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
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Agate Tourmaline Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the stunning Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Green Agate Tourmaline Cocktail Design Ring from the Castles of Italy collection by Rossella Ugolini.
Agate, Rock Crystal, Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k 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
Vintage 1950s 0.75 Carat Diamond and 14k White Gold Art Deco Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This impressive Art Deco intertwined diamond ring is excellent quality, set...
Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond And Sapphire Ring. GIA 1.5ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Platinum KVS2
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: approx 1.50 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Color Grade: K Color Clarity Grade: VS2 Certification: GIA Certificate Secondary...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unisex Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold Green Agate Tourmaline Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow And White Gold Green Agate Pyramid and Two Green Cabochon Tourmaline Cocktail Design Ring .
Agate, Rock Crystal, Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14k white gold Art Deco diamond and sapphire 3 stone ring with diamond accents.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art - Deco Ring 1.2ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS 7.25 /3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Sapphire + Diamonds + Platinum Ring from 1900s -1920s. All metal parts of this ring are made of solid Platinum. Crown measures 19 mm x 8 mm x 4 mm. Beautifully oval cut n...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Sheild Ring Sz 5.75 Platinum Jewelry 1920s
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & sapphire sheild ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 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
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
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
Hand Engraved 18K Yellow Gold Art Deco Halo Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handmade 18K Yellow Gold Art Deco influenced princess cut diamond engagement ring.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
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
Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.41ct Antique Art Deco Flowers 14k Original 1920
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920s Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.41ct Antique Art Deco Flowers 14k Centering on a Natural Mined .10 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Center Two L...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
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
Art Deco Platinum Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An Art Deco ring crafted in platinum, centred with an oval natural sapphire within a double border of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 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
Aquamarine and Diamond Platinum Ring. 0.70ct Aquamarine Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Aquamarine Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite aquamarine and diamond ring showcases a stunning appr...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
7.70 Carat Cabochon-Cut Emerald, Diamond, and Ruby Cocktail Ring in Art-Deco
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
7.70 Carat Cabochon-Cut Emerald, Diamond, and Ruby Cocktail Ring in Art-Deco Style This Victorian era art-deco style enchanting forest green emerald, brick red ruby and diamond ring...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver
1925 Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire White Gold Ring with AGS Report
Located in Lexington, KY
This dazzling Art Deco ring's crowning glory is an icy white round-cut diamond weighing 1.24 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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
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
Vintage Art Deco 1ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum Estate Fine Bridal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant & finely detailed Art Deco era engagement ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Three-Stone Marquise Cut Diamond and Enamel Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful three-stone diamond ring expertly paying homage to the Art Deco style.
Diamond, Platinum
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
Art Deco Platinum Hexagonal Ring with 1.80ct G VVS Trilliant Diamond, circa 1930
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A mystical and quintessential Art deco design where the maker skillfully plays with several geometric shapes that interact with each other.
Diamond, Platinum
Alternative Engagement Ring. 2.30TWC Two Oval Cut Amethyst Ring Platinum Draped
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Primary Stone: Amethyst Primary Stone Weight: Approx 2.30-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Oval Cut Jewelry Type: Cocktail Ring Jewelry Style: ...
Amethyst, Platinum
Twisted Rope 18 Karats Yellow Gold Blue Iolite Art Deco Style Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Details: Twisted Rope 18 Karats Yellow Gold Blue Iolite Art Deco Style Design Ring
Iolite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian/ Art Deco 14k & Silver Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Orlando, FL
Antique Late Edwardian / Early Art Deco Diamond Dome Ring Silver & 14K Yellow Gold Ca. 1915–1925 Specifications: Metal: Silver & 14K yellow gold Stones: 5 single-cut diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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
Vintage Art Deco Bird Ring Conversion Platinum Sz 8.75 Diamond Sapphire Ruby
Located in Torrance, CA
Originally an antique Art Deco era stick pin (circa 1920s to 1930s), the diamond ring is crafted in platinum. 21 diamonds total an estimated 0.10 carats (estimated at H-I color and ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
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
Art Deco Style 18K Yellow Gold Citrine 0, 04 Karat Rubies Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine 0,04 kt Rubies Row Cable Design Ring.
Citrine, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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
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,...
Art Deco Diamond Ring Solid 14k Yellow / White Gold Hand Engraved 0.70ct Diamond
Located in Long Beach, CA
STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Ring METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's CENTER STONE / WEIGHT: .7 Cts.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k 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
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
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
18 Karat Yellow & White Gold Art Deco Style Green Agate Tourmaline Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow And White Gold Green Agate Tourmaline Cocktail Design Ring Any size available in two weeks by message This rings comes from the collection Castles of...
Agate, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White 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
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 0.42 Carat Ruby and 2.97 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This stunning Art Deco ring is excellent quality, set with impressive diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Art Deco 4.88ct Ceylon Sugar Loaf Sapphire Ruby Ring in 14K White Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Composition: 14k White Gold Total Ring Weight: 5g Ring Size: 7 Classic style three stone ring Condition: New-Excellent Condition Comments: 100% NATURAL
Sapphire, Ruby, White Gold, 14k 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
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow & White Gold Green Agate Tourmaline Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Green Agate Tourmaline Cocktail Design Ring.
Agate, Rock Crystal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
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
Art Deco style diamond emerald platinum toi et moi ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This captivating Art Deco style toi et moi ring is a beautifully balanced contemporary design, pairing two contrasting center stones in a romantic and architectural composition.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Amethyst Ring. 3.40TCW Amethyst Diamond Accent Three Stone Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Amethyst Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 3.40-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Jewelry Type: Cocktail Ring Jewelry Style: Three Stone Ring Metal: Yellow Gold Ring...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Three Stone Amethyst Ring. 7.80ct Cushion Cut Amethyst Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Amethyst Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 7.80-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stone: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.06 Carats Jewelry ...
Amethyst, Yellow 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
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
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
$3,178Sale 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
Vintage 1950s Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.50 carat diamond and platinum Art Deco ring; part of our diverse range of Art Deco jewelry/jewelry.
Diamond, Platinum
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Sapphire Ring. 2ct Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite three-stone ring features a captivating Approx. 2.00-Carats old European cut diamond at its center. With a J color grade and VS2 clarity, the diamond showcases a beaut...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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.