4.64 Carat Burmese Vivid Pink Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
Rare 3.10 CT Bubblegum Vivid Pink Sapphire from Burma & Yellow Diamond Halo Ring in 18K Gold Elevate your collection with this totally spectacular, one-of-a-kind statement ring. ...
Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Gin & Grace Cushion-Cut Yellow Diamond with White Diamonds 18k TT Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 18K Two Tone Gold jewelry boasts with Cushion-cut 1 pcs 0.63 carat, Ro...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace Cushion-Cut Pink Diamond with White Diamond 18k TT Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 18K Two Tone Gold jewelry boasts with Cushion-cut 1 pcs 0.24 carat, R...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace Pear-Cut Yellow Diamond with White Diamond 18k TT Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 18K Two Tone Gold jewelry boasts with Pear-cut 1 pcs 0.24 carat, Roun...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace Cushion-Cut Yellow Diamond with White Diamonds 18k TT Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 18K Two Tone Gold jewelry boasts with Cushion-cut 1 pcs 0.31 carat, Ro...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mother of Pearl Shell Natural Diamond Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. Crafted in 14k solid gold with interlocking swirl elements, this artistic ring ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace Cushion-Cut Yellow Diamond with White Diamonds 18k TT Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 18K Two Tone Gold jewelry boasts with Cushion-cut 1 pcs 3.51 carat, Ro...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Oval Gemstone Natural Diamond Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. An oval-cut blue sapphire sits at the center of a multi-prong setting, framed b...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cultured South Sea Pearl Natural Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This 14k solid gold ring features a captivating pearl centerpiece encircled by ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow ...
Classic Pear-Cut Yellow Diamond with Round-Cut White Diamond 18k TT Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless, and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 18K Two Tone Gold jewelry boasts Pear-cut 1 pcs 0.52 carat, Round-cu...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18 K Gold 4.26 karat Green Tourmaline 0.10 Karat Diamonds Sapphires Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection, Modern 18 K Gold Green Tourmaline 0.10 Karat White Diamonds Orange Mandarine Sapphires Ring. This deep green aura ring is totally handcrafted in 1...
White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Tourmaline, Diamond, Gold, 18k...
GIA Cert Oval Cut 7 Carat Purplish Red Tourmaline Ring with Diamond in 18K Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified Oval Brilliant 7 Carat Purplish Red Tourmaline Ring, set in 18K Two Tone Gold. Adorned with 26 Round Cut Diamond Side Stones, Totaling 1.35 carats. The center stone ha...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified 18 Carat No Heat Mogok Burma Oval Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
18K White Gold Ring, meticulously crafted with a prong setting to showcase its exquisite centerpiece – an 18.16-carat Burmese Sapphire, originating from the prestigious Mogok Pain Py...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Faceted Octagon Sapphire Diamond Open Wedding Ring Made in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Faceted Octagon Sapphire Diamond Open Wedding Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural sapphire of 0.79 carats and diamonds of 0.14 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every st...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Heart Cut 5.79 & 5.73 Carat Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
18K two-tone Toi Et Moi ring, weighing 16.57 grams. Featuring two heart-cut diamonds; 5.79ct G/SI2 with EGL #EGL6302103318, and 5.73ct Fancy Yellow with SI2 clarity. Adorned by 192 R...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Mariposa Vivid Green Muzo Old Mine Colombian Emerald and Diamond Stack Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting a Colombian emerald stack ring like none you will ever see again. A stunning marriage of nature's miraculous gifts and human artistry. Set with two half moon cut natural e...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$854Sale Price / item|45% Off
Vintage style moissanite 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Art-deco style moissanite silver, gold ring. Vintage style engagement ring.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Turtle 0.50 Karats Diamonds 0.60 Kt Sapphires 0.35 Karat Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
A Turtle shaped cocktail ring finely handcrafted in 18 karats gold by expert artisans and adorned with 0.60 Karats cabochon Sapphires, 0,35 karats cabochon Ruby and 0,50 karats grey ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow G...
Vintage 1940s Platinum, Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Adding architectural elegance, the side detail features a beautifully arranged combination of baguette-cut, emerald-cut, and two old-cut diamonds, highlighting the sophisticated craf...
