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1930s 3 Diamond Ring

Vintage 1930's Platinum 3 Stone Diamond Dinner Ring
Vintage 1930's Platinum 3 Stone Diamond Dinner Ring

Vintage 1930's Platinum 3 Stone Diamond Dinner Ring

Located in Boston, MA

An exquisite example of 1930s artistry, this platinum dinner ring showcases three magnificent European-cut diamonds as its sparkling centerpieces. Each of the trio of old European-cu...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 3 Carat Old Mine Cut Double Diamond and Platinum Ring Circa 1930's
Art Deco 3 Carat Old Mine Cut Double Diamond and Platinum Ring Circa 1930's

Art Deco 3 Carat Old Mine Cut Double Diamond and Platinum Ring Circa 1930's

By H & H Jewels

Located in Miami, FL

Original 1930's Art Deco vintage double diamond ring with additional diamond and sapphire adornments.

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1930s Art Deco 3 Carat Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
1930s Art Deco 3 Carat Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring

1930s Art Deco 3 Carat Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Two arrowheads, set on scrolls, are adorned with rose-cut diamonds and give the start of the ring which, on the upper part, is chiseled with foliage.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

1930s Art Deco 1.50cttw 3 Stone Old European Diamond Ring
1930s Art Deco 1.50cttw 3 Stone Old European Diamond Ring

1930s Art Deco 1.50cttw 3 Stone Old European Diamond Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.3 grams Diamond Details: 1.50ct total weight. (Center diamond is .6...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1930s 3-Stone European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring 1.75 Carat
Vintage 1930s 3-Stone European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring 1.75 Carat

Vintage 1930s 3-Stone European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring 1.75 Carat

Located in Boston, MA

Vintage 1930s 3 Stone European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring 1.75ct - The center diamond weighs approximately .80ct and the 2 side diamonds weigh approximately .95ct.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Circa 1930s Platinum Art Deco 3 Stone Old Mine Brilliant 1.40cttw Diamond Ring
Circa 1930s Platinum Art Deco 3 Stone Old Mine Brilliant 1.40cttw Diamond Ring

Circa 1930s Platinum Art Deco 3 Stone Old Mine Brilliant 1.40cttw Diamond Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.5 grams Diamond Details: .40ct each x 3 Center Diamonds = 1.20ct, total.

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Platinum

Recent Sales

Ladies Ring with 3 Diamonds, 14 Carat Gold, 1930s
Ladies Ring with 3 Diamonds, 14 Carat Gold, 1930s

Ladies Ring with 3 Diamonds, 14 Carat Gold, 1930s

Located in Berlin, DE

Ladies ring with 3 diamonds, 14 carat gold, 1930s 14 carat gold Europe, 1930s 3 brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.09 ct each Inside hallmark "585 dimensions: 1,6 x 0,6 cm Ring size: D 56...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1930s Antique Cartier Platinum 3 ct Ruby and 3.2 ct Diamond Cocktail Ring
1930s Antique Cartier Platinum 3 ct Ruby and 3.2 ct Diamond Cocktail Ring

1930s Antique Cartier Platinum 3 ct Ruby and 3.2 ct Diamond Cocktail Ring

By Cartier

Located in Miami, FL

The ring comes from the family estate of the Greece noble family Saltafera. Hypocratis Saltafera was a Greece Minister circa 1930's.The ring belonged to his wife Spyrydona Saltafera ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Gold Ring with 3 Brilliants, 14 Carat Gold and Platinum, 1930s
Gold Ring with 3 Brilliants, 14 Carat Gold and Platinum, 1930s

Gold Ring with 3 Brilliants, 14 Carat Gold and Platinum, 1930s

Located in Berlin, DE

Gold ring with 3 brilliants, 14 carat gold & platinum, 1930s 14 carat gold, platinum Europe, 1930s 3 brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.18 ct each individually set in platinum dimensions: ...

Category

Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Platinum Ring Mined .45ct Original 1930's
Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Platinum Ring Mined .45ct Original 1930's

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Platinum Ring Mined .45ct Original 1930's

Located in Dearborn, MI

Genuine Original Antique from 1930's 3 Stone Diamond Cocktail Ring .45ct Platinum Filigree Features a Genuine Mined Natural Old European Cut .20ct Center Diamond Surrounded by Old...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1930s Art Deco Diamond Gold 3 Stone Cocktail Ring
1930s Art Deco Diamond Gold 3 Stone Cocktail Ring

1930s Art Deco Diamond Gold 3 Stone Cocktail Ring

Located in Greenwich, CT

Magnificent ring, 18k white gold with 3 old mine cut round diamonds 0.55ct each. 2 diamonds at side 0.70ct and 10 diamonds of 0.10ct each. Total diamonds weight is 3.55ct G/H color, ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1 Carat 3-Row Antique Singlecut Diamond Platinum Ring, circa 1930s
Art Deco 1 Carat 3-Row Antique Singlecut Diamond Platinum Ring, circa 1930s

Art Deco 1 Carat 3-Row Antique Singlecut Diamond Platinum Ring, circa 1930s

Located in Addison, TX

Description: This piece is a 1930s Art Deco era Platinum wedding band with 1.0 cttw Antique Single cut diamond wedding band! A great bold statement piece to pair with any engagement...

