Antique Diamond Ring. 1.20ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.20 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Platinum
$4,212Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring in 18kt Solid White Gold Statement Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds Set in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 2.05 carats and diamonds of 1.25 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Ruby improves...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Platinum Carré Cut Diamond & Vivid Ruby Channel Set Cocktail Ring 2.70ct
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully crafted vintage platinum ring showcasing a striking geometric design, channel set with alternating natural vivid red carré-cut rubies and bright white carré-cut diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA-Certified 1.06 Carat Ruby in Deco-Era Platinum Ring with 0.7 Carats Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This late Deco Era ring was originally set with an oval diamond but it was weirdly dark -- much too dark to stand up to its bright and clean supporting diamonds -- so we reset it wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Double Amethyst and Diamond Halo Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Amethyst Halo Ring features two rich purple amethysts arranged vertically within a diamond halo, creating an elegant Double Amethyst Ring design in 9K yellow gold. The elongated...
Diamond, Amethyst, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Zorab Creation-Purple Haze 20.13 Carat Amethyst and Diamond Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
An exceptional 20.13-carat amethyst with a rare cut appears like rock star on an 18K ring with about 200 rounds diamonds. This ring, as with all Zorab Creation pieces, are sent wit...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ring for Father
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring Set in 18K Gold featuring natural emerald of 0.48 carats and diamonds of 0.21 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style....
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Aquamarine Diamond Engagement Ring. 0.8ct Round Aquamarine Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 0.80 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Center Aquamarine Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Diamond Secon...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Rainbow Color Sapphire & Diamond Classic Half Eternity Wide Band Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Art Deco Total weight: 11.80 g.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s 18K Yellow Gold 0.40 Carats Emerald & 0.04ct Diamond Band Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A refined treasure from the 1980s, this vintage band ring captures the clean geometry and bold elegance of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,572Sale Price|45% Off
Art Deco Inspired 14k White Gold with Diamond & Sapphire 1.07 Euro Cut Diamond
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco inspired 14k white gold with diamonds-sapphires, containing 1 euro cut diamond: color "F", clarity SI3 and weight 1.07cts. and diamonds-sapphires weighing diamonds round .60...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 4.10 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 18K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 4.10 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Statement Ring 18K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the timeless elegance of a 3.60 carat natural ruby surrounded b...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 0.25ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 1930s cluster ring showcases a vibrant 0.25 carat emerald at its centre. The emerald cut stone is rub over set into platinum and surrounded by a 1.00 carat total of ol...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold 0.65 Carats Vivid Red Ruby & 0.03ct Diamond Invisible Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A striking geometric ruby cluster ring crafted in solid 18k yellow gold, showcasing a vivid architectural centerpiece of four square‑cut rubies totaling 0.65 carats. The rubies are a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red Ruby Diamonds Vintage Style Vertical Three Stone 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Art-deco Total weight: 2.50 g.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Diamond Rectangle Door Shape Scrollwork Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A lovely ring for anyone who loves vintage-inspired jewelry. Made of and emerald set on open-worked 9k white gold. The center square emerald is surrounded by thirty-four diamonds mak...
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, White Gold
$4,799Sale Price|20% Off
18ct White Gold Dark Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Cluster Ring 5.50ct 14.2g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This bold and elegant cluster ring features a stunning 5.00ct dark pink tourmaline, expertly four-claw set in a handmade 18ct white gold mount. The square-cut tourmaline measures app...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold, 18k Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18K Gold Diamond Green Agate Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Presenting Rossella Ugolini's Castle Collection: a stunning blend of Art Deco style and Italian heritage. This 18 karat Gold ring, adorned with 0.20 karat White Diamonds, showcases a...
Agate, Diamond, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Y...
