Asscher Cut Aquamarine Ring. 1.20ct Aquamarine Round Diamond Engagement ring
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Secondary Stones: Diamonds Aquamarine Weight: Approx 1.20 Carats Total Diamond Weight: Approx 0.40 Carats Aquamarine Cut: Asscher Cut Dia...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
GIA Report Certified Art Deco 2.19 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold, in the Art Deco style.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Amethyst Ring. 2.40ct Round Amethyst Diamond Accent Ring 14k
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Amethyst Center Amethyst Weight: Approximately 2.40 Carats Center Amethyst Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Baguette Cut Stone S...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Late Deco Diamond Full Eternity Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
There is a total of 3.00 carats in this wonderful deco eternity ring. The diamonds are transitional cut diamonds, which are hand cut stones, and there are 20 of them in total. They a...
Diamond, Platinum
Fishel, Nessler & Co Chalcedony Art Deco Cocktail Solitaire Ring 925 Vintage Sz5
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Brand: Fishel, Nessler & Co. Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: Sterling Silver Stone Information Natural Chalcedony Cut: Round Cabochon Color: Green Style:...
Chalcedony
Late Deco 0.70ct Diamond Solitaire ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Classic in it’s design, this is this Late Deco solitaire features a 0.70 carat round brilliant diamond. The diamond has been graded as an F in colour and SI2 in clarity and has been...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,197Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Inspired 14 Karat with Diamonds Ring with Hand Engraving
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco inspired 14k with diamonds ring with hand engraving, containing diamonds weighing diamonds 12round .45pts., the ring is a size 6.75 and can be sized to fit for free. the ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1 CT Round Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Wedding Ring Bridal Ring Gift .
Located in Chicago, IL
1 CT Round Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Wedding Ring Bridal Ring Gift . Main Stone Moissanite Material 925 Sterling Silver, Gemstone A P P R O X T I M E All items are ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Aquamarine White Gold Ring. 1.60ct Round Aquamarine Engagement Ring 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.60 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.20...
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Art Deco Diamond, 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Cross Over Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The cross over style ring is a classic style and very wearable. This one in particular has three diamond measuring a total of approximately 30pts. They are set in platinum illusion s...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Round Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Promise Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Round Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Promise Ring. A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order. Our approx time is about 6 - 10 business day...
Sterling Silver
Delicate Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Round Cut Ring Anniversary Gift .
Located in Chicago, IL
Delicate Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Round Cut Ring Anniversary Gift . A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order. Our approx time is about 6 - 10 business days...
Sterling Silver
Marquise & Round Cut Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Flower Eternity Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Marquise & Round Cut Moissanite Ring 925 Sterling Silver Flower Eternity Ring. A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order. Our approx time is about 6 - 10 business day...
Sterling Silver
Round Shaped Moissanite Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Hidden Halo Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Round Shaped Moissanite Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Hidden Halo Ring. A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order. Our approx time is about 6 - 10 business days...
Sterling Silver
Solitaire Engagement Ring 2 CT Round Moissanite Wedding Ring Anniversary Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Solitaire Engagement Ring 2 CT Round Moissanite Wedding Ring Anniversary Gift. A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order. Our approx time is about 6 - 10 business da...
Sterling Silver
Moissanite Marquise and Round Eternity Ring 925 Sterling Silver Unique Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Marquise and Round Eternity Ring 925 Sterling Silver Unique Ring. Main Stone Moissanite Material 925 Sterling Silver A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made ...
Sterling Silver
Round Aquamarine Ring. 1.10ct Aquamarine Diamond Accent Ring 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.10 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Center Aquamarine Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Diamond Secon...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
1.10 Carat Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Round Aquamarine Diamond Ring 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.10 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Center Aquamarine Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Diamond Secon...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Art Deco Style Diamond Milgrain Shield Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Channeling the grand glamour of the Jazz Age, this vintage statement shield ring captures Art Deco style architectural elegance through dramatic openwork and intricate texture.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Deco 1.35 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Splendidly representing the Art Deco era is this tasteful solitaire ring set with a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.35 carat.