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Ring .81ct French Cut Arrow Sapphire 18k Original 1930s
Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Ring .81ct French Cut Arrow Sapphire 18k Original 1930s

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Ring .81ct French Cut Arrow Sapphire 18k Original 1930s

Located in Dearborn, MI

Genuine Original Antique from 1930's 3 Stone .81ct Diamond French Cut Sapphire 18K Art Deco Engagement Cocktail Ring Featuring 3 SPECTACULAR Natural Mined Old European Cut Center D...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930s 3 Carat Cats Eye Chrysoberyl and 1 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
1930s 3 Carat Cats Eye Chrysoberyl and 1 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold

1930s 3 Carat Cats Eye Chrysoberyl and 1 Carat Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold

Located in Hicksville, NY

Item Details: 1930s (Art Deco Period) Gemstone: Cats Eye Chrysoberyl and Diamond Size: 4 (resizable) Cats Eye Details: Cut: Oval Carat: 3.00 Color: Honey Diamond Details: Carat: 1....

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

3 Diamond Engagement Ring, 1.56 Carat Total Weight, Estate Art Deco, circa 1930s
3 Diamond Engagement Ring, 1.56 Carat Total Weight, Estate Art Deco, circa 1930s

3 Diamond Engagement Ring, 1.56 Carat Total Weight, Estate Art Deco, circa 1930s

By Five Star Jewelry

Located in Austin, TX

Glowing with the warmth of vintage 14 karat white gold, this Art Deco ring proudly displays 3 old European cut diamonds in a horizontal cartouche, accented by gracefully angled leave...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1930s Antique Deco Diamond GIA Certified Natural Ruby Platinum 3-Stone Ring
1930s Antique Deco Diamond GIA Certified Natural Ruby Platinum 3-Stone Ring

1930s Antique Deco Diamond GIA Certified Natural Ruby Platinum 3-Stone Ring

Located in Miami, FL

his classic Antique Deco three stone ring crafted in platinum is centered with one lavish GIA certified Natural oval brilliant cut red ruby (heat treated). The nice red natural corun...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Cocktail Ring French Cut Sapphire .54ct 18K Original 19
Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Cocktail Ring French Cut Sapphire .54ct 18K Original 19

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Cocktail Ring French Cut Sapphire .54ct 18K Original 19

Located in Dearborn, MI

Genuine Original Antique from the 1930's Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Statement Ring French Cut Sapphire .54ct 18K White Gold Featuring 3 SPECTACULAR Natural Mined Old Cut Diamonds  B...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire Diamond Pierced Bead Set Platinum Ring
Sapphire Diamond Pierced Bead Set Platinum Ring

Sapphire Diamond Pierced Bead Set Platinum Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

Minor wear to facet edges of sapphires. Authentic 1930’s vintage filigree Ring. 3 round diamonds approx. total weight .36cts 10 round diamonds approx. total weight .12cts 6 fan...

Category

Vintage 1930s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum 3-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Art Deco Platinum 3-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1930s

Art Deco Platinum 3-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1930s

Located in Cape May, NJ

Era: Art Deco c.1930's Hallmarks: IRID10%PLAT Composition: 90% Platinum 10% Iridium Center Stone: Ascher Cut Diamond Stone Carat: Approximately .65 carats Color / Clarity: J / V...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Cocktail Ring .25ct 18k Antique Original 192
Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Cocktail Ring .25ct 18k Antique Original 192

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Engagement Cocktail Ring .25ct 18k Antique Original 192

Located in Dearborn, MI

Genuine Original Antique from 1920's-1930's Vintage 3 Stone Diamond Cocktail Filigree Ring .25ct 18K Art Deco Features 3 Genuine Antique Old European Cut Center Diamonds Antique ...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

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Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring A platinum ruby and diamond ring set with an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 2.63 carats Approximate Weights: Old Mine Cut Diamond: 2.63...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1.78 Carat 1920s Art Deco Filigree Diamond Platinum Ring Engagement
1.78 Carat 1920s Art Deco Filigree Diamond Platinum Ring Engagement

1.78 Carat 1920s Art Deco Filigree Diamond Platinum Ring Engagement

Located in Wallkill, NY

Handcrafted beautiful Filigree Diamond ring set in Platinum, The Main diamond is VVS-2 Color H, 6.7mm x 3.6mm or 1.10 Carats. 2 side Baguettes 6 square step and 19 Round cuts VS-1 F/...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Greenwich, CT

Tour de force. With an original platinum Art Deco mounting and 7.53 carat emerald cut diamond, this spectacular engagement ring is all about strength of style. Circa 1920. Diamond...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in Tampa, FL

Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold This classic 5 stone antique wedding band features 5 graduating old mine / old European cut diamonds w...

