$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian Platinum 1.26ctw GIA European Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This is a gorgeous antique engagement ring that was crafted from solid platinum during the Edwardian period.
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Style 1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
An gorgeous Edwardian Ring featuring a 1.00 Carat Natural F, I-1 Center Diamond surrounded by 0.45 Carats of Yellow Diamond and 0.66 Carats of White Diamonds set in Platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum .56ct Old Cut Bezel Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring Width: 5.9mm (0.23") (top of the ring - north to south) - 1.5mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 4.7mm rise off the finger Condition: Antique Edwardian.
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 3.50 Carat Sapphire and 0.75ct Diamond Platinum Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Pierced, millegrain-edged galleries run beneath the diamonds, a hallmark of Edwardian platinum work, when jewelers used the metal's strength to cut filigree so fine it reads almost a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique French Stamped Platinum, Edwardian era Cabochon Coral & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Coral Ring Platinum French Stamped Circa 1910 Step into elegance with this exquisite Edwardian-era ring, showcasing a stunning round cabochon natural coral at its centre.
Coral, Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1900, 1.00 Ct Total
Located in Napoli, IT
Edwardian Sensual and sinuous ballerina design ring, Platinum hand crafted as unique, 1900 ca Fine openwork with a timeless Edwardian design, set with vertical trio of Diamonds encir...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum 1.07ctw GIA Old Diamond Buckle Style Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid .850+ Platinum Weight: 3.58 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Platinum, Edwardian 2 Carat Diamond Upfinger Oval Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Oval Diamond Ring Platinum Circa 1910 A breathtaking example of Edwardian elegance, this antique diamond ring is crafted in luxurious platinum and dates to the early 20th...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Dome Ring. 1.70 TCW Diamond Geometric Engagement Ring I SI2
Located in New York, NY
Origin: France Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Material: Platinum This exceptional antique Edwardian ring, handcrafted in France circa 1900, features five old mine cut diamonds arran...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Unique Engagement Ring. 0.9ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Swirl Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Era: Edwardian Era Material: Platinum Ring Size: 5.5, resizable at no extra cost The centerpiece of this antique Edwardian engagement ring is a GIA-certified 0.90-carat old European...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Tablet Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely diamond tablet ring dating back to the Edwardian period.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1.00 carat diamond 14k yellow gold and platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Edwardian diamond ring is a refined antique design from the 1910’s, featuring 3 old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat in total.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Natural Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Natural Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Aquamarine, Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 An exceptional antique aquamarine ring dating to circa 1910, featuring a magnificent large emerald-cut aquamarine in a...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped, Edwardian Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning Edwardian diamond daisy ring, crafted from 18ct yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 18k Gold & Platinum Diamond Openwork Cluster Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Altrincham, GB
This stunning antique cluster ring is a gorgeous example of platinum millegrain openwork design. Five old cut diamonds rest in the centre of the head, half a carat total, and are sur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1.53 Carat GIA Cert Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous platinum engagement ring from the Edwardian era, is centered with a sparkling GIA certified old European cut diamond that weighs 1.53ct. and is graded J color with VS2 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Natural Old Mine Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Natural Old Mine Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Ring. Elongated Platinum 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Era: Edwardian Era Material: Platinum on 18k yellow gold Ring Size: 8.25, resizable to any finger size at no extra cost The centerpiece of this elegant Edwardian ring is a cushion c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold
Edwardian 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Born in the twilight of the Edwardian era, circa 1910, this ring captures the period's love affair with light and lace-like metalwork.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$15,196Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian Platinum 3.1ctw Old European Cut Diamond Bezel Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Carat Weight: 3.1 (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Weight: 6.31 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Diamond Twist Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Twist Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 This beautiful 18ct gold and platinum ring boasts a timeless twist style, featuring three stunning diamonds. The diamonds ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Five-Stone Ring, 0.80ct Diamond, 1.60ct Sapphire
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional Edwardian five-stone ring is a beautifully balanced jewel from the 1910’s, centered by an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.80 carat.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum and 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Knuckle Duster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Edwardian-era platinum and 14K yellow gold diamond knuckle duster ring is a true statement piece.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
.36 Carat Diamond Platinum Band Edwardian Deco*
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Edwardian Deco band .36ct. Natural round cut brilliant natural diamonds Bead set diamonds, by hand.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Edwardian Old Mine Cushion Diamond Platinum on Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Exquisite Diamond Platinum on Gold Vintage Edwardian Cluster Ring.
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Dome Filigree Ring. 1.40ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring KVS2
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum circa 1900, the Bohemia Ring is a beautiful example of Edwardian craftsmanship, showcasing the era's celebrated use of delicate filigree and refined diamond d...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Diamond Toi et Moi Ring 18ct Gold Platinum Edwardian Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Toi et Moi Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 This beautiful 18ct gold and platinum ring boasts a timeless toi et moi style, featuring two stunning c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 0.55ct Diamond Engagement Ring Vintage Platinum Bridal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian diamond engagement ring (circa 1900s to 1910s) crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Platinum and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A stunning Edwardian diamond solitaire ring. The beautiful old European cut diamond measure approximately 50 points and has a clarity of SI2, it set in platinum with pretty platinum ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Wedding Engagement Ring Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Antique Art Deco - Edwardian Diamond Ring in Platinum with a spectacular .20 Carat Old European Cut Diamond of gorgeous F-G-H color (white!)
