Skip to main content

De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

De Beers is among the world’s largest diamond suppliers by volume. Nearly one hundred percent of the company’s revenue comes from mining and producing diamonds, and today, De Beers engagement rings, wedding rings, tennis bracelets and other pieces are widely admired by jewelry wearers near and far.

De Beers Mining Company was established as such in the 1880s by British businessman Cecil Rhodes. Initially, Rhodes provided water pumping systems to miners in South Africa before he began to purchase mines (by 1888, De Beers Mining Company owned nearly every mine in South Africa). Eventually, De Beers operated distribution and production of diamonds on a massive scale. 

German-born industrialist Ernest Oppenheimer — founder of the Anglo American Corporation and a rival of De Beers in the diamond game — began to buy shares of Rhodes’s company as they became available in the early 20th century. Oppenheimer was owner and chairman of De Beers by the late 1920s.

De Beers has played a significant role in all parts of the diamond world over the years. In 1940, for example, the company partnered with the Gemological Institute of America to market the 4Cs. This system — the 4Cs being color, clarity, cut and carat weight — was established by former jeweler and founder of the GIA, Robert M. Shipley, and lays out the guidelines that determine how diamonds are graded. A lecturer with the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based advertising agency that worked with De Beers, N.W. Ayer & Son, traveled around the United States during the early 1940s to share guidance with jewelers on the 4Cs and on how to talk about diamonds with their clientele. The agency would play even a larger role in promoting diamonds in the years that followed.

Postwar engagement rings were intended to be simpler than those that preceded them — after the war, platinum was no longer reserved for military use and the precious stones in engagement rings were larger. In 1947, with the support of N.W. Ayer & Son, De Beers introduced the slogan “A diamond is forever” in a marketing campaign that emphasized a connection between diamonds and romance. This sparkling copy was penned by the agency’s copywriter Frances Gerety. 

Newer engagement rings were designed with a focus on the beauty of the diamond, and the sale of diamonds soared. Diamond engagement rings became intertwined with the post–World War II marriage boom, which coincided with the ascension of specific diamond cuts.

Throughout the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, De Beers expanded operations across the globe. In 1986 in a South African mine, the company unearthed the Centenary Diamond. One of the most famous diamonds in the world, the heart-shaped Centenary Diamond weighs 273 carats. It was unveiled in 1988 for the 100th anniversary of De Beers. Since the 1990s, rumors have swirled that De Beers sold the stone to a private buyer; the company will neither confirm nor deny the claim, citing client confidentiality.

In the early 2000s, De Beers opened stores in London, New York City, Hong Kong and elsewhere. The company is today leading an effort to prioritize philanthropic efforts as well as transparency in diamond origins. 

On 1stDibs, find vintage De Beers rings, bracelets, necklaces and more.

to
1
1
56
126
114
51
48
1
1
Creator: De Beers
De Beers Diamond Hourglass, 36.00 Carats
De Beers Diamond Hourglass, 36.00 Carats

De Beers Diamond Hourglass, 36.00 Carats

By De Beers

Located in New Orleans, LA

This Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer by De Beers features an hourglass filled with over 2,000 natural rough diamonds, weighing approximately 36.00 carat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Related Items
Vintage 3D Concord Charm/Pendant in 9 Carat Yellow Gold, 1970
Vintage 3D Concord Charm/Pendant in 9 Carat Yellow Gold, 1970

Vintage 3D Concord Charm/Pendant in 9 Carat Yellow Gold, 1970

Located in London, GB

This vintage concord charm/pendant is a perfect little keepsake for aviation lovers and collectors alike. Beautifully crafted in buttery 9 carat yellow gold, this piece captures th...

Category

1970s European Retro Vintage De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold Salvador Dalí Cristo De San Juan De La Cruz Necklace and Bracelet
18 Karat Gold Salvador Dalí Cristo De San Juan De La Cruz Necklace and Bracelet

18 Karat Gold Salvador Dalí Cristo De San Juan De La Cruz Necklace and Bracelet

By Salvador Dalí­

Located in Neguri, Vizcaya

Limited Edition 18k Yellow Gold Salvador Dali Christ Saint John On The Cross Pendant Necklace / Bracelet This is a limited edition numbered piece from 1970's, number 108 out of 1000...