Rossella Ugolini 18k Yellow Gold White Diamonds Rubys Chess Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18k Yellow Gold 0.12 ct. White Diamonds 0.50 ct. Rubys Chess design Cocktail Ring. The strategic allure of chess is handcrafted in this in 18 karats yellow gold, coc...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Tiffany, Platinum 4.25ct Colombia Minor Emerald 5.15ct Diamond Ring, GIA, AGL
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This refined Tiffany & Co. toi-et-moi ring exemplifies early 20th-century elegance, pairing a Colombian step-cut emerald with a square step-cut diamond. Set in platinum with deli...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Stackable Emerald Cut Sapphire Diamond Ring Set in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Beautifully coordinated for effortless versatility, this Stackable Sapphire Ring Set pairs an Emerald Cut Sapphire split shank ring with a sparkling Baguette Diamond Band and a Frenc...
Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring. GIA 1.20ct Old European Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.20 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: F Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Certification...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
0.98 Ct Emerald Solitaire Ring 14K Gold Emerald Square Cut Sapphire Accents
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Natural Zambian Emerald & Blue Sapphire Solitaire Ring Make a bold statement with this elegant 14K Yellow Gold Natural Zambian Emerald Solitaire Ring, featuring a vi...
Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$400Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Handcrafted Channel Set Emerald & Diamond Crossover Ring in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This contemporary 925 sterling silver ring showcases a sleek crossover design, beautifully accented with vivid natural emeralds and sparkling diamonds. Channel-set square emeralds 1....
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Cushion Cut Diamond Ring. 1.30ct Diamond Emerald Halo Platinum Ring K VS2
Located in New York, NY
The combination of antique-inspired proportions and rich emerald accents gives the design a timeless yet distinctive presence. The Sulham Ring is a graceful choice for those drawn t...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Day and Night Ring with Rubies, Sapphires and Diamonds, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A day and night ring features a central band made up of rubies and sapphires, and two further bands either side on hinges. They are grain set with diamonds and this ring contains tra...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold and Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 This exquisite Edwardian ring showcases a stunning rectangular design that elegantly spans across the finger. Set i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
14K Gold Emerald Diamond Bridal Ring Natural Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring For Her
Located in Jaipur, IN
**Zambian Emerald Bridal Ring, Ruby and Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, Unique Emerald Ruby Ring** A distinctive expression of romance and craftsmanship, this handcra...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,436Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Cocktail Ring in Ruby and Diamond
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby ring in 18K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality. Designed with rubies in center and diamonds that makes it a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Sapphire Diamond Antique Style Halo Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A perfect symbol of love and style. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 14K White Gold Total weight: 2.50 g.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold
$2,908Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Yellow White Gold Men's Diamond Engagement Ring Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Men's Diamond Engagement Ring Gift in 18K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 0.91 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. April birthstone diamond brings love, f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 1900s 1.50 Carat Emerald and 1.20 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with platinum and 18k yellow gold with a Square cut Emerald weighing approximately 1.50 carats and accenting Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximatel...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Style Double Princess Blue Topaz & Diamond Halo 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Art Deco Total weight: 3.50 g.
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.09 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 5192597980 Shape: Square Step Cut Carat Weight: 1.09 cara...
