Art Deco Style Green Chrysoprase & Diamond Pavé Ring in 18k Yellow Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This vibrant Toi et Moi-inspired cocktail ring features a double-stone design that pairs the electric hue of natural chrysoprase with the classic brilliance of diamonds. The bold, tw...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.55 carat emerald and 0.54 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and palladium set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collectio...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold & Platinum 1920s Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Rectangular Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1920s This exquisite art deco ring features a fabulous and intricate open-work design with a centre bezel-set Old European C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1940s 18K Gold & Platinum 4.78tgw Sapphire and Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco sapphire, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one oval cut blue sapphire, and eleven old mine cut and Peruzzi cut diamonds, set in platinum, to a band of ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Rossella Ugolini 18k Gold Diamonds Green Agate Tourmaline Art Deco Style 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, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, Tourmaline, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold,...
Vintage Art Deco 0.28 Carat Diamond and 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The yellow gold Art Deco ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading certificate for the feature diamond, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting ston...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Belais Art Deco Diamond Ring 1.38ct 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Belais
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant & finely detailed Belais Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1910s–1920s French Art Deco Marquise Emerald & Diamond Ring – Size 60 (US 8)
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A striking example of early 20th-century French Art Deco jewelry, this marquise-shaped cocktail ring centers on an oval-cut emerald (~0.50 ct) flanked by two old European-cut diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
An Art-Deco 3.40ct Old-European Cut Diamond Solitaire White Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Cut individually between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, no two stones are exactly alike, making each diamond uniquely characterful.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco 1.53 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This white gold Art Deco ring is supplied with a IDGL diamond grading certificate for the feature diamond, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting stone...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco 18K Gold Ring with Old European Cut Diamonds and Calibrated Sapphires
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This Art Deco ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold with a platinum-topped setting and features a refined geometric design characteristic of the 1920s–1930s era.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.03 CT Art Deco Yellow Diamond Ring 18K Gold Cocktail with Blue Sapphire (#27)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Art Deco Style Ring Bold Impressive Statement Ring Center is Natural Yellow Diamond surrounded with Blue Sapphire.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Hexagonal Ring with 1.80ct G VVS Trilliant Diamond, circa 1930
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Hexagonal, finely openwork ring in platinum 850 thousandths, set with a claw-set triangle-cut diamond in a double setting of old-cut and 8/8-cut diamonds, punctuated by three calibra...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Introducing a stunning 18ct Gold Art Deco Plaque Ring, a true statement piece for any jewellery lover.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
showcases two striking deep blue sapphires at its center, radiating a rich, vibrant hue that captures the light with every movement. Brilliant diamonds accentuate the design, adding ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Art Deco Calibrated Ruby and Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Target Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1920s Step back into the elegance of the 1920s with this stunning 18ct yellow gold Art Deco cocktail ring, an original piece that perfe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1920 Art Deco 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 2.50 CTW in Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
. • Period: Art Deco Style • Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold and Platinum • Stones: Natural Diamond & Natural Rubies • Ring Size: 7 (sizable) • Ring Width: 0.40 inches • Stamped: No, 1...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Tanzanite 7.74 ct Two Tones with Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This striking ring features a rare 7.74-carat round Tanzanite, known for its deep, velvety violet-blue hue that shifts beautifully under different lighting. The center stone is set i...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, 1920s Art Deco, Hexagonal Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Introducing an exquisite and authentic Art Deco ring crafted from 18ct gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930s Platinum French Stamped, Emerald & Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Emerald & Diamond Ring Platinum French Stamped Circa 1930s A striking example of true Art Deco elegance, this authentic 1930s platinum ring showcases a beautifully ba...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Two Natural Diamonds Ring 14k White Gold 0.40cts
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Vintage ring comes from the Art Deco era featuring two sparkling diamond stones set in a delicate and embellished filigree, 14k white gold mounting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 20k Gold .45ct European Diamond & Sapphire Moi et Toi Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous, all original antique moi et toi band ring was crafted in solid 20k white gold during the art deco period and features two fine quality old European cit diamonds flanke...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Art Deco Cocktail Gold Ring with 6.30ct Sapphire and Diamonds IGI Certified
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Measurements : ring head : 2.1 cm x 1.7 cm Two size available : 53.8 and 55.7 This Art Deco Cocktail Gold Ring is a magnificent statement piece that exudes luxury and sophistication.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.30 Carats Black and White Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Art Deco Style Unisex Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection, Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds 0.22 Karat Black Diamond "Cubes" Design Band Ring An amazing Art Deco style band rin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond and Ruby Lozenge Shaped Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, ruby, platinum and yellow gold ring, comprising two old cut diamonds, two rose cut diamonds and two round cut rubies, set in platinum, to a band of 18 karat yell...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.91 Carat Cabochon Ruby Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Our Art Deco Style 2.91 Carat Cabochon Ruby Diamond Ring is a symbol of enduring beauty and exceptional craftsmanship.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold 0.20 Carats Emerald White Diamond Art Deco Style Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection an Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds 0.20 Karat Emerald "Cubes" Stacking Band Ring.