Category

1970s Spanish Artisan Vintage De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Silver-Gilt Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Pearl Butterfly Brooch
Victorian Silver-Gilt Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Pearl Butterfly Brooch

Victorian Silver-Gilt Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby and Pearl Butterfly Brooch

Located in Darien, CT

This Victorian Silver Gilt butterfly brooch is crafted with beautiful gem-set wings and body. Colorful and delightful, the brooch is set with sapphires, rubies, rose-cut diamonds, an...

Category

1890s British Victorian Antique De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Silver

Antique Silver Needlecase Man Frockcoat Gaiters Playing Cards Ace of Diamonds
Antique Silver Needlecase Man Frockcoat Gaiters Playing Cards Ace of Diamonds

Antique Silver Needlecase Man Frockcoat Gaiters Playing Cards Ace of Diamonds

Located in Munich, Bavaria

Charming silver Biedermeier needle case in the shape of a man wearing a hat, frockcoat and gaiters. He is hiding his right hand, holding a playing card showing a diamond ace, behind...

Category

1820s German Early Victorian Antique De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Silver

Modernist Stainless Polished Finish Steel Brooch Pin American Jose De Riviera
Modernist Stainless Polished Finish Steel Brooch Pin American Jose De Riviera

Modernist Stainless Polished Finish Steel Brooch Pin American Jose De Riviera

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A stainless steel brooch. By the American Modernist Jose De Rivera. In a stylized "S" curved shape with a highly polished front and hammered finish to...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modernist De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Titanium, Pearl, Rubies, Peridot, Diamonds, Pink and Blue Sapphires Bird Brooch
Titanium, Pearl, Rubies, Peridot, Diamonds, Pink and Blue Sapphires Bird Brooch

Titanium, Pearl, Rubies, Peridot, Diamonds, Pink and Blue Sapphires Bird Brooch

Located in Hong Kong, HK

A huge statement piece! This colorful design is so eye catching! This titanium brooch is made out of many colorful precious and semi precious stones. The stones include Pearl, Rubies...

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Peridot, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, T...

18K Gold, Diamonds, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Bloodstone, and Jasper Toucan Bird
18K Gold, Diamonds, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Bloodstone, and Jasper Toucan Bird

18K Gold, Diamonds, Amethyst, Tourmaline, Bloodstone, and Jasper Toucan Bird

By Gianfranco Frattini

Located in Long Island City, NY

An 18K gold, diamonds, amethyst, tourmaline, bloodstone, carved emerald, opal and jasper toucan bird resting on a gold tree branch, mounted on a carved malachite base. A very rare and unique gold-mounted jeweled object...

Category

20th Century Italian De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, Jasper, 18k Gold

Certified Icy & Imperial Jade Diamond Hummingbird Brooch, Fine Enamel Work
Certified Icy & Imperial Jade Diamond Hummingbird Brooch, Fine Enamel Work

Certified Icy & Imperial Jade Diamond Hummingbird Brooch, Fine Enamel Work

Located in Hong Kong, HK

Please check out the HD video. In addition to being a status symbol, wearing jade traditionally has been known to grant the user good luck, health, prosperity and longevity. This Icy Jade cabochon hummingbird with imperial green jadeite jade...

Category

2010s Hong Kong De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Honorary French Medal in 18-carat Yellow Gold in Portois House
Honorary French Medal in 18-carat Yellow Gold in Portois House

Honorary French Medal in 18-carat Yellow Gold in Portois House

$1,903Sale Price|20% Off

W 1.19 in L 1.19 in

Honorary French Medal in 18-carat Yellow Gold in Portois House

Located in Vannes, FR

Honorary Medal in 18-carat Yellow Gold in Portois House 18-carat Yellow Gold Honorary Medal Square-shaped medal representing two men named: A.PORTOIS. and A.FIX their portrait is ve...

