Engagement Rings
Shopping for the right antique, new or vintage engagement ring can prove daunting. Whether you’re looking for that perfect Art Deco engagement ring, a vintage sapphire engagement ring or a fashionable contemporary accessory, it’s important to choose a style that speaks to you.
Rings have long been signifiers of marriage and committed relationships. The modern diamond engagement ring can be traced back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria commissioned an expensive diamond ring for his betrothed. Diamond rings subsequently became extremely popular among the European aristocracy. Later, during the Victorian era, the popularity of diamond engagement rings had filtered down to the middle class, owing to the increasing accessibility — and affordability — of gold and diamonds.
Authentic antique Victorian-era engagement rings were frequently set in rose or yellow gold and they are highly collectible. Designs for Victorian engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Diamonds were likely to be small rose- or old-mine-cut (the ancestor of today’s cushion-cut) stones. The former are often associated with antique styles like Victorian or Georgian, as rose-cut diamonds are uncommon in modern jewelry. The diamonds were typically set in a group of five in a band or as a solitaire.
Victorian-era engagement rings also saw other gemstones accompanying diamonds. Small seed pearls and moonstones were popular. Other sentimental and romantic motifs such as hearts and stars took hold as well. When Prince Albert became engaged to Queen Victoria, he gave her a serpent ring with emerald eyes, her birthstone. This initiated a widespread craze for snake jewelry.
In 1886, esteemed American luxury firm Tiffany & Co. introduced its solitaire diamond design, which is still among the most popular styles of engagement rings. The Tiffany Setting raises the stone above the band on six prongs, allowing its facets to catch the light and reflect through the stone.
French jewelry house Cartier, which pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry and helped define Art Deco, sought to render the diamonds in their engagement rings and other rings as brilliantly as possible. The brand’s timeless Solitaire 1895 engagement ring gave the impression of delicate lace.
Edwardian engagement rings and, afterward, Art Deco engagement rings that followed in the wake of Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 would be characterized by complex geometric designs and platinum settings. Owing to the Art Nouveau movement, nature was a major theme for Edwardian jewelry, while the diamond ring designs of the Art Deco period were inspired by Cubism as well as ancient Egypt. Art Deco engagement rings are bold and colorful and feature gems cut in nontraditional ways.
Engagement rings designed during World War II were made from two-toned metals and smaller stones. Large stones were scarce, and platinum was reserved for the military. Postwar engagement rings were intended to be simpler and focused on the beauty of the diamond.
In 1947, De Beers Consolidated Mines, with the support of Philadelphia ad agency N.W. Ayer & Son, introduced the slogan “A diamond is forever” in a marketing campaign that emphasized a connection between diamonds and romance. Diamond sales skyrocketed, and diamond engagement rings became intertwined with the post–World War II marriage boom, which coincided with the ascension of specific diamond cuts.
The round brilliant cut, which consists of an astounding 58 facets, continues to be the most popular cut to this day. Jewelers such as Harry Winston had already gained a reputation for his talents by the time the De Beers campaign debuted, and he is said to have favored emerald-cut diamonds.
For everything from understanding the 4Cs to choosing between antique, vintage, contemporary and custom styles, get expert tips to help you find just the right ring. Additionally, explore our buying guides for a close look at antique engagement rings, Art Deco engagement rings and vintage engagement rings.
When you’re ready to mark your momentous occasion, find a vast collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
1970s French Retro Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
1950s Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1930s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1950s Vintage Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s European Retro Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
1990s Contemporary Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century French Engagement Rings
White Gold
1920s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Vintage Engagement Rings
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1950s Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1910s Edwardian Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
1980s Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, White Gold
1920s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century North American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1940s Retro Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
White Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
White Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
White Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1950s American Retro Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1980s Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century English Modern Engagement Rings
Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1950s Retro Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Late Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings
Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1930s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1920s Unknown Art Deco Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century French Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold
1930s Unknown Vintage Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
White Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc. engagement rings for sale on 1stDibs
Find a wide range of Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc. engagement rings available on 1stDibs. These unique items were designed with extraordinary care, often using gold. While looking for the most stylish antique or vintage Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc. jewelry to pair with your ensemble, you’ll find that Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc. diamond engagement rings, from our inventory of 169, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look. This collection contains 170 pieces as well as a number of other designs by this jeweler. While this collection represents work that originated over various time periods, most of these items were designed and contemporary during the 21st century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider engagement rings by and . Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc. engagement rings can vary in price depending on gemstone, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at $378 and tops out at $125,000, while pieces like these can sell for $3,600 on average..
Read More
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.
5 Engagement Ring Styles to Consider Right Now
If a classic solitaire isn't for you, explore these alluring alternatives.
The One-of-a-Kind Allure of Custom Engagement Rings
Thinking of going bespoke but not sure what it entails? We ask the experts what you need to know.
Experts Talk Engagement Ring Trends and Shopping Tips
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.