3.58 Carat Emerald-Cut Colombian Emerald in 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Centering a 3.58 Carat Emerald-Cut Colombian Emerald, accented by 0.71 Carats of Round-Brilliant Cut Diamonds, and set in 18K White Gold. Details: ✔ Stone: Emerald ✔ Center-Stone We...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Lady’s 14K White Gold Emerald And Diamonds Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Lady’s 14K white gold Emerald and Diamonds ring. It depicts an emerald cut Emerald (8.4x 6.1 x 3.66mm; Color- vivid greenish blue, Clarity- natural garden inclusion, Type- ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Delightful Emerald and Diamond halo ring with lovely baguette cut diamond shoulders set entirely in 14K White Gold. darling emerald and diamond halo ring, she sparkles in the sun...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Sugarloaf Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Sugarloaf Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Filigree Ring Description: This magnificent antique or vintage-style ring is crafted in solid, substantial platinum and features a st...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,492Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style 1.15 Carat White Diamond Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yello...
14K White Gold Filigree Emerald Cut Aquamarine Ring Vintage
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage ring showcases a rectangular emerald-cut light blue aquamarine, set within an intricately crafted white gold mounting.
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold
Fine Platinum Genuine Natural Emerald and Diamond Ring '#J4857'
Located in Big Bend, WI
Fine Platinum Genuine Natural Emerald and Diamond Ring (#J4857) Platinum emerald and diamond ring with specialty cut emerald accents, 1.50 carats total weight emeralds, top color an...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.07ct Diamond Emerald Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a fabulous platinum engagement ring. The ring is centered with a sparkling radiant cut diamond that weighs approximately 1.07ct. The color of the diamond is H with VS clarity...
Diamond, Platinum
Mellerio Platinum Daisy Ring - 1ct Natural Emerald & Diamonds - Signed
By Mellerio
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
A rare and prestigious Daisy cluster ring from the world-renowned French jewelry house Mellerio dits Meller. Handcrafted in solid platinum, this vintage masterpiece (circa 1980) show...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,071Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Emerald & Sapphire Ring — 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Emerald & White Sapphire Ring — 18K Gold & Silver Signed Masterpiece • Exceptional Gem Weight • Museum-Level Craftsmanship Experience elevated Medi...
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,477Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Emerald & Diamonds Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Emerald & Diamonds Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver Center Natural Emerald — 6 Carats • Origin: Zambia • Emerald • Saturated Green luminous, glowing ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Magnificent Approx. 8.00 Carat Antique Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
An extraordinary antique ring centered around an impressive approximately 8.00 carat natural Colombian emerald, radiating a captivating vivid green hue that defines the finest exampl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 5.00 Carat Natural Emerald Solid Platinum Ring
Located in Brunswick, ME
This stunning antique ring holds a natural Colombian emerald cabochon cut (with natural inclusions) weighing 3.00 carat, bezel set accented on each side with a natural emerald round...
Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Natural Emerald and Diamonds Ring 18 Karat
Located in Brunswick, ME
A Vintage Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamonds Ring Solid 18K Yellow Gold Centered with a Natural Colombian Emerald Pear Cut, weighing approx. 1.10 Carat, Vivid Medium Gree...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$3,357Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style White Rose Cut Diamond Blue Sapphire Yellow Gold Bracelet Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold,...