Diamond, Platinum
Late Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
This timeless solitaire ring dates back to the 1940s and features a sparkling round brilliant diamond at its centre. Weighing 0.90 carat, the diamond comes fully GIA certified with a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 0.35ct Diamond and Pearl Two Stone Twist Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Late Deco period, this beautiful 'toi et moi' two stone twist features a 0.35 carat diamond, claw set into platinum along side an ethereal pearl. The transitional ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
0.64 Carat Round and Baguette Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1950s three-stone antique engagement ring featuring a 0.64 carat round brilliant cut diamond and tapered baguette diamonds in platinum. - 0.64 carat round brilliant cut diamond (I1,...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 1.50ctw Round Solitaire w/ Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous vintage diamond engagement ring was crafted from solid platinum during the 1940's. It features a stunning and super fiery old transitional cut diamond neatly pave set a...
Diamond, Platinum
14K White Gold Geometric Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated ring features a striking geometric square cluster set in polished 14K white gold. It showcases a unique multi-dimensional sparkle by artfully combining brilliant r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Geometric Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated ring features a striking geometric square cluster set in polished 14K yellow gold. It showcases a unique multi-dimensional sparkle by artfully combining brilliant ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.50 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring Platinum I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond S...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This diamond solitaire is simply stunning. The diamond measures approx 90pts. Modelled in 18carat gold. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1911. Ring Size: Q or 8 Band Width: 8mm Height: ...
Diamond, Gold
Late Deco 0.52ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
An unbroken ring of old cut diamonds are on display in this Late Deco eternity ring. It features twenty six old cut diamonds, each weighing 0.02 carat a piece for a total of 0.52 car...
Diamond, Platinum
925 Sterling Silver Round Stone Ring Beautiful Moissanite Anniversary Ring Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
925 Sterling Silver Round Stone Ring Beautiful Moissanite Anniversary Ring Gift. Base Material: 925 Sterling Silver Main Stone: Moissanite. Hallmarking: 925 Hallmarked. Light w...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,168Sale Price|20% Off
Nugget Style 10K Gold Diamond Ring, 1.55ct Round Diamonds, Unisex
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted in 10K yellow gold, this bold men's ring features a distinctive square nugget-style design that exudes vintage charm and masculine elegance. The ring is adorned with 17 round...
Diamond, 10k Gold
Vintage 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring. GIA Round Brilliant Diamond Ring I SI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Center Diamond S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Alternate Baguette Blue Sapphire & Round Diamond Half Eternity White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Inspired by the Art Deco period, this ring features alternate round brilliant cut diamonds and baguette blue sapphire, elegantly framed by a millgrain edge.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Late Deco 0.60ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Central to this beautiful Late Deco cluster ring is a glittering 0.60 carat transitional cut diamond. Encircling the centre stone a further eight diamonds of the same cut set, totall...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Octagonal Round Cut Diamond Compass Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The centerpiece features a "cluster" setting, where several smaller diamonds are arranged closely together to mimic the look of a much larger single stone. This is surrounded by an o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Octagonal Round Cut Diamond Compass Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The centerpiece features a "cluster" setting, where several smaller diamonds are arranged closely together to mimic the look of a much larger single stone. This is surrounded by an o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,176Sale Price|20% Off
3.34ct Fancy Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Platinum PT950 Round Center
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Platinum PT950 cocktail ring is a refined example of classic Winston-style high jewelry, designed with timeless proportions and exceptional diamond presence. At its cent...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
3.00 Carat Late Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
They are rub over set and add even more sparkle to this dress ring. It is art deco and all made in platinum. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 3.00 Colour:...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Halo Set Art Deco Style Three Stone 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A seamless vertical flash of sparkle is created by three round cut central diamonds in this superlative and utterly impressive Art Deco style dinner ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 4.09 Carat Round Diamond Platinum 950 Solitaire Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified 4.09 carat, H color, VS1 clarity, no Fluorescence set low in a low setting style, platinum 950 solitaire ring. Custom options for diamonds and settings are always avail...