Diamond, Platinum
2000s Emerald and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive emerald cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The Art Deco style ring has a round form and displays a feature 0.38 Ct modern brilliant round cut diamond ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Platinum Peruzzi Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This platinum diamond ring is on the cusp of the Edwardian and Art Deco eras.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s Platinum, Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Eternity Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1920s This exquisite 1920s platinum band embodies the elegance and craftsmanship of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Platinum, 1920s 9 Carat Aquamarine & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Ring Platinum Circa 1920s Step into the elegance of the 1920s with this stunning Art Deco ring, expertly crafted from platinum.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, 1920s Square Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s A striking example of 1920s craftsmanship, this elegant Art Deco ring showcases a rich arrangement of...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold, 1930s Natural Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Tiara Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1930s A striking original 1930s diamond ring, beautifully crafted in rich 18ct gold and showcasing an elegant Art Deco-inspired design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Large 11.02 Carat Oval Australian Opal Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Latest of my creations. A breathtaking Art Deco Inspired Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Handmade in 90% Platinum.
Antique 1.26Ct Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The feature diamond is flanked on either side with two eight-cut diamonds, pavé set within a vertical Art Deco style collar design.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique and Vintage 4.55 Carat Diamond and Platinum Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The vintage (circa 1945) pierced decorated setting is embellished with an antique (circa 1900) 2.11ct Old European cut diamond, four-claw set in subtle relief to the centre, flanked ...
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Antique 1.18 carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of Art Deco jewelry/estate jewelry. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color H Clarity VS2 ...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire & Old Euro Diamond Floral Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage pink sapphire cabochon with old European cut diamond halo in 14K yellow gold and platinum ring. Size 5, adjustable. Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Cocktail Ring ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
.37 Carat Square Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco cushion cut table cut diamond engagement ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1927 Ring 1ctw natural Diamond Sapphire solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.75/1.3gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Ring with band in solid 18 k Yellow Gold with top of the crown and parts of the shoulders in Platinum featuring two old European diamond cut Diamonds Ø 3.75 mm x 2....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1.95ct Burma Ruby And Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring also features an openwork gallery and a yellow gold stem on which rest two platinum cheniered shoulders adorned with three diamonds on each side, details that contribute to ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$771Sale Price / item|25% Off
Emerald cut Amethyst and baguette moissanites 14k gold ring.
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald cut Amethyst and baguette moissanites 14k gold ring. Art-deco style engagement amethyst ring. Statement amethyst ring.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked, Birmingham 1922, Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
A classic Edwardian‑to‑Art‑Deco transitional piece with elegant proportions and fine goldwork.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum Ring with Oval Ruby and Tapered Baguette Diamonds
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Their clean, linear geometry enhances the architectural design and reflects the influence of late Art Deco aesthetics transitioning into early mid-century style.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,360Sale Price|30% Off
Princess Cut Emerald Diamond Band Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Covington, LA
Design & Wearability The wide-band format and structured checkerboard pattern give the ring a distinctly modern aesthetic with subtle Art Deco influences.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold
Spectra Fine Jewelry 11.68 Carat Zambian Emerald Diamond Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The cathedral setting creates a seamless flow of light, uniting the three stones in a mesmerizing display. With a size of US 6.5, resizable, this ring weighs approximately 10.52 gram...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,448Sale Price|20% Off
1.2Ct Bi-Color Tourmaline Ring with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A bi-color tourmaline blends two natural hues in a single emerald-cut stone at the center of this solid 14K rose gold ring, flanked by two earth-mined diamonds.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1920s French 2.10 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated Art Deco ring setting is ornamented with an impressive vertical linear formation of three circular shaped designs in swirl formations.
