Antique Edwardian Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This phenomenal Antique Edwardian old European diamond filigree shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Two Stone Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Two Stone Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This beautiful shield ring is crafted in platinim.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco old cut diamond shield ring is crafted in 14k white gold and...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Sterling Silver Marcasite Filigree Shield Ring Swirl Milgrain Size 9
Located in Addison, TX
Details: Era: Vintage Metal: Sterling Silver 925 Accent Stones: Marcasite Design: Shield-Shaped Statement Ring Setting Style: Openwork Filigree with Milgrain Detailing Ring Size...
Marcasite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Sapphire and Diamond Openwork Filigree Shield Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Evoking the romance of a bygone era, this magnificent Sapphire Engagement Ring features a captivating round-cut sapphire nestled within a grand, rectangular openwork shield.
Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$1,725Sale Price|25% Off
Art Nouveau Style Filigree Diamond Shield Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
One of our delicate, distinctive original filigree engagement rings. It displays the naturalistic, floral style of the Art Nouveau period. You will adore the feminine look and feel o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique shield ring. Sapphire pearl seed. 14k Filigree Open scroll ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Size: 8 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Sapphire Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Art deco Very beautiful Art Deco pearl seed and sapphire ring. Fil...
Antique Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Cocktail Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Cocktail Shield Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco old European cut diamond shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
14k Filigree diamond shield ring. 14k Vintage diamond ring. Open Work Diamond
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Materials: Gold Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Art deco Very beautiful diamond ring. Filigree open design shield with a center ...
Vintage 22K Granulated Filigree Navette Shield Ring in High-Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted in rich 22-karat gold, this vintage filigree navette ring showcases the exceptional hand-work and granulation detailing characteristic of traditional high-karat goldsmithing ...
Gold, 22k Gold
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Vintage Style Filigree 14K Yellow Gold Shield Ring
Located in Tysons, VA
Featuring a 0.12 carat emerald at the center and an ornate, vintage inspired design, this ring is fit for any outfit. The colorful center stone is accent by sparkling round cut white...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Green Emerald & Diamond Vintage Style Filigree 14K White Gold Shield Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Featuring a 0.12 carat emerald at the center and an ornate, vintage inspired design, this ring is fit for any outfit. The colorful center stone is accent by sparkling round cut white...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Shield ring. 14k white gold with diamonds and filigree open design.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1930s Size: 9 1/2 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Green Band Color: Silver Style: Art Deco Magnificent Diamond shield ring. Filigree 14k White gol...
White Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This incredible art deco shield ring is crafted in platinum and has old european cut diamonds set in a...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Carre Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Carre Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco old carre cut diamond filigree shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This beautiful shield ring has old european diamonds set in a gorgeous filigree art deco mounting.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous ring has old european cut diamonds in a gorgeous art deco mounting with very nice filigre...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
A gorgeous Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Shield Ring that features two beautiful old european cut diamonds set in a intricate platinum filigree mountings wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous art deco shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco filigree old European cut diamond shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond and Filigree Shield Ring. This incredible shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Diamond Filigree Shield Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Diamond Filigree Shield Ring - GIA. This incredible Art Deco old marquise diamond shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Old Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Old Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco shield ring is crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous art deco ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Ruby Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Ruby Filigree Shield Ring. This incredible shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Rose Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Rose Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This beautiful ring is crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum White Gold Old Mine Rose Cut Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum White Gold Old Mine Rose Cut Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous ring has a platinum top and 14K white gold shank.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This beautiful Antique Art Deco old cut diamond shield ring is crafted in 14k white gold and...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco White Gold Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring, circa 1930s
Located in Addison, TX
Description: Here is a beautiful piece crafted in 14 karat white gold with a .35 ct old european center stone! Additionally accent diamonds surround the center diamond in combinatio...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Beautiful Art Deco Platinum Aprox 1/2 Carat Center Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have an 1930's Art Deco Platinum aprox 1/2 cttw Old European Cut Diamond Shield Ring! The intricate filigree designs really tie together the look of this art deco stunner!
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Cocktail Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Cocktail Ring - GIA. This incredible Edwardian old cut diamond marquise filigree shield ring is crafted in platin...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring. This classic filigree shield ring features 3 old mine cut diamonds down the center of the rin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Platinum Shield Style Filigree Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This antique piece was handcrafted sometime during the Edwardian design period ( 1900-1920 ). This stunning filigree ring features approximately 0.50 carats of diamonds. Three centra...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Shield Cut Diamond Sapphire Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Shield Cut Diamond Sapphire Filigree Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Filigree Ruby Diamond Shield Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The center ruby holds a most desirable pure red color and surrounding a filigree shield of sparkling diamonds. We love the calibre cut ruby frame work, delicate millegrain, saw pierc...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Behemoth Antique Filigree Edwardian Diamond & Sapphire Shield Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Adorned with fabulous filigree, this ginormous antique Edwardian ring offers maximum finger coverage, sparkling with the luxurious old-world charm of the congruent Belle Epoque era.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 14 Karat White Gold Synthetic Ruby Shield Filigree Openwork Ring
Located in Addison, TX
An excellent example of a filigree fashion ring featuring vibrant red rubies!
Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Deco Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold Filigree Long Shield Dinner Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 18k white gold. Nine old mine cut diamonds total an estimated 0.60 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Deco Diamond Ring Platinum 18k Filigree Shield Dinner Jewelry 4 Pinky
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in platinum & 18 karat white gold. Three centrally mounted diamonds total an estimated 0.06 carats (estimat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Deco 3 Diamond Ring 18k Gold Platinum Filigree Shield Dinner Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 18 karat white gold and platinum. Three centrally mounted estimated 0.10 carat old European cut diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Filigree 18 Karat White Gold Shield Ring with Emerald Accents
Located in Addison, TX
Description: Here we have a classic Art Deco long shield style ring with filigree diamonds and emerald accents.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Aquamarine Filigree Cocktail Ring 14K White Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are truly in love with this exquisite ring! She just makes for the perfect statement piece. Ring Details Material: 14K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Length: 14....
Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Belais 18 Karat White Gold Filigree 1/4 Carat Diamond Shield Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a beautiful example of a 1920 Art Deco Belais white gold shield ring. The intricate filigree designs really tie together the look of this art deco stunner!
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring. This beautiful shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
1940s Diamond and Emerald Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
14 Karat White Gold Filigree Shield Ring Full of Intense and Delicate Filigree Scroll Design Features Diamonds and Emeralds Fits Ring Size 7, Resizable Center Diamond Details: Tra...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This incredible art deco diamond shield ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous filigree ring has 3 single cut diamonds on it with fine filigree work all over it.
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Old Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K White Gold Old Cut Diamond Filigree Shield Ring. This gorgeous antique cocktail ring is crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Filigree Old European Diamond Shield Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Simply put, this ring is Art Deco artistry at its finest. Intricate platinum filigree work is complemented by .75 carats of VS quality diamonds to create this dramatic shield style r...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Filigreed Shield Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: Platinum Ring Size: 4.5 Weight: 4.36 grams Shank Maximum Width: 2.00mm Ladies handmade filigreed platinum, diamond art-deco (1920-1930) cocktail ring ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Filigree Carved Three-Stone Shield Ring, circa 1930s
Located in Addison, TX
This lovely example of an Art Deco shield ring is crafted of 14K yellow gold. Intricate filigree designs surround 3 sparkling diamonds on this vintage beauty.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous Art Deco ring holds a centre diamond measuring 25pts and a total of 1carats worth of diamonds. Each Ruby measures 5pts and all stones are set in platinum. Ring Size: O...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond & Sapphire Cocktail Ring, Circa 1930
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Art deco platinum diamond and sapphire ring 18 old and 8/8 cut diamond total approx. 0.80 ctv G-I / VS-P, ring size 16.5 mm US size 6, weight 3 grams.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond, 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Five-Stone Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
In classic Art Deco style this five stone diamond ring is made up of squares and panels of platinum. The old European cut diamonds total 25pts and are set upon an open work gallery. ...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Pair of Antique Late 19th Century Pearl and Diamond Pendent Earrings
Located in OVIEDO, AS
A PAIR OF LATE 19TH CENTURY PEARL AND DIAMOND PENDENT EARRINGS From the top of each pearl suspending vertically set from three graduated old brilliant-cut diamonds suspending, appro...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Bombe Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back into the elegance of the Edwardian era with this stunning bombe/domed oval-shaped ring, designed to provide e...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Engagement Ring. 3TCW Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Ring J VS
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1930 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 3.00-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: J Color Primary ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.26 Carat Old European Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
GIA Certified 1.26 Carat Old European Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring GIA report number: 2235780806 Metal: Platinum Weight: 4.5 grams Diamond: 1.26 carat N VS1 European cut nat...
Diamond
LAMBERT BROTHERS 1925 Art Deco Ring In Platinum With European Cut Diamonds
By Lambert Brothers
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring designed by the Lambert Brothers. This beautiful antique ring, was created in America by The Lambert Brothers Co. during the Art deco period, between the 1925 and 1...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$8,800Sale Price|29% Off
Georgian Revival 0.93 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A most romantic Georgian style rose cut diamond engagement ring. The heart motif adorned with a delightful bow and centered by a charming, 0.93 carat antique diamond glimmering with ...
Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Platinum, 1920s Art Deco Three Stone Oval Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Oval Diamond Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1920s Step back into the elegance of the 1920s with this exquisite Art Deco diamond ring. Showcasing a stunning design, the ring f...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Diamond Marquise/Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian marquise/navette-shaped ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold, and adorned with a fantastic arrangement o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ring with 2.76 CTW in Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Step into the elegance of the Roaring Twenties with this exquisite Art Deco-era filigree ring, a stunning testament to the craftsmanship and opulence of the period. Crafted in lustro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Marquise Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring mounted in Platinum
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art Deco Marquise Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring mounted in Platinum. Ca.1925 Art Deco platinum ring starring an elegantly modeled marquise blue sapphire weighing 1.78 carats approx...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$2,112Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Rose Cut Diamond Ring of 14k and 18k Gold, Circa 1920
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Vintage Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Rhodium-Plated White Gold and 14k Yellow Gold A graceful blend of vintage elegance and contemporary craftsmanship, this two-tone ring fe...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Early 20th Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This stunning early 20th-century platinum vintage diamond ring features a timeless design with four Old European Cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, elegantly set down th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring Mined .87ct Original 1940's-1950's Platinum
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1940's-1950's Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring .87ct Cut Featuring a Genuine Natural Mined .75ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Center Nice Thick Shank...
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.
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.