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
$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
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
$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
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
$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 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.A timeless linear ring, Deco Style, made of row cable cord embelli...
Citrine, Ruby, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
18K Gold Five-Stone Opal Ring with Graduated Oval Opals
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Beautifully crafted in luxurious 18 karat gold, this opal ring showcases a captivating arrangement of five opals with a combined total weight of 1.03 carats. The design features two ...
Opal, 18k Gold
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 Art Deco 18ct Yellow And White Gold Ruby And Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Art Deco Target Ring Circa 1920’s 18ct Yellow & White Gold Set with a Beautiful, Old Brilliant Cut Centre Stone- Approx 0.75cts Surrounded in a Target Design of Calibrated Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 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
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
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
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
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
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
Art Deco .375 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring Set in 14/18ct Gold
Located in valatie, NY
Art Deco .375 Carat Round Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring Set in 14/18ct Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 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 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
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
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ring Moi et Toi 14k Gold Sz 7 Synthetic Ruby
Located in Torrance, CA
The distinct and stylish ring is a nice example of Art Deco era jewelry. The two stone diamond & pearl 'Moi et Toi' design is a French term for "Me and You".
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
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. Metal Sterling Silver Main Stone Diamond Ring Size 8 Base Metal Sterling Silver, 925 parts per 1000 To...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver
2 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Rose Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring Platinum K VS2
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite three-stone engagement ring showcases a captivating GIA-certified rose-cut diamond at its center, weighing approx. 2-carats. Graded K in color and VS2 in clarity, this...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold 0.18 Karat Ruby 0.08 Karat White Diamonds Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.08 Karat White Diamonds 0.18 Karat Ruby "Cubes" Band Ring An amazing Art Deco style band ring handcrafted in 18 karats white gold adorned with h...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring. GIA Cushion Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring L VVS2
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite engagement ring showcases a breathtaking GIA-certified approx. 5.00-carat antique cushion-cut diamond, graded L in color with remarkable VVS2 clarity. The diamond's vi...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Textured Two-Tone S925 Sterling Silver Ring with Peridot
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An exquisite testament to Old World artistry and vintage-inspired romance, this magnificent wide-band statement ring masterfully bridges historic grandeur with contemporary luxury. E...
Peridot, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Deco GIA 1.26 Carat & 1.01 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Superb Art Deco era 2-Stone Ring with two Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Sapphires, composed of platinum.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Two Round Cut Amethyst Ring. 1.10TCW Ring 18K White Gold Hand Engraved
Located in New York, NY
Age: Vintage Primary Stone: Amethyst Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Cut Jewelry Type: Two Stone Metal: White Gold Ring Size: 7.75 US, Resizable ...
Amethyst, White Gold, 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
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3 Carat Cushion Modified Brilliant Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined three-stone diamond ring featuring a GIA certified 3 carat natural cushion modified brilliant cut diamond at the center. The center stone is set in a classic four-prong m...
Diamond, Yellow 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
$1,702Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Jade & Diamond Scroll Ring in 14k Two-Tone Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Jade & Diamond Scroll Ring in 14k Two-Tone Gold This ring is crafted in 14k two-tone gold and features a rectangular green jade center stone framed by vintage scroll-sty...
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Jabel Old Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring, American, circa 1920
By Jabel
Located in London, GB
Jabel old cut diamond three stone ring. Set centrally with a round old cut diamond in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.45 carats, flanked further with two ro...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Pearl Ring Moi et Toi 14k Gold Sz 9 Engagement Band
Located in Torrance, CA
Two cultured pearls measure 4mm each. The distinct and stylish ring is a nice example of Art Deco era jewelry.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Multi-Shaped Smoky Quartz Filigree Two-Tone Cocktail Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
There is something deeply captivating about the way earthy tones meet intricate metalwork. This isn't just a ring; it’s a wearable mosaic. Featuring a rich array of Natural Smoky Qua...
Diamond, Quartz, Yellow Gold
.50 Carat Art Deco Diamond Filigree Dome Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Two stone diamond dome engagement ring. Set with 2 Old European shape diamonds with a total weight of .50cts. This Platinum filigree setting is also enriched with 8 single cut diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Five-Stone Illusion Set Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This two-tone, five stone diamond ring originated in the 1920s and it features a sparkling vintage quintet of old cut diamonds. The diamonds are graduated horizontally from the ring'...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vibrant 4.80ct Emerald & Citrine Three-Stone Ring in 18KT Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Experience the striking harmony of nature's most vibrant hues with this exquisite three-stone statement ring. At the heart of the piece lies a magnificent 4.80-carat Emerald, showcas...
Citrine, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi-Sapphire Triple Stone Ring in 18kt Gold with Diamond Halo
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Expertly crafted in 18kt rose gold, this ring features a striking vertical arrangement of three premium sapphires. At the center sits a brilliant oval-cut yellow sapphire, flanked by...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco 3 Carat Diamond and Ruby Tablet or Plaque Ring in Platinum, Circa 1925
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This tablet (aka shield) ring is quintessential Art Deco: the strong geometric pattern with open channels, the varied gem-setting techniques, the way components appear to lap over a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.47tcw Pear & Oval Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring - 18K Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A masterful study in silhouette and light, this 18K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring channels the architectural glamour of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
22.48 Carat Cushion Checkerboard Amethyst & Diamond Filigree 18K Two Tone Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The double-claw prongs at each corner of the cushion stone echo the Art Deco and Edwardian tradition of corner-held stones, while the filigree basket below them references the finest...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Round Stone 14k gold EngagemenDouble Round Stone 14k gold Engagement Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Unisex Two Stone Vintage Moissanite Ring. Art Deco Moissanite wedding ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
EGL 1.01 Carat Double Diamond Gold Art Deco Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930’s Art Deco 1.01ct double diamond bypass style engagement ring, where vintage charm meets contemporary sophistication.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1920s, Art Deco Fancy Diamond Platinum Wedding Band, Eternity Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Platinum Band Circa 1920s Behold a magnificent Art Deco masterpiece from the 1920s! This exquisite antique platinum diamond wedding ring is a true work of art, meticulously...
Diamond, Platinum
Two Tone Hammered Ring, London Topaz Ring, 14k Bezel Gold with Sterling Silver
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Hand fabricated two tone hammered finish with blue topaz. Stone: London topaz Bezel setting: 14k yellow gold 925 sterling silver band. Band width: 3.5mm FREE SHIPPING USA- All of ...
Topaz, Gold, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver
$5,548Sale Price|24% Off
GIA Certified 0.5ct Natural Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring - 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A masterpiece of symmetry and "Past, Present, Future" symbolism, this three-stone engagement ring is a tribute to timeless Art Deco elegance.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A gorgeous Burmese ruby and diamond three stone engagement ring set in platinum. The piece is centrally set with an incredible cushion cut 3.11ct Burmese ruby that has an amazing lus...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 14K Filigree Ring with 2.15ct tw Aquamarines size 4.25
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K white gold filigree ring with two triangular cut aquamarines weighing 2.15 carats total. The aquamarines are custom cut with a flat edge to mimic a marquise. The aquamarines meas...
Aquamarine, Gold, 14k 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.