Retro Transitional Cut Diamond Ring. 1.30ct Engagement Ring Platinum 1950 I VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.30 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Transitional Cut Center Diamond Color: I-J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2-SI1 Certifi...
Diamond, Platinum
Aquamarine and Diamond Sapphire Halo Ring. 2.70ct Aquamarine Platinum Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: Approximately 2.70 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds and Sapphires Diamond Wei...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.50 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a unique ring taken from the later stages of the Art Deco movement.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring. Old Euro Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Clarity Seco...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2.50 Carat Cushion Cut Peridot Ring. Baguette Aquamarine 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Peridot Center Peridot Weight: 2.50 carats Center Peridot Cut: Cushion Cut Center Peridot Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Aquamarine Aquamarine W...
Aquamarine, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1 Carat Diamond Ring. GIA Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum G VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carat Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certif...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.70 Carat Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring. Sapphire Halo Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.70 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Certification: G...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
No Heat Burma Sapphire Diamond Ring. GIA 0.80ct Sapphire Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 0.80 carat Center Sapphire Cut: Emerald Cut Certification: GIA Certificate Origin: Burma Treatment: No Heat Secondary...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Cushion Cut Aquamarine Ring. 1.95ct Aquamarine Engagement Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.95 Carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Aquamarine Secondary Weight: 0.15 carats Aquamar...
Aquamarine, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Tourmaline Duplicity Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
With the eye-catching contrast between the two distinctly colored gems, you are certain to fall deeply enamored with this beguiling and enigmatic ring. Featuring two main stones; a ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Palladium
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
Mid Century 2 Carat Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Ring Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Round Cut Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Aquamarine Diamond Ring 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.10 Carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 4 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring KSI1
Located in New York, NY
The restrained three-stone arrangement gives the ring a distinctive Art Deco character while keeping the focus firmly on the exceptional center diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. 1.20ct Old Euro Diamond Halo Platinum Ring JSI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary St...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Halo Engagement Ring. GIA 1.10ct Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring G SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 1.10 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: G Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Cer...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1 Carat Diamond Ring. Cushion Diamond Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring IVS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Cushion Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification: GIA Certifica...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Nouveau GIA 1.60ct Old Mine Diamond Crossover "Toi et Moi" 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
While Art Nouveau was winding down as WWI began, and Art Deco was emerging, "she" perfectly encapsulates that transition.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum and Amethyst Diamond Ring. 5.80ct Cushion Cut Amethyst Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Amethyst Center Amethyst Weight: 5.80ct Center Amethyst Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Amethysts and diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: Amethysts Ap...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Antique GIA 2.30 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Ring Platinum JSI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.30ct Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Burma Ruby Ring. AGL 12.90ct Cushion Cut Rare Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 12.90 Carats Center Ruby Cut: Cushion Cut Certification: AGL Certified Gemstone Origin: Burma Treatment: Heated Secondary Sto...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Aquamarine Sapphire Ring. 1.60ct Aquamarine Diamond Double Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.60ct Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stones: Sapphires and diamonds Sapphire Weight: Approximately 0...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Genuine H/Si White Diamond Ring Solid 14k Rose Gold Jewelry Designer Gift Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This item is a three-stone pear diamond cluster ring set in a rose gold band. It is an elegant variation of the classic trilogy ring, utilizing tightly packed multi-stone arrangement...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
2 Carat Fancy Chameleon Diamond Ring. GIA Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Chameleon Diamond Center Chameleon Diamond Weight: 2.00 carats Center Chameleon Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Chameleon Diamond Color: Fancy ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Two-Tone Brushed 18K Gold Diamond Wedding Band, 0.60ct E-F/VS, IGI Certified
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A masterful study in contrast and architectural elegance, this Two-Tone Diamond Wedding Band reimagines Art Deco glamour for the modern connoisseur.
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The ring has fine millgrain detailing which is often seen in Art Deco jewellery and lends itself nicely to the design of this particular ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
16.00 Carat Amethyst Statement Ring, 1.51 Carat Natural Diamonds, Cocktail Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This design features 1.51 carat of VS white untreated natural diamonds, the perfect contrast to the translucent purple of this 16.00 carat natural Amethyst statement ring. The smooth...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
Stacking Band Solid 14k Rose Gold Jewelry Ring Genuine H/Si White Diamond Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This is a rose gold "Toi et Moi" style bypass cluster ring, serving as a highly fashionable cocktail ring or a modern, artistic engagement piece. Details:- Item Code :- RIMJOS-723 M...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 2 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum circa 1930, this ring showcases the architectural elegance associated with the Art Deco era. making this an exceptional antique diamond engagement ring with b...
Diamond, Platinum
Genuine H/Si White Diamond Band Ring Solid 14k White Gold Eternity Jewelry Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This is a white gold mixed-cut multi-row diamond eternity ring, popularly styled as a luxury anniversary band or a bold statement fashion ring Details:- Item Code :- RIMJOS-722 Mate...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring. 0.90ct Cushion Cut Ruby FIligree Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Fine milgrain and geometric cutouts decorate the open-work under-gallery, adding intricate texture and a distinctly architectural character. The Chartreuse Ring is an antique recrea...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Retro Diamond Ring. 1.3ct Transitional Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum 1950
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.30 carats Center Diamond Cut: Transitional Cut Center Diamond Color: I–J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2–SI1 Center Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century Double Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning platinum ring from the Art Deco era, is centered with two sparkling old mine cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 2.50ct.
