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.
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.
Emerald and 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
Antique 1915 Opal and Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
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
3.95 Carat Emerald & Diamond Milgrain Vintage 14K Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage Solitaire Cocktail Ring Metal: 14K Two-Tone Yellow and White Gold Hallmark: 14K (stamped interior shank) Size: 6 (adjustable) Band Width: 2...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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
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
$104,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Old European Cut Diamond and Baguette Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Recently certified by GIA as J color, VVS2 clarity, the diamond displays the exquisite facet structure and romantic character that define the finest early brilliant cuts. The center...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
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
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
$790Sale Price / item|24% 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
Sophia D. 4.28 Carat Madagascar Pink Sapphire Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Details: Center Stone: Madagascar Pink Sapphire, 4.28 Carats, with Certificate Flanking Stones: Two Trapezoid Diamonds, 0.56 Carats each Additional Diamond: 0.40 Carats Metal: Plati...
Pink Sapphire
1950s Diamond and White Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive Art Deco diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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
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
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
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
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
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
$4,447Sale Price|25% Off
Platinum Ring with 2.80ct GIA-Certified Ceylon Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Tapered baguette diamonds on either side add a sleek Art Deco-inspired geometry, offering clean lines and a sense of understated luxury.
Diamond, Sapphire, 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
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
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
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 and flanked it with two diamond baguettes in an open bezel setting that showcases the stone's ric...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Indicolite, 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
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
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
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
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
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, 1920s Ruby & Diamond, Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Buckle Ring 18ct Gold French Stamped Circa 1920s Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct and platinum cocktail ring, a true embodiment of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
47.10 Carat No-Heat Yellow Sapphire & Old Euro Diamond Vintage Ring
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
Peter Suchy GIA Certified 13.00 Carat Octagonal Tanzanite Diamond Platinum Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Experience the breathtaking allure of the Peter Suchy GIA certified 13.00 Carat octagonal Tanzanite and Diamond Platinum engagement ring. This ring is a masterpiece, where the vibran...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
David Webb Ring Diamond Gold Black Enamel Vintage Estate Jewelry
By David Webb
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Whether he explored the ancient motifs or Art Deco forms, he went deep into the subject and reinvented it.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
5.22 Carat Aquamarine and 1.10 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage aquamarine and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated, stepped Art Deco design displays a feature 5.22ct r...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unique Unisex Carnelian Carved Horse 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine Signet Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Details: One-of-a-kind-Rossella Ugolini Unisex Carved Horse Carnelian 18 karat Gold Citrine Round Cut Signet Cameo Ring. Modern Deco Style Band Ring .
Carnelian, Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 6.14 Carat Vivid Green Minor Oil Emerald Platinum Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Flanking the center stone are two elongated trapezoid-cut diamonds, precision-matched for brilliance and proportion, adding architectural symmetry and a subtle Art Deco flair to the ...
Emerald, Platinum
6.36 Ct No Heat Certified Madagascar Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Understated, classy, wearable, sophisticate, five stone design, perfect for engagement or any mean to celebrate in life, vintage elegant Art Deco Style Expertly hand crafted of solid...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 1920’s 18ct White Gold & Platinum Zircon Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Zircon & Diamond Ring 9ct White Gold & Platinum Stamped Makers Mark A & W Circa 1920's This stunning Art Deco ring truly represents the glamour and elegance of the era.
Diamond, Zircon, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
EGL Certified .84 Carat Diamond Sapphire White Gold Men's Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond and sapphire original mens Art Deco style white gold ring. EGL certified Old European center stone with two baguette sapphire accent stones in a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Halo Diamond Marquise Turquoise Australian Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 4-12 Beautiful Handmade Art Deco Inspired Turquoise Diamond Halo Opal Engagement Ring Made in 18K Rose Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Rose Gold
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
$144,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4 Carat Premium Lenght Emerald Cut E Color Flawless Clarity Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional diamond showcases a premium elongated silhouette, with excellent polish and symmetry, offering a rare combination of purity, brilliance, and elegant proportions. Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.06 Carat Ceylon Oval Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Late Art Deco Light to medium bright Ceylon blue oval 3.06ct cushion Sapphire and diamond three-stone engagement ring.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring AGL Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This time frame comprises Art Deco, Retro and Mid-Century styles. Why do we love vintage jewelry so much?
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond and Sapphire Wedding Band. 1.70ct Diamond Sapphire Accent Eternity Band
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.70-Carats Secondary Stone: Sapphire Secondary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.00-Carat Jewelry Type: Eternity Band Jewelry Style: Cha...
Platinum
Peter Suchy GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Diamond Sapphire Engagement Platinum Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
GIA certified this stone as I color, near colorless. The ring was designed and crafted with the Art Deco era being the inspiration, by the Peter Suchy Workshop. 1 round brilliant cu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
A Vintage gold ring with diamonds and set with a Roman Carnelian Intaglio. Tyche
Located in London, GB
Specifications Intaglio: 10 × 13 mm Period: Roman, 2nd century AD Mounting: Early 20th century Metal: Two-tone gold (yellow and white) Stones: Old-cut diamonds, carnelian Ring s...
Carnelian, Diamond, Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum 1.49ct GIA European Diamond Tulip Sides Engraved Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This is an absolutely breathtaking, highly detailed, antique engagement ring that was crafted from solid platinum during the Edwardian/Art Deco period.
Diamond, Platinum
Toi et Moi Ring 1.02ct Mozambique Ruby & 1.31ct Diamonds Baguettes in 18K Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
The shoulders are adorned with a sweep of tapered baguette diamonds totaling 0.75 carats (VS clarity), each hand-set in perfect alignment to create a sculptural, flowing silhouette. ...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
"Layer Cake" 1.06ct Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum by Eytan Brandes
By Eytan Brandes 1
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Sixteen tiny plates are artfully positioned at different angles and elevations to form the perfect platform for a very clean, bright white 0.77 carat diamond -- a wonderful, contemp...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$8,320Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum and Sapphire Diamond Wedding Band. French and Round Eternity Band 8.77m
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Sapphire Stone Cut: French Cut, Round Brilliant Cut Style: Art Deco Total Weight: 10.3 Grams Width Of Band: 8.77mm Band S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Diamond Platinum Ring GIA 5.11-carat D VVS2 VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A spectacular platinum ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring a GIA-graded marquise diamond complemented by two baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 14K White Gold Old European Cut Diamond Wedding Set, 1.37 CTW
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An elegant vintage wedding set crafted in 14K white gold, featuring a beautifully matched engagement ring and wedding band. Together, the rings weigh 4.6 grams and showcase the timel...
Diamond, White Gold
5.38 Carat Oval-Cut Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring in Victorian Style
Located in Jaipur, IN
5.38 Carat Oval-Cut Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring in Victorian Style This Victorian period art-deco style enchanting crimson ruby and diamond band is magnificent.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
$3,760Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Eternity Band. Diamond Each Side Wedding Band Platinum H VS 2.50mm
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Color: H Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS Clarity Jewelry Type: Channel-Set Wedding Band Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 6.5 US, Resizable Width of Ba...
Diamond, 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.