White Diamond, Platinum
$1,876Sale Price / item|20% Off
Genuine Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural emerald of 1.2 carats and diamonds of 0.35 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Emerald en...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$167Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Minimal Ruby Princess-Cut Mosaic Ring in Sparkle Diamond Jewelry Gift
Located in New York, NY
This 925 sterling silver ring showcases a clean, modern silhouette centered on a square cluster of four natural rubies, each 2x2 mm, for a vivid 0.4 carat burst of pink-red color. De...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Raymond Yard Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New York, NY
Raymond Yard Sapphire and Diamond Ring This refined Raymond Yard ring combines timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship. Designed in platinum, the ring features vibrant squa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$3,496Sale Price / item|20% Off
18 Karat White Gold Black White Diamond Unisex Band Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Black White Diamond Unisex Band Ring in 18K Gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple. It shows the infinite love you have for your partner. The round shape represents lo...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Sophia D. GIA Certified 1.32 Carat Yellow Diamond & 1.06 Carat Diamond Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
This GIA certified ring set in platinum features a 1.32 carat pear shaped yellow diamond, 1.06 carat pear shaped diamond, 1.24 carat square diamonds, 0.16 carat surrounding round ye...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
TJD 1.0 Carat Round & Princess Cut Diamond 14 KT Yellow Gold Square Wedding Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Stunning and classic, this diamond ring is beautifully crafted in 14 KT Solid yellow gold. The wide band is lined with rows of sparkling 44 round and 12 princess cut diamonds in secu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Featuring the details of classic hand engraved rings, this engagement ring centers a European-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00-ct., with I color and VS2 clarity. The 18k white...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Natural Baguette Diamond Ring Solid 14k Yellow Gold Designer Ring Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, IN
The stones are meticulously arranged in both vertical and horizontal directions to catch the light from all angles. Art Deco GeometryThe strong square perimeter combined with clean ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Antique 0.95 Carat Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.95 carat diamond and platinum solitaire ring; part of our antique collection of engagement rings. This stunning, fine and impressive antiqu...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond & Sapphire Band Style Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Wed always love the combination of diamonds & sapphires!! Ring Details Material: 14K Yellow & White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 4.2mm Head Height: 4.1mm Shank Width: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D. 2.07 Carat Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Surrounded and accentuated with baguette cut and square diamonds that is approximately 0.84 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karats Garnet 0.08 Karat White Diamonds Yellow Gold Cocktail Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karats Garnet 0.08 Karat White Diamonds Yellow Gold Cocktail Design Ring All sizes available in two weeks by message. This Modern 18 Karats Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds C...
White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karats Garnet 0.08 Karat White Diamonds Yellow Gold Cocktail Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karats Garnet 0.08 Karat White Diamonds Yellow Gold Cocktail Design Ring All sizes available in two weeks by message. This Modern 18 Karats Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds C...
White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Asscher Cut Aquamarine Engagement Ring. 1ct Diamond Onyx Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
The distinctive square gemstone is framed by a striking geometric halo of onyx and pavé-set old European cut diamonds, creating a dramatic contrast that evokes the sophisticated visu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 0.76 carat with Diamond 0.42 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 52 "Since we first opened doors in 1980 our store...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Spinner Ring with Emerald, Ruby and Diamond
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Spinner Ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your physic power, creativity and body heat that is used t...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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
$1,104Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Inspired 1.22ct Green Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Halo ring showcases a striking 1.22 carat green tourmaline set in 14K yellow gold. The tourmaline measuring 5.5 x 5.5 mm, securely set in prongs. The center stone is framed by a...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Platinum Diamond and Onyx Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum square ring retro ring set with in a square a large old cut diamond in the centre, (0.7 karaat G, VS), surrounded by square border set with 18 brilliant cut diamonds (18 ...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.26 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #15168817 Weight: 1.26 carat Cut: Square Emerald Cut Color: D C...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .81 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.95 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.8 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2195680286 Shape: Square Step Cut Carat Weight: .81 carat ...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.47 Carat Emerald With Round and Baguette Cut Diamond 14K Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
1.47 Carat Emerald with Round & Baguette Cut Diamond Side Stones 14K Yellow Gold Statement Ring in size 7.75. Details: Item Type: Statement Ring Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Size: 7.75 (a...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.80 Carat Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Old Euro Diamond Ring Platinum Engraved
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 0.80 Carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Stone Setti...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Gin & Grace 10K Yellow Gold Mozambique Genuine Ruby Ring with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace ring. This ring is made up of 3mm Square-Cut Channel Setting Genuine Ruby (2pcs)...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$737Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald Ruby Diamond Spinner Eternity Band Ring in 925 Silver for her
Located in New York, NY
This ring features emerald and ruby gemstones totalling 1.94 carats, accented with 0.46 carats of diamonds, all set in 925 sterling silver. Each 2 mm round gemstone is finely arrange...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Mozambique Genuine Ruby Ring with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace. This Ring is made up of 2.5MM Square-Cut Invisible Setting (26 pcs) 2.78 carat Ruby ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.