Diamond, Platinum
3 Carat Ring. Antique Old European Cut Diamond Square Halo Engagement Ring K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Emerald Diamond Ring. 1.40ct Natural Emerald Diamond Accent Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Natural Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 1.40 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.25 carats total Diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cushion GIA Diamond Engagement Ring. 2.10ct Diamond Accent Platinum Ring H SI2
Located in New York, NY
Certification: GIA Certified Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Primary Stone Color: H Color Primary Stone Clari...
Diamond, Platinum
1940s 1.73 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive 1940s diamond ring has been crafted in platinum. The iconic Art Deco style, pierced decorated frame is ornamented with two feature Old European round cut di...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Aquamarine Ring. 18ct Aquamarine Diamond Accent Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 18.00 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Square Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond Diamond Weight: 1.00 carat total ...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Aquamarine and Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring. 2.70ct Aquamarine Platinum Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: Approximately 2.70 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond, Blue Sapphire Diamond Wei...
Sapphire, Diamond, Aquamarine, Platinum
3 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Ring. GIA Cushion and Old European Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 3.00 carats Center Sapphire Cut: Cushion Cut Center Sapphire Origin: Ceylon Center Sapphire Setting: Prong Set Certifi...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
GIA Cushion Diamond Sapphire Ring. 1.70ct Diamond Halo Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.70 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Diamond S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Ruby Emerald Toi etMoi Ring 1.01 Ct Ruby 0.95 Ct Emerald 14KGold Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
Celebrate the beauty of two extraordinary gemstones with this elegant 14K Yellow Gold Toi et Moi Ring, featuring a stunning pairing of a 0.95 carat natural Zambian emerald and a 1.05...
Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold
Pear & Marquise Diamond Scatter Bypass Wrap Ring 1.62 Ct 18K Gold Open Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Pear and marquise-cut diamonds disperse across a wide, multi-row bypass face in a deliberately unstructured scatter — no two stones share the same axis, ensuring that light enters an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rubellite Ring. 12ct Emerald Cut Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Rubellite Tourmaline Center Rubellite Weight: 12.00 carats Center Rubellite Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approxi...
Tourmaline, Rubelite, Diamond, Platinum
1 Carat Ruby Engagement Ring. Oval Cut Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 1.50 Carats Center Ruby Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50 Carats Diamond Cut: Old M...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Peridot and Sapphire Ring. 3.40ct Peridot Sapphire Halo Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Peridot Center Peridot Weight: 3.70 carats Center Peridot Cut: Emerald Cut Center Peridot Color: Strong Saturation Secondary Stones: Sapphire, Diamond...
Diamond, Peridot, Sapphire, Platinum
11 Carat Natural Citrine Ring. Natural Emerald Cut Citrine Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Citrine Center Citrine Weight: 11 Carats Center Citrine Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Secondary Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone S...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring. 2.10ct Old European Diamond Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.10 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamond Sett...
Diamond, Platinum
1.50 Carat Ceylon and 0.70 Carat Diamond Wedding Ring. Eternity Band Ring H VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 1.50 Carats Center Sapphire Color: Royal Blue Ceylon Sapphire Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.70 Carats ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Ring natural Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Ring 8.75US / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old Classic German cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and two natural Rubies. Band with engraved shoulders , clusters in Platinum. Ca. 1920s...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Dual Pear-Cut Diamond Open Double-Band Ring 0.73 Ct 18K Gold Anniversary RIng
Located in Deira, AE
Two prong-set pear-cut diamonds rise from a split pavé band, their pointed tips elevated above the shank to catch light from above while the continuous round brilliant pavé below del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 3 Carat Diamond Ring. Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Halo Engagement Ring IVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond Setting: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
9.14 Carat Natural Yellow Diamond Ring GIA, Large Yellow Diamond Ring for Women
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing the exquisite Harmony Yellow Diamond Ring, a true symbol of luxury and sophistication. With a stunning 9.14 carat natural yellow diamond as its centerpiece, this ring is ...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
1.50 Carat Ruby Engagement Ring. Oval Ruby Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Ruby Center Ruby Weight: 1.50 Carats Center Ruby Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.50 Carats Diamond Cut: Old M...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
1.00 Carat Emerald and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.6 grams Center Color Stone Details: Type: Natural Colombian Emerald, No oil treatment Shape: Octagon Carat Weight: 1.0...
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.50 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old European Cut Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold
2.32 Ct Baguette & Pear Diamond Three-Row Ring 18K White Gold Statement Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Baguette and pear-cut diamonds alternate across three staggered rows, producing a light performance defined by contrast — the baguettes delivering long, mirror-like step-cut reflecti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.16 Carat Diamond Floral Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.16 Carat Diamond Floral Ring – 8K Gold, 4.04g / 0.13 t oz
Romantic, luminous, and richly detailed, this floral diamond ring brings the beauty of blooming flowers ...
Diamond, Gold
1.10 Carat Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Round Aquamarine Diamond Ring 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.10 carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Round Cut Center Aquamarine Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Diamond Secon...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald Maiden Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By Jade Jagger
Located in London, GB
The Emerald Maiden Ring is a symbolic and sculptural design cast in 18K yellow gold. Two female forms intertwine to form the band, their graceful bodies supporting a vivid 6.33-carat...
Emerald, 18k 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.