Category

1890s European Antique De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

18k Gold

"Madonna de Port Lligat" Pendentif Necklace Solid 18k Gold by Salvador Dalí
"Madonna de Port Lligat" Pendentif Necklace Solid 18k Gold by Salvador Dalí

"Madonna de Port Lligat" Pendentif Necklace Solid 18k Gold by Salvador Dalí

By Salvador Dalí­

Located in Neguri, Vizcaya

Unique 18k Yellow Gold Salvador Dali Madonna de Port Lligat Pendant Necklace / Bracelet This is a limited edition numbered piece from 1970's, number 0040/ out of 1000 This necklace comes with a pouch and a frame for collectors piece exhibit Accompanying card from Exmundart Original rights from Land Spring Enginering Ltd, propietor of the exclusive world-wide rights on this sculpture-jewel as stated in the document ordained by Salvador Dalí, and legalised by Mr. José Gómez de la Serna, Notary of Barcelona Spain. Details: Sculpture-Jewel cast wit the use of the lost wax process and denominated Madonna de Port Lligat Length: Bracelet 8¨"/ 20cm Necklace alone 17,32" / 44cm Necklace with bracelet...

Category

1970s Spanish Artisan Vintage De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse
Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse

Mellerio Paris, a French Gold, Diamonds, Silver, and Smoky Quartz Carved Horse

By Mellerio dits Meller

Located in Long Island City, NY

Mellerio Paris, A French Gold, Diamonds, Silver-Gilt, Rock-Crystal, Jade, Mother-Of-Pearl and Smoky Quartz, Carved Horse Sculpture, Jeweled Mounted Object. An extremely rare and unique, one of a kind French gold, diamonds, Silver-gilt, rock-crystal, jade, obsidian, mother-of-pearl, and smoky quartz carved jeweled sculpture "CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE", "A Legendary Horse" by Mellerio, Paris, circa 1991. Sitting on black obsidian base, the solid rock-crystal slab is finely applied with a carved smoky -quartz and jade horse with a harness mounted in 18k gold, brilliant -cut diamonds, rubies, turquoise, and amethyst chains and pendants. The top columns adorned with 18k gold and brilliant cut diamond pendants, the bottom with gold and mother of pearl plaques. The obsidian base with a plaque engraved: CHEVAUX DE LEGENDE" / N° 05 / MELLERIO DITS MELLER / PARIS / 5003 D The piece is in excellent condition and comes with a custom made wood case made for transport. It's very elegant and has French hallmarks throughout. A truly magnificent piece. Measures 10.5" high x 8.5" wide x 4" deep Founded in France in 1613 by the descendants of Italian immigrants from the Vigezzo Valley in the north of Italy, Mellerio is one of the oldest jewellery houses in Europe. The family business soon attracted the attention of the Royal Court and Marie Antoinette herself reportedly purchased a precious bracelet featuring 7 cameos surrounded by rubies in 1780. Later on, in the 19th century, Mellerio became the official supplier of the French Royal family and the Court of Netherland. Mellerio creates many jewellery items, all set with rare gems such as peridots, amethysts, aquamarines, citrines and topaz, applying for a patent, the flexible stem, a very supple and light jewellery mechanism. Mellerio remains also well known for their spectacular series of Art Nouveau jewels, created at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as for the creation of trophies rewarding some of the greatest footfall and tennis players of history. In 1993, the jewellery house launched their first watch collection. Today, Mellerio has stores in Paris, Japan and Hong Kong. July 14, 1789: this date is known throughout the world as the beginning of the French Revolution. According to a ledger belonging to House of Mellerio, this was also the day that the jeweler sold a golden key to the Comte de Coutance for 10 livres. This ledger, as well as inventories dating as far back as 1768, are the jeweler’s oldest archives. These archives have continued to grow over the years, as the House, established on rue de la Paix in Paris, still lives on today, still in the hands of the same family from Craveggia, in the North of Italy. The tumultuous history of the Mellerio family in France probably goes as far back as the Italian wars of the Renaissance, but the first official document proving their commercial activity in Paris dates back to 1613. This document is the famous royal warrant awarded by Marie de Medici