Stepcut Platinum Ring
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Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Band Rings
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Finding the Right rings for You
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.
- How much is a platinum ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021On average, a platinum band would typically cost around $1,000. However, if there are any gemstones, the cost would likely be much higher.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023If it seems like most engagement rings are platinum, you’ve likely been shopping at retailers and boutiques that primarily specialize in the sale of platinum jewelry. It’s true that platinum is among the most popular metals for engagement rings. Cartier pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds. However, engagement rings are in fact created with a range of many other materials, such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and titanium. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023No, most engagement rings aren't platinum. Some people do prefer platinum due to its appearance and its resistance to scratching and fading. However, makers offer engagement rings in a wide range of precious metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, titanium and sterling silver. Shop a large selection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, platinum is good for wedding rings, as the precious metal offers many benefits. Platinum doesn't corrode or tarnish, and its color doesn't fade over time. It is also a hypoallergenic metal, making it a popular choice for people with sensitive skin. Plus, it resists scratches and wear over time. Explore a collection of antique and vintage platinum wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, platinum is used in wedding rings. As the metal of choice for wedding jewelry, platinum offers long-lasting durability, as it is strong and scratch-resistant. The metal also doesn't fade and is unlikely to tarnish or corrode, allowing it to maintain its cool color and sleek appearance with very little need for ongoing maintenance. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of platinum wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, some Tiffany & Co. engagement rings are platinum. However, the luxury jewelry maker also offers engagement rings made out of other materials. These include 18-karat yellow gold, 18-karat white gold and 18-karat rose gold. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of Tiffany & Co. engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Whether platinum is the best for engagement rings depends on your personal preferences. Many people prize the precious metal for its sleek, cool color and choose it for engagement jewelry as a result. Platinum is also highly resistant to corrosion and tarnishing and is unlikely to require replating when cared for properly. In addition, the metal is fairly durable and scratch-resistant. Find a wide variety of platinum engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021Platinum and rhodium are both precious metals, with rhodium being more expensive. Rhodium is usually applied onto jewelry like a layer while platinum is a completely white metal which does not need any layering. Both metals are typically paired with precious stones and could cost less than $1,000 or as much as $4,000. Find a range of antique and vintage rings today on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023Whether platinum is the best metal for engagement rings is a matter of opinion. Many people love the cool color and sleek appearance of platinum or prefer the precious metal because it doesn't tarnish and requires only minimal maintenance. However, platinum is more malleable than white gold, so it can develop scratches more easily. Cartier pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of platinum engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Whether platinum or white gold is better for engagement rings is a matter of personal preference. Each type of precious metal has certain advantages. White gold tends to be more affordable and is less malleable, increasing its durability. Platinum requires less maintenance and retains its color over time. Find a variety of platinum and white gold engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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