14K Yellow Gold Emerald-Cut Citrine and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1980
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant ladies’ ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and showcases a striking emerald-cut citrine as its centerpiece. The natural citrine measures approximately 9 x 7 mm and ...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
Aletto Brothers 12.43ct Emerald Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, 1980s
By Aletto Brothers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A dynamic and most impressive 12.43 carat emerald and diamond ring by the venerable Aletto Brothers. The vivid and deeply saturated green of this emerald cut gemstone glows from with...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold
3.59 Carats Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Delicate old-cut diamond accents along the shoulders complete this sophisticated jewel. Combining Art Deco-inspired geometry with timeless elegance, this statement ring offers except...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage .75ct Diamond, Emerald and Onyx Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant Finely detailed Art Deco Revival Diamond, Emerald and accented by Onyx Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Vintage 18KT White Gold Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage 18KT white gold Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring from the 1970s, featuring a vivid natural emerald framed by a striking multi-cut diamond surround. This handcraft...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Estate Platinum Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamonds Solitaire Ring
Located in Brunswick, ME
Mounting Is Custom Made of Solid Platinum Center Fine Natural Colombian Emerald 1.85 Carat Vivid Medium Green Side: Natural princes Cut Diamonds 0.75 Carat Clarity VS1 Color F/G We...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 18 Carat Amethyst Ring. Emerald Cut Amethyst Ring 18K Yellow Gold 1960
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Amethyst Carat Weight: Approx 18.90 Carats Cut: Emerald Cut Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Elongated Design, Prong Setting, Split Shank Era: Vintage (Cir...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
Late Art Deco Platinum 19 Carat Santa Maria Aquamarine Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Late Art Deco platinum ring showcases a remarkable Santa Maria–color aquamarine weighing approximately 19 carats. The gemstone displays the vivid, saturated blue ton...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2.16 Carat Colombian Emerald, Diamond and Platinum "Toi Et Moi" Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1970's Emerald-Cut 2.16 Carat Colombian Emerald, Diamond, and Platinum "Toi Et Moi" Ring: centering a pair of Emerald-Cut Colombian Emerald's weighing 1.05 Carat and 0.91 Car...
Emerald, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
4.86 Carat Green Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable cocktail ring showcasing a vibrant green emerald, surrounded in a ribbon-like design accented with brilliant diamonds. Set in a polished white gold mounting. Green eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
17.01 Carat Kunzite Diamond Platinum Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1930's Art Deco carat kunzite and diamond ring. 17.01 carat emerald cut pink kunzite center stone in a platinum 18k white gold cocktail setting with 6 old mine cut accent dia...
Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Marquise Diamond, Emerald and OEC Diamond Platinum Navette Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Marquise Diamond, Emerald and OEC Diamond Platinum Navette Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set .70 Carat Marquise D...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$5,071Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Emerald & Rose Diamond Ring — 14K Yellow Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Emerald & Rose Cut Diamond Ring set in 14K Yellow Gold Signed Masterpiece • Exceptional Gem Weight • Museum-Level Craftsmanship Experience elev...
Emerald, Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold
18ct White Gold Ring Set With 3 Emeralds And Brilliant Pavings
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Ring in 18 ct white gold, model ¨forme jarretière¨ set with three emeralds weighing approximately 1.92 ct in total surrounded by pavé-set brilliants for approx. 1 ct weight: 6.32 gr...
Emerald, White Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1.70 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring F VS2
Located in Chicago, IL
original vintage engagement ring features a substantial 1.70ct emerald cut diamond in and utterly classic platinum setting with tapered baguette diamond accents. It is a high quality...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,402Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond & Emerald Ring — 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond & Emerald Ring — 18K Gold & Silver Signed Masterpiece • Exceptional Gem Weight • Museum-Level Craftsmanship Experience elevated Mediterrane...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 18K Gold 9.5ct Amethyst Ring with Accent Quartz, Art-Deco Elegance
Located in Miami, FL
A striking vintage statement ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and set with a commanding emerald-cut amethyst of approximately 9.5 carats, displaying a refined lilac-violet hue. T...
Amethyst, Quartz, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 9.09 Carat Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 9.09 Carat Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds and vivid emerald gemstones...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Vintage Colombian Emerald Diamond Geometric 18K White Gold Engagement Ring 1990s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Vintage Colombian Emerald and Diamond Engagement or Cocktail Ring in 18kt White Gold, 1990s. A composition of striking architectural clarity, this vintage ring centers on a Colombia...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 19.58 Carat Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Multigem Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 19.58 Carat Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald and Multigem Statement Ring This extraordinary statement ring showcases a vibrant combination of natural diamonds, sapphires, em...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire
Gold, White Gold, Cabochon Emerald, and Diamond Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
An attractive and classically designed cocktail ring centering a cabochon emerald weighing approximately 6.00 carats. The emerald is set within a halo of variously cut diamonds weig...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certificated 8.00 carats Fine Emerald and Diamond ring.