to a number of Italian families established along the rue des Lombards, including the Mellerios, allowing them to sell “small jewelery items”, therefore granting them a small exception to the traditional monopoly enjoyed by Parisian jewelers. At that time, powerful corporations regulated the operations and customs of Parisian business, but thanks to this exceptional warrant, the Mellerios managed to escape the confines of this framework. Today, this wax-sealed document is kept at the city hall of Craveggia. From 1613 to the Revolution, the Mellerios lived between France and Italy. The corporations tried many times to put an end to their trade privileges, but all in vain, as a dynasty of sovereigns renewed the warrant. Always marrying and often retiring in Craveggia, the Mellerios continued to maintain their jewelry business in Paris. At first, they did this without a shop. Wearing backpacks (wooden boxes divided into small compartments where jewels were kept), they would tour town fairs around Paris and royal castles. This is how Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850) is said to have sold a bracelet set with rubies and Antique cameos to Marie-Antoinette, which still exists today. Many elements seem to prove the veracity of this anecdote. The queen was particularly fond of cameos, which cover the entire background of her famous jewelry cabinet, and ruby was her favorite stone after diamond. The famous bracelet, reacquired a few years ago by the House of Mellerio, is indeed an 18th century jewel, set with antique cameos representing the profiles of Roman emperors. Two branches of the family were operating in Paris during this time, under the reign of Louis XVI: that of Jean-François (1746-1828), the paternal ancestor of the current Mellerios, and that of Jean-Baptiste (1765-1850). The French Revolution forced them to return to Italy. However, both Jean-Baptiste and François Mellerio (1772-1843), who was the son of Jean-François, were eventually able to return to Paris after the founding of the Consulate. Jean-Baptiste opened a shop at the Iron Crown of rue Vivienne, and François opened his at the Palais des Tuileries, rue du Coq Saint-Honoré. His well-organized order books give an idea of his high-ranking clientele during the “Old Regime”, among which were the Comte and Comtesse Octave de Segur, the Marquise (later Duchess) de Tourzel, former governess of the royal children, and her daughter, the Comtesse de Bearn, the Craufurds -who organized the flight to Varennes, the Duc and Duchess de Gramont, the Comtesse de Boigne, and Madame de Souza, Talleyrand’s mistress. We also see the names of the imperial family: Empress Josephine, the Queen of Holland, Princess Elisa, Caroline and Pauline. At that time, the House of Mellerio specialized, among other things, in the trade of antique cameos, a newly fashionable genre of jewel that captured the imagination of all the princesses and noble women of the time. The years of the Restauration and July Monarchy were among the most glorious. The Bourbons were back on the throne, and the clientele of the House of Mellerio had regained its former wealth. Mellerio supplied Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as well as his mother, wife and sister, with sumptuous jewels, including a set of emeralds made piece by piece, while the Duke of Bourbon, last prince of the House of Condé, offered diamonds to his mistress, the scheming Baronne de Feucheres, and Monsieur de LaFayette also bought cameos for one of his granddaughters. For the first time, Mellerio ventured into the world of arts in 1815, when Carlotta Grisi, a famous dancer who created Giselle, as well as an actress named Rachel, bought jewels at the Mellerio store on rue de la Paix. 1848 marked a new turning point. France once again became a Republic. François Mellerio handed the company over to his son, Jean, and the latter decided to travel to Spain to build a new clientele. He later became one of the jewelers of the royal family, and met Eugénie de Montijo, who remained a faithful client when she became empress of the French people. The Imperial years were lavish. During the Second Empire, Paris was a pageant of crinoline dresses designed by Worth, while jewels by Mellerio, Worth’s neighbour on the rue de la Paix, adorned the noble women of the Tuileries court. The Empress bought pearls. Mathilde Bonaparte...

