum ring
Located in Paris, IDF
A pink gold and platinum geometrical ring set with an approximatively 1.80 carats diamond
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Diamond Half Eternity Ring in Circular Style Rub Over Collar Set Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
eternity ring that sparkles across the whole of the finger with 12 Modern Brilliant Cut Diamonds in a
Diamond, Yellow Gold
HEMMERLE Gray Diamond Ring
By Hemmerle
Located in Greenwich, CT
A circular cut gray diamond single stone ring, in a sandblasted white gold plain bezel set mount
Diamond, White Gold
Antique, Edwardian, 18ct Gold and Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Ruby and diamond ring, circa 1900. Centring on three antique circular-cut diamonds against a
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
A diamond and gold flower ring by Chanel
By Chanel
Located in Greenwich, CT
An circular-cut and pave-set diamond flower ring, the circular flowerhead with two tiered petals
Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
lively deep pinkish rubies spaced with two circular-cut diamonds. Five stone rings are both traditional
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Gold Parure
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
circular-cut rubies and round brilliant diamonds ring size K, earrings with post and hinged back fittings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat Gold, French, Natural Pearl and Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
circular-cut diamonds, the centrepiece of this ring is an oval natural saltwater pearl of superb quality
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold
Real Natural 2 Carat Ct GIA Round Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Gold 1
Located in New York, NY
Stunning approx. 2 Carat natural round brilliant diamond hidden halo engagement ring in 14k yellow gold. The center diamond is natural and comes with a GIA certificate report. An app...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Circa 1920s GIA 2.58ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2235467044 Weight: 2.58ct total weig...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.25ctw Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
A stunning Art Deco engagement ring in luxurious platinum. Featuring a central European cut diamond, weighing 1.82 carats, with a K color grade and VS1 clarity. The primary stone is...
Diamond, Platinum
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined tribute to antique elegance, this exceptional engagement ring centers around a GIA-certified 1.01 carat Old Mine Brilliant Cut diamond, celebrated for its romantic faceting...
Diamond, Platinum
1.90 Carat Antique Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautifully classic ring, boasts a 1.90 carat antique cushion cut diamond surrounded by elegant claw prongs, atop a gallery with four round brilliant cut diamonds and circular d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 1910s 2.17 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a GIA certified Old European cut Diamond at the center weighing 2.17 carats, K color, VS1 clarity, GIA #14591642. The ring also features filigree det...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Art Deco 2.20 carat old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring, circa 1930s. Are you looking for a truly unique and stunning engagement ring that will stand the test of time...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.02 Carat European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagment Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
A captivating engagement ring featuring a 2.02 carat European cut diamond of VS2 clarity with I color. The diamond is elegantly set in a detailed mounting, highlighting its exquisit...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum, circa 1910
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This gorgeous Edwardian engagement ring, crafted circa 1910 in platinum, is a divine piece of jewelry that embodies the elegance and delicacy of the era. At its heart is a rare 1.85-...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Art Deco 3.24ctw Old European Diamond Engagement Antique Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage GIA Art Deco 3.24ctw Old European and Baguette Diamond Engagement Antique Platinum Ring. By 1917 the very beginnings of Art Deco were underway ... Along with Edwardian engage...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Platinum Art Deco Antique Step Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#32
Located in Hicksville, NY
1920s Platinum Art Deco Antique Step Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#32 Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8grams Ce...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Classic Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Classic Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous antique Art Deco old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s GIA 1.67ct Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.9 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:6234413471 Weight: 1.67ct total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Diamond French Cut Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Diamond French Cut Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible antique engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ring features a beautiful w...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Art Deco old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ring features a gor...
Diamond, Platinum
2.11 Carat Old European Cut K I1 Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 2.11 Carat Old European Cut K I1 Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring Style: Art Deco Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 2.11 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: K Clarity: I1 Shape: ...
Diamond, Platinum
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.
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.