Diamond, White Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1920s Peridot and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this stunning 1920s rectangular cluster ring, featuring a magnificent peridot centre stone t...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 3 Carat Sapphire and 1.71 Carat Diamond Rectangular Ring in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive ring is supplied with two IDGL diamond grading report certificates for the feature diamonds, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting sto...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Spectra Fine Jewelry GIA Certified 23.16 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Tapered Baguette Color/Clarity: FY VS1; I, VS2 Certifications: GIA Size: 6.5 Creator: Spectra Fine Jewelry Metal: Platinum Weight: 15.23 grams Period: 2022 Condition: New/Excellent ...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 0.50 Carat Emerald and 0.33 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated, rectangular setting is ornamented with a stunning feature four-claw set 0.50ct emerald cut emerald. The Art Deco ring setting is ornamented with four impressi...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1.22ct Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring, London Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The feature diamond is flanked on either side by two Art Deco lug style settings embellished with sixteen pavé set modern brilliant round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 18ct Gold Opal and Diamond Ring, Circa 1915, England
Located in New York, NY
Hallmarks Crown, 18, Passant, Letter “U” – Birmingham, 1915 Era Edwardian to early Art Deco, 1915 Measurements Ring size: UK Q / US 8.25 Weight: 3.24g Diamonds: approx. 0.43 carats...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold, 1920s 10 Carat Aquamarine & Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine Ring 18ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Immerse yourself in the elegance of the 1920s with this exquisite Art Deco ring, expertly crafted from 18ct white gold.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 6.45 Carat Aquamarine and 0.48 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone in this Art Deco aquamarine platinum ring.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Filigree and Diamond Ring Size 8.5 JAGi Certified #22646
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Platinum Filigree and Diamond Ring Size 8.5 JAGi Certified- A stunning example of vintage craftsmanship, this elongated platinum ring dazzles with timeless Art Deco elegance.
Diamond, Platinum
Asscher Halo - GIA Certified Ascher Cut Diamond set in Designer Ring with 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This ring carries that legacy forward, blending Deco elegance with contemporary brilliance.
Diamond, 18k Gold
6.94 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby & Diamond 18K Black Bezel Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The combination of warm yellow gold, dramatic black metal, vivid red ruby, and white baguette diamonds creates a four-color composition that is bold, maximalist, and entirely unique ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Faye Kim Platinum 3.65cts Indicolite Tourmaline Diamond Ring, size 7.75
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Designer Faye Kim set this spectacular Emerald Cut Indicolite Tourmaline in platinum flanked with two diamond baguettes in an open bezel setting that showcases the stone's rich blue-...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Indicolite, Platinum
Heritage Pink Tourmaline Ring in Gold, Topaz and Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
The Heritage Pink Tourmaline Ring features a stunning 1.99 ct pink tourmaline center stone.
Diamond, Topaz, Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heritage Emerald Ring in 18k Gold, Topaz and Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials: 18k Yellow Gold with textured finish, 1.61 ct Zambian Emerald, Blue Topaz cabochons, and bead-set brilliant-cut diamonds. The Heritage Emerald Ring features a 1.61 ct Zam...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1.44 ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Ring, Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris c. 1955
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Berlin, DE
Since 1906, the company has had its premises at the famous Place Vendôme 22, opposite the legendary Hôtel Ritz. The hand-forged ring made of solid platinum and diamonds was created ...
Diamond, Platinum
Emerald Cut 1.07 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring shoulders each incorporate three Dutch cut diamonds in Art Deco style geometric settings, melding with the plain ring shank.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.77 Carat Square Emerald and Diamond Filigree Halo 14K White Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Halo Engagement / Cocktail Ring Metal: 14K Two-Tone White and Yellow Gold Size: 7 (adjustable) Total Weight: 4.33 grams Ring Face: 9.5mm Shank Styl...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Style 4.5 Carat Oval Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Sized at 7.75, this dome shank ring exudes an art deco style. Item Details: - Type: Vintage Ring - Metal: 18K White, Yellow Gold - Weight: 10.5 Grams - Setting: Prong, Channel - Siz...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
47.10 Carat No-Heat Yellow Sapphire & Old Euro Diamond Vintage Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Likely originating from the Art-Deco era to the mid-century retro era, circa 1940.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.25 Carat Sapphire and 1.15 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The outer ring of eighteen individually set baguette cut diamonds creates a sunburst design, similar to that used in Art Deco style pieces.
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.