Category

20th Century French De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold, Si...

SV925 Tiger Miniature with Rare White Nephrite and Diamond Eyes
SV925 Tiger Miniature with Rare White Nephrite and Diamond Eyes

SV925 Tiger Miniature with Rare White Nephrite and Diamond Eyes

By MOISEIKIN

Located in Hong Kong, HK

The year 2022 is the perfect time to explore the world and challenge new things. Don't sit and wait for fortune to come to you. Step out for the brand new journey, work hard, withdraw attention, and establish permanent and mutual relationships with many people for great success. MOISEIKIN's tiger miniature is aesthetically carved out from genuine silver with an anti-tarnish substance, germanium added. The detailed feature is the privilege attributed to the house's experienced artisans. The base stone is a rare Siberian nephrite...

Category

2010s Russian Contemporary De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Silver

Previously Available Items
De Beers Diamond Hourglass, 36.00 Carats
De Beers Diamond Hourglass, 36.00 Carats

De Beers Diamond Hourglass, 36.00 Carats

By De Beers

Located in New Orleans, LA

This Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer by De Beers features an hourglass filled with over 2,000 natural rough diamonds, weighing approximately 36.00 carat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Gold Plate, Brass

De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer
De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer

De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer

By De Beers

Located in Southampton, PA

Very Rare! Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer by De Beers. This item comes with lighted pedestal and box. This hourglass was...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Brass

De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer
De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer

De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer

By De Beers

Located in Southampton, PA

Very Rare! Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer by De Beers. This item comes with a box, light does now work in a stand. Cont...

Category

Early 2000s American De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Brass

De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer
De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer

De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer

By De Beers

Located in Southampton, PA

Very Rare! Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer by De Beers. This item comes with lighted pedestal, box and certificate. T...

Category

Early 2000s American De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Brass

De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer
De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer

De Beers Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer

By De Beers

Located in Southampton, PA

Very Rare! Limited Edition Millennium 2000 Diamond Brass Hourglass Timer by De Beers. This item comes with lighted pedestal and a box. This hourgl...

Category

Early 2000s American De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Diamond, Brass

De Beers objets d'art and vertu for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a range of De Beers objets d'art and vertu available on 1stDibs.
Questions About De Beers Objets d'Art and Vertu
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
    Why it is called De Beers owes to the history of the mining and jewelry company. De Beers Mining Company was established in the 1880s by British businessman Cecil Rhodes. Initially, Rhodes provided water pumping systems to miners in South Africa before he began to purchase mines. One of the mines that Rhodes bought was on the site of a farm previously owned by brothers Diederik Arnoldus de Beer and Johannes Nicolaas de Beer. Shop a diverse assortment of De Beers jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
    Many jewelry lovers believe that De Beers is worth it. De Beers is among the world’s largest diamond suppliers by volume. The company has played a significant role in all parts of the diamond world over the years. In 1940, for example, the company partnered with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to market the 4Cs. This system — the 4Cs being color, clarity, cut and carat weight — was established by former jeweler and founder of the GIA, Robert M. Shipley, and lays out the guidelines determining how diamonds are graded. Today, De Beers engagement rings, wedding rings, tennis bracelets and other pieces are widely admired. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in De Beers jewelry is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find De Beers jewelry and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
    Where De Beers gets its diamonds varies. The diamond supplier operates mines in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. De Beers guarantees that all of its gemstones are ethically sourced and conflict-free, and it employs transparency policies that allow customers to know the origins of the diamonds they purchase. Shop a variety of De Beers diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    In a recent turn of events, De Beers has opened a factory in Portland, Oregon that has the capacity to produce 400,000 lab-grown diamonds per year. You can shop a selection of De Beers jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, De Beers is genuinely considered to be a luxury brand. Most people define a luxury jewelry brand as one that produces pieces out of high-quality gemstones and precious metals and prices them accordingly. De Beers fits this definition. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of De Beers jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    No, De Beers is not still a monopoly. Although the South African jewelry maker is still one of the leading suppliers and jewelry houses in the world, it has not been able to largely control diamond prices since the early 2000s due to changes in the market. The shift occurred largely due to an influx of new, smaller suppliers located outside of South Africa. Shop a diverse assortment of De Beers diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    Yes, De Beers diamonds are generally worth it. The luxury jewelry maker has exceptionally high standards for gemstone quality. As a result, jewelry produced by the company only features diamonds with color ratings of D to L, clarity ratings of FL to SI2 and cuts of Excellent and Very Good. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of De Beers diamond jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Yes, many people consider De Beers to be a good brand. The company is among the world’s largest diamond suppliers by volume. De Beers engagement rings, wedding rings, tennis bracelets and other pieces are widely admired by jewelry wearers near and far. Additionally, De Beers has played a significant role in the diamond world over the years. In 1940, for example, the company partnered with the Gemological Institute of America to market the 4Cs — cut, color, clarity and carat weight. This system lays out the guidelines that determine how diamonds are graded. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of De Beers jewelry.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    No, De Beers did not invent the engagement ring. Use of engagement rings date back to at least the time of Ancient Rome. However, in the 20th century, engagement rings began to fall out of style, especially by the time of the Great Depression. In the late 1930’s, De Beers began an advertising campaign that would forever rejuvenate interest in diamond engagement rings. Shop a collection of authentic De Beers jewelry on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.