Category

Vintage 1920s North American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

An early Victorian topaz and diamond brooch/pendant
An early Victorian topaz and diamond brooch/pendant

An early Victorian topaz and diamond brooch/pendant

Located in London, GB

An early Victorian topaz and diamond brooch/pendant, to the centre a cushion-cut orange topaz measuring approximately 8.2 x 6.2mm, cut-down set in yellow gold collet with closed bac...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Art Deco White Gold 1ctw Old Cut Diamond Filigree Engraved Dinner Ring
Antique Art Deco White Gold 1ctw Old Cut Diamond Filigree Engraved Dinner Ring

Antique Art Deco White Gold 1ctw Old Cut Diamond Filigree Engraved Dinner Ring

Located in Montclair, NJ

-- Stone(s) -- (21) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European, Step Trillion & Baguette Cut - Pave & Bezel Set - VS2-I2 Clarity - G-K Color - 1.0ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Whit...

Category

Antique 19th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cartier Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Single Stone Ring, Circa 1960
Vintage Cartier Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Single Stone Ring, Circa 1960

Vintage Cartier Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Single Stone Ring, Circa 1960

By Cartier

Located in London, GB

A vintage Cartier aquamarine 18 karat yellow gold single stone ring, circa 1960 This ring is set with an impressive emerald cut aquamarine of 8.77 carats approximately in a half bez...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Real 2.63 Carat SI/H Round Brilliant Cut Three Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Real 2.63 Carat SI/H Round Brilliant Cut Three Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold

Real 2.63 Carat SI/H Round Brilliant Cut Three Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold

By Spectrum Jewels

Located in Deira, Dubai

FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. Spectrum Jewels is proudly rated as a Top Seller on 1stdibs with 5 star customer reviews. All item...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Cut Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring. This magnificent Art Deco old cut marquise cocktail ring is crafted in platinum. The ring feature...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket
Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket

Vivienne Westwood Velvet Blouson Jacket

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in Berlin, BE

Beautiful velvet Vivienne Westwood Jacket. Cut in a stunning velvet that seems to absorb and refract light like oil on water, the piece balances romance and rebellion with signature ...

Category

2010s Italian Cropped Jackets

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Platinum Ring Wedding Engagement Ring Cocktail
Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Platinum Ring Wedding Engagement Ring Cocktail

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Platinum Ring Wedding Engagement Ring Cocktail

Located in New York, NY

This is a stunning and dramatic Antique Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum with a gorgeous central .6 Carat Old Mine Diamond. The central diamond is surrounded by a spec...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Denim Two-Piece Suit, A/W 1998
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Denim Two-Piece Suit, A/W 1998

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Denim Two-Piece Suit, A/W 1998

By ANGLOMANIA by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

Located in Berlin, DE

A striking and rare two-piece suit from Vivienne Westwood’s Anglomania line, dating to Autumn/Winter 1998. This sculptural ensemble features a sharply tailored asymmetrical jacket an...

Category

1990s Italian Skirt Suits

Vintage 18ct Rose Gold, 1940s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Vintage 18ct Rose Gold, 1940s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring

Vintage 18ct Rose Gold, 1940s Cushion Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 18ct Rose & White Gold Tested Circa 1940’s Introducing a stunning 1940s 18ct gold cocktail ring that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Platinum and Diamond Baguette Bands (each)
Vintage Platinum and Diamond Baguette Bands (each)

Vintage Platinum and Diamond Baguette Bands (each)

Located in New York, NY

This beautiful baguette diamond eternity bands have fine quality diamonds They are size 6 and 61/2 and look great with other rings worn as stacking rings. Sold separately.

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Estate Art Deco Platinum Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1936
Estate Art Deco Platinum Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1936

Estate Art Deco Platinum Emerald and Diamond Bracelet, circa 1936

Located in New York, NY

This Estate bracelet features six Emerald-cut Columbian Emeralds and six Marquis cut Diamonds. The magnificent stones are set in a platinum bracelet with four rows of Round Brilliant...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring
Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring

Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring

Located in Lisbon, PT

Art Deco Style diamond and sapphire target stylized engagement or cocktail/dress ring in platinum, 2000s. This ring features a round brilliant-cut diamond millegrain-set to the cente...

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

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1930s 3 Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 1930s 3 diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using platinum, gold and 18k gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 2861 vintage or 33 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a 1930s 3 diamond ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 1930s 3 diamond ring over the years, but those made by Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Antinori Fine Jewels are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for an old european cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also round cut cut and old mine cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a 1930s 3 diamond ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 1930s 3 Diamond Ring?

Prices for a 1930s 3 diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $198 and can go as high as $650,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,221.

A Close Look at Art-deco Jewelry

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.