White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Emerald Ring Sz 7.75 14k Gold Engagement Bridal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & emerald ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Art Deco Calibrated Ruby and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Target Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Step into the elegance of the Art Deco era with this stunning original target ring, crafted from 18ct yellow gold and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Platinum Engagement Ring. 3TCW Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Ring J VS
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique three-stone ring is a timeless example of Art Deco craftsmanship, dating back to circa 1930.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Elongated Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This Art Deco diamond cocktail ring exudes timeless elegance and sophistication, featuring a stunning design crafted from lustrous 18 karat gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold 0.20 Karat Emerald 0.08 Karat White Diamond Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds 0.20 Karat Emerald "Cubes" Band Ring An amazing Art Deco style band ring handcrafted in 18 karats white gold adorned wit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.42 Carat Ruby and 2.97 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.42 carat ruby, 2.97 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique 1930s jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Art Deco Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Day and Night Ring Size L (52)
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful Art Deco sapphire, ruby and diamond day and night ring.
Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Amethyst Diamond Ring Filigree 14k White Gold Elongated Pear 4
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco elongated amethyst & diamond ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 14 karat white gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 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
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
2 Carat Rose Cut Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Three Stone Ring Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Certification: GIA Certificate Carat Weight: Approx 2-Carats Stone Cut: Rose Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Three Stone Ring Color: K Color Clarity: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamond Amethyst Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Art Deco Style Rossella Ugolini 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.08 Karats White Diamonds Amethyst "Cubes" Design Band Ring An amazing Art Deco style band ring handcrafted in 18 karats white g...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Two Diamond Open Ring 14k Solid Gold Wedding Band Promise Ring Open Style Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Two Diamond Open Ring 14k Solid Gold Wedding Band Promise Ring Open Style Ring. Total Carat Weight: 0.24 & Under Base Metal: Yellow Gold Certification: BIS Hallmark, IGI Main Stone ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco German Ring Diamonds solid 14K White Gold Ø US5 / 1.55 gr
Located in SE
German ring , Art - Deco period, hand - made ca. 1920s- 1930s, hallmarked 585, metal tested solid 14K White Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Amethyst Ring. Elongated Oval Amethyst East West Ring Platinum Art Deco
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Art Deco Era, Circa 1925 Primary Stone: Amethyst Primary Stone Weight: Approx 5.30-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stone: Amethysts Secondary Stone ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Ring 14k White Gold Filigree 6 Dinner Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era diamond & sapphire ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18K Gold Diamond Ring with Old European Cut Stones
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This antique 18K gold ring features an elegant elongated openwork design set with old European cut diamonds. The central bezel-set diamond is framed by two additional old-cut stones,...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Three stone White Diamond Ruby Halo RIng in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Experience timeless elegance with this exquisitely crafted halo ring, designed to captivate with its refined aesthetics and flawless detailing. At the center, a radiant round ruby (0...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold 1920’s Art Deco Rectangular Onyx Diamond & Emerald Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Onyx Ring 18ct White Gold Tested Circa 1920’s This stunning Art Deco onyx ring is a true antique beauty.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold and Platinum Original Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Introducing an exquisite and authentic Art Deco ring crafted from 18ct gold and platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 1920's Sapphire 0.70ct Diamond Toi Moi in 14K Solid Gold Heirloom Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Art Deco 1920's Sapphire 0.70ct Diamond Toi Moi in 14K Solid Gold Heirloom Ring A symbol of love and unity, this exquisite Art Deco “Toi et Moi” ring meaning “You and Me” in French,...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Art Deco Odeonesque Old Mine Cut Diamond Geometric Ring White Gold Signed 1940s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco Odeonesque Old Mine cut diamond geometric ring in 18 karat white gold, signed, Portugal, 1940s.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 14ct white gold, 1920s Art Deco Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Bombe Ring 14ct white gold Circa 1920s Introducing a stunning 14ct white gold Art Deco diamond ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Aquamarine Diamond ring 14KT rose gold Art Deco style modern designer ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A unique aquamarine ring, bold and modern! The ring feels Art Deco like with straight lines and no extras anywhere.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco 1920's Sapphire 0.70ct Diamond Toi Moi in 14K Solid Gold Heirloom Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Art Deco 1920's Sapphire 0.70ct Diamond Toi Moi in 14K Solid Gold Heirloom Ring A symbol of love and unity, this exquisite Art Deco “Toi et Moi” ring meaning “You and Me” in French,...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
Pave Diamond Two Finger Ring Solid 925 Silver Handmade Fine Ring Jewelry Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Diamond Two Finger Ring Solid 925 Silver Handmade Fine Ring Jewelry Gift. Setting Style Pavé Antique Yes Shape Round Occasion Anniversary Fancy Diamond Color White Main Stone C...
Diamond, Silver
Art-Deco c1930's 1.60ct Old Cut Diamond Solitaire 18K White Gold Platinum Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Cut individually between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, no two stones are exactly alike, making each diamond uniquely characterful.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
TJD 14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Triple Row Crossover Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
33 natural diamonds set in a refined triple-row crossover design crafted in solid 14K two-tone gold. This contemporary ring features 0.07 carat total weight of single-cut round diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
1920's Art Deco 18ct Gold & Platinum French Sapphire, Coral & Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cocktail Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum French Stamped- The owl and the Mascaron hallmark of the head of the bearded man. Circa 1920s This stunning 1920s cocktail ring is...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring Size 5.25-5.5 #23345
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring Size 5.25-5.5 JAGi Certified- This stunning Art Deco style ring features three sparkling Old European cut diamonds set in beautifully detail...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Ring 1.25ct Double Diamond 18k White Gold Filigree Sz 6 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco double diamond ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.