Art Deco Engagement Rings

Vintage Art Deco engagement rings are emblematic of a period of excitement and celebration — the end of the First World War had given way to a moment of economic prosperity, renewal and luxury.

Art Deco jewelry pieces are typically characterized by bold details and pronounced geometric forms. While the style got its name from an arts exhibition in Paris in 1925, Art Deco was inspired by Cubism and a shift from Art Nouveau’s floral aesthetic. The modern look of Art Deco engagement rings reflects an evolution in fashion, visual art and more as well as the sweeping societal changes taking hold at the time. Women were breaking free of pre-World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.

Glamorous and sophisticated, authentic Art Deco engagement rings of the 1920s and 1930s tend to be more colorful and include gemstones cut in nontraditional ways. Cartier, Paul Brandt and Boucheron are just some of the artists and luxury houses that transformed the look of engagement rings at the time, introducing ivory and pearls to the era’s venturesome designs. Diamonds in square and rectangular shapes incorporating angular steps — like emerald cuts, Asscher cuts and baguettes — were set against black onyx, rubies, sapphires and emeralds to create color blocking effects. The old European cut of the late Victorian era continued to be used until the 1930s, but new standards were emerging that would lead to the modern round brilliant cut.

Find Art Deco engagement rings and other vintage engagement rings and antique engagement rings on 1stDibs now, and explore our Art Deco engagement rings buying guide.