Diamond, Platinum
18k Rose Gold Ring with One Round Cut Diamond
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
A minimalist rose gold ring, featuring a single stunning round-cut diamond. The simplicity of the design exudes elegance, making it a timeless and versatile piece for any occasion. W...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14k Solid Gold Small Bezel Set Diamond Ring Dainty Round Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Small Bezel Set Diamond Ring Dainty Round Diamond Engagement Ring Base Metal Yellow Gold Certification 14K Hallmarked, IGI Diamond Weight 0.04 cts Approx Metal Yellow...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Diamond and Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful vintage five-stone ring from the Art Deco period, circa 1920. The central ruby measures 20 points and is flanked by two beautiful 5 points diamonds. The stones are set in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
0.42 Carat Round-Cut Diamond 14K Rose Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace ring. The 14K Rose Gold jewelry boasts Round-Cut Diamond (44 pcs) 0.42 Carat acc...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Sophia D Art Deco Style Diamond, Sapphire, and Rock Crystal Platinum Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
This Art Deco-inspired ring features a 1.65-carat round brilliant-cut diamond, bezel-set within a frame of 0.30 carats of carved rock crystal, creating a striking visual depth.
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Platinum
1.28 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring Art Deco, circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.28 carat diamond and platinum solitaire style engagement ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, f...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond and Sapphire Double Halo Ring. Round Cluster Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stones: Diamonds Secondary Stones: Natural Blue Sapphires Total Diamond Weight: Approx 0.70 Carats Total Sapphire Weight: Approx 0.80 Carats Diamond Cut: R...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Round Cut Moissanite Starburst Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Wedding Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Round Cut Moissanite Starburst Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Wedding Ring Base Metal: 925 Sterling Silver Stone - 5 mm Stone Weight- approx. 0.50 carat A P P R O X T I M E...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Five Stone Pearl Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Total weight: 3.50 g.
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Ring with Round Center Diamond, Filigree & Accent Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a nice vintage ring that toes the line with the art deco style, but still has the playful designs seen around then as well. Its a ring that is as multifaceted as its wearer. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$13,480Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.21 Carat F/VS2 Round Brilliant Diamond French Platinum Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Ring is accompanied by GIA report #6167989459. Art deco style meets a diamond with incredible sparkle and brilliance in this one of a kind piece.
Diamond, Platinum
$2,876Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby 18 Karat Art Deco Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby Art Deco Ring Explore our in-stock 18-karat yellow gold diamond, sapphire and ruby ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ralph Masri Arabesque Deco 18kt Yellow Gold Sapphire Ring
By Ralph Masri
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Elegant 18kt yellow gold ring set with yellow sapphires, from Ralph Masri's Arabesque Deco collection inspired by Middle Eastern motifs infused with an Art Deco touch. Can also come...
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930's Art Deco Old Cut Diamond and Sapphire Shield Dinner Ring 18k
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1930's. Art deco shield dinner ring with 3 old cut diamonds and two calibre cut synthetic blue sapphires. Really beautiful details throughout the ring. In very good condition. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,160Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco Style Antique Ruby & Diamonds Snake Cocktail Ring in 14k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Exuding a bold yet elegant charm, this striking ring is crafted in 14k white gold, featuring a unique zigzag design adorned with 0.97 carats of vibrant ruby. Accentuating the vivid g...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Ring with Round Diamond Center in a Square Setting - Size 4.75
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stone Information - --------------------------------------------- Primary Stone(s): - Stone Grading: - Color: White - Cut: Round Brilliant - Clarity: SI1 - Color Grade: J - Sto...
Diamond, Platinum
EGL .74 Carat Transitional Diamond Three Stone Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's Art Deco Diamond solid Platinum engagement ring.
Diamond, Platinum
0.45ct Diamond art deco chunky engagement cocktail ring in 14ct gold 7. 1g
Located in London, GB
Chunky art deco diamond solitaire trilogy engagement ring Round diamond total weight 0.35ct G colour VS2 clarity.
Diamond, Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Palladium Bezel Diamond Filigree Ring Size 5.75
Located in Addison, TX
Details Era: Art Deco Metal: 14K Yellow Gold & Palladium Purity: 14K Gold Total Weight: 2.1 Grams Ring Size: 5.75 Ring Top Dimensions: 19.8mm × 15.4mm Center Design: North-South Fili...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,500 / item
18k Rose Gold Shiny Ring with Round Cut Diamonds
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Sarab Collection Ring takes its shape from the patterns and marking of the desert. Interlacing the finest round cut diamonds and rose gold nuggets to create an echo of the many stori...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.