Located in Firenze, FI
an elegant emerald and diamond ring , set at the center with 8.00 carats Colombian emerald in a surround of round brilliant-cut diamonds and baguette-cut diamonds ( circa 4 carats ) ...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Late Deco 2.80ct Sapphire Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
A real eyecatcher, this unique Late Deco solitaire ring holds an impressive 2.80 carat sapphire as it’s centrepiece. An emerald cut stone, this deep blue sapphire is completely natur...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Estate Colombian Emerald Diamond Onyx Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A beautiful Cocktail t18k white Gold ring, featuring a 2.10 carat Natural Vivid Green Colombian Emerald, surrounded by 2.00 carats of sparkling Round brilliant Cut Diamonds graded G/...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
GIA 25.00 Carat Retro Emerald 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 12.8 grams Center Aquamarine Details: GIA REPORT #: Weight: 25.00ct Cut: Emerald Cut Color: Blue Finger to...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring, 12x5.5mm Center Stone
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Elegant and finely detailed, this 14 karat yellow gold ladies' ring highlights a striking 12 x 5.5mm emerald center stone, celebrated for its rich green color and elongated silhouett...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
$1,387Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Emerald, Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Emerald, Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring 18K Gold & Silver Center Natural Emerald — 6 Carats • Origin: Zambia • Emerald • Saturated Wine luminous, glow...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
$15,388Sale Price|52% Off
Retro 3.00 Carat Rose Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Firenze, FI
Vintage rose t diamond ring. central round convex rose cut diamond , approximately 3.20 carat but faces up like 4ct diamond . approximately H/I color SI clarity , set on 14k gold . t...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
5 Carat Carved Emerald 32 Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold Flower Motif Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
The combination of this elegant 5.4 Carat Emerald surrounded by the 32 sparkling white Diamonds in this gorgeous antique Hollywood Regency - Art Deco Ring creates a magical jewel.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 14ct Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring with Scrollwork Gallery
Located in London, England
Additional information: Material: 14ct Gold Origin: Germany Date of Manufacture: 1930s-1940s Era: Art Deco (1920s-1930s) Diamonds: Approx. 0.15 carats each Emerald: 5mm x 4.5mm x 4mm...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Classic Vintage Platinum Emerald Engagement Ring with Baguette Diamonds, 2.22ct
Located in San Francisco, CA
LOVE this Classic Vintage Natural Emerald Engagement Ring! Crafted in Platinum, the engagement ring features an Emerald Cut Natural Emerald, approximately 1.50ct in weight, of excell...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
IGI Certified 5.20 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.20 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold Created as a one-of-a-kind jewel, this exceptional ring is the only example ever produced, and no identic...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Retro 5.6 Carat Aquamarine Ring 14 Karat Gold Emerald Cut Antique Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Aqua creates a romantic, vivid ring that epitomizes the style and grace of the Art Deco - Retro period circa 1930-1950.
Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified 3.84 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 3.84 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Statement Ring 8K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases the luxurious harmony of natural diamonds and vivid emerald g...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Vintage 18KT White Gold Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring, 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage 18KT white gold emerald ring from the 1970s, designed as a bold emerald cluster ring centred with a natural Colombian emerald. The emerald is an emerald-cut stone of approx...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
ART-DECO Revival Ring In 14Kt Yellow Gold With Blue Sapphires & VS Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Art-deco revival ring with natural blue sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Mid Century French Style Moonstone Emerald Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in San Francisco, CA
A refined mid century ring inspired by the elegance of French Belle Époque and Art Deco design.
Diamond, Emerald, Moonstone, White Gold
IGI Certified 5.22 Carat Natural Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 5.22 Carat Natural Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Statement Ring 14K Gold This extraordinary statement ring showcases a luxurious harmony of natural rubies, vivid emeralds,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold
Cocktail ring Large emerald cut citrine 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
Step back into the glamorous era of retro style with this stunning 18K solid gold cocktail ring. Its centerpiece is a magnificent emerald-cut citrine, boasting a vibrant yellow-gold ...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 12.97 CT Emerald Cut Blue Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Westport, CT
An extraordinary platinum aquamarine and diamond ring, accompanied by an IGI certificate. Centered with one natural emerald cut blue aquamarine weighing approximately 12.97 CT and me...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
GRS Certified Muzo Colombian Emerald and Diamond Antique Platinum Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This exceptional antique platinum ring is centered with a captivating 1.90 carat pear-shape Colombian emerald of highly sought-after Muzo origin, accompanied by a GRS certificate con...
Diamond, Emerald, Green Beryl, Platinum
$1,072Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic Orient Emerald & Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Natural Emerald & Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K Gold & Silver 1.00 Carat Emerald 1.00 Carat Diamonds An exquisite expression of refined elegance and timeless design...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
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.