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Style Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring, 0.87 Carat
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian style diamond solitaire ring, set with a 0.87 carat, Edwardian-cut diamond in a crown claw setting, with three, old-cut diamonds, in grain settings, in each shoulder, wi...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
A refined example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, this Edwardian ring (circa 1900s) is beautifully crafted in 18kt yellow gold with platinum accents.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian era Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1910 A truly exquisite Edwardian era sapphire and diamond ring, crafted in rich 18ct gold and platinum and datin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
1910 Edwardian Platinum .40 Carat Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.2 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Old European Brilliant Carat Weight: .40 carat Color: I Clarity: SI2 Side St...
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Low Profile Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Low Profile Engagement Ring - GIA.
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G-H, Clarity: VS-SI Tested As: 18ct Gold & Platinum Period: Edwardian Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Cross Over Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This fancy cross over ring has lots of detail and set within illusion settings are two diamonds. The diamonds total 10pts. The stones are set in platinum and the ring is modelled in ...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Edwardian diamond synthetic sapphire 18k yellow gold platinum navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This navette ring channels the era's fascination with elegant, elongated lines with its elongated silhouette beloved by Edwardian designers. 18 karat yellow gold and platinum come to...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely diamond navette ring dating back to the Edwardian period.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$920Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian 5 Diamonds Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: 1910's Style: Edwardian Metal: 18Kt Gold & Platinum Stone: natural Diamonds Ring size: 10 (resizable).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
$4,680Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian Platinum GIA 1.56ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid .850+ Platinum Weight: 4.72 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Persian Turquoise Ring Rose Cut Diamond Halo Platinum Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
An Antique Edwardian Ring with a gorgeous Persian Turquoise cabochon of stunning beauty.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Diamond Filigree Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Diamond Filigree Three Stone Ring.
Diamond, Platinum
$7,988Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian Platinum GIA 2.09ctw Old Diamond Buckle Sides Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Carat Weight: 2.09 (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Weight: 4.49 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Cross Over Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This fancy cross over ring has lots of detail and set within the platinum settings are two diamonds. The diamonds measure 35pts each. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold. Ring Size: ...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
1910 Edwardian GIA 1.23 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 9.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.7 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 1186258367 Shape: Old European Brilliant Ca...
White Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 1.50 Carat Engagement Ring. Old Euro Cut Diamond Platinum Ring I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Era: Edwardian Era Material: Platinum Ring Size: Resizable to any finger size at no extra cost The centerpiece of this delicate Edwardian cluster ring is a 1.50-carat old European c...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Era 2 CTW Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are in love with this Edwardian era beauty!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Edwardian 1900 - 1920 Head Width: 20.5mm Head Height: 4.6mm Shank Width: 2.1mm Weight: 6.8 Grams...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian European Diamond 14K Gold Platinum Antique Butterfly Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 0.55 carat - H color with VS2 clarity Bead set in a platinum-topped square form head with a milgrain surround Accented by a pierced pro...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian Platinum 0.84ctw Old European & Old Single Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Carat Weight: 0.84(approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Weight: 3.71 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian GCS Certified Natural Pearl & Diamond Trilogy Ring, Platinum
Located in Poole, GB
Edwardian natural saltwater pearl and diamond trilogy ring, set with a certified natural saltwater pearl measuring approximately 5.5–5.6mm between two old European-cut diamonds weigh...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Edwardian 1.04 Carat Old European Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.2 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Brilliant Cut Carat Weight: 1.04 Carat Color: K Clarity: VS1 Side Ston...
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Oval Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Oval Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Diamond Marquise / Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian-era diamond ring, a stunning piece crafted in 18ct gold and platinum that emb...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Style Ruby Solitaire Ring in Handmade Diamond-Set Platinum Mount
By Sebastien Barier
Located in New York, NY
An Edwardian style ring set with an oval ruby in a handmade pavé diamond mounting in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Edwardian J.E. Caldwell Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian J.E. Caldwell Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Edwardian Elongated Diamond And Sapphire Ring. Old European Cut Platinum Ring.
Located in New York, NY
Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Material: Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7.5 Resizing: Can be resized at no extra cost.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
1910 Edwardian Platinum Navette Shape Two-Stone Citrine and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.1 grams Color Stone Details: Type: Citrine Carat Weight: 1.00 Carat, each (2.00 Carat, total weight) Color: Amber...
Citrine, White Diamond, Platinum
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian 14k Gold & Platinum 0.42ct Diamond Buttercup Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Color - 0.42ct (approx.) (4) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Rose Cut - Pave Set - Nice Bril...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches 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.
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.