Skip to main content

Art Deco Ring Size 4

to
943
5,350
2,195
5,885
3,284
2,091
2,063
1,864
1,397
529
388
243
138
128
80
76
54
53
48
45
39
29
24
9
5
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
340
181
102
69
52
Sort By
Antique Art Deco 14K Two Tone Gold Old Cut Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Two Tone Gold Old Cut Diamond Filigree Cocktail Ring. This beautiful
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

SAMUEL MAYOR 1940 Art Deco Platinum Eternity Ring With 5.14 Ctw VS Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art-deco diamonds ring designed by Samuel Mayor. This is a fabulous eternity ring with
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Topped Diamond and Sapphire Ring with 14K Gold Shank
Located in Venice, CA
The spectacular design of this 14k gold and platinum ring is on the cusp of the Art Deco and Retro
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 18k White Gold 0.52ct Diamond Sapphire Engraved Wheat Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 2.7x1.6mm each (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 2.66 Grams Ring Size: 9.5 ( fitted on
Category

Antique 19th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
scroll motif profile Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1925 Ring size: 6 1/4 and sizable Measures north to
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style 0.60 Carat White Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
with a central Emerald or a central Blue Sapphire. Size ITA: 15 USA: 7 1/4 We're a workshop so every
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Marquise Shape Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total weight: 2.50 g. (approx. total weight) Ring size: US
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Rainbow Sapphire Art Deco Style Target Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
is sure to be a firm favorite in your jewelry collection. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
size: 6 1/4 and sizable Measures north to south 6.0 mm and sits 4.0 mm high Total Weight: 2.8 grams
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Fleur Peony Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
flower design, this art-deco style ring is ready to bloom on your finger. Ring Information Style: Art
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.3 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Hollywood Regency Art Deco
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds in this gorgeous antique Hollywood Regency - Art Deco Ring in 14 Karat White Gold. The ring is
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and Emerald Art Deco Style Floral Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embody timeless elegance with this sweet and posh Art Deco-style floral engagement ring. A dazzling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Dinner Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
constructed Art Deco style dinner ring. The gemstone is surrounded by round diamonds and French cut sapphires
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Art Deco Bird Ring Conversion Platinum Sz 8.75 Diamond Sapphire Ruby
Located in Torrance, CA
Originally an antique Art Deco era stick pin (circa 1920s to 1930s), the diamond ring is crafted in
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Green Emerald Bezel Halo Set Art Deco Style Shield 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Information Style: Art-deco Total weight: 3.80 g. (approx. total weight) Ring size: US 3 – 8 available Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Art Deco French Certified 1.91 Ct Fancy Yellow Diamond Plus Platinum ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Late Art Deco one off French Diamond ring This outstanding pool of light has been mounted on a for
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 1.16 CTW Diamond 18 Karat Gold Vintage Orange Blossom Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Untermeyer Robbins & Co. Circa: 1935 Ring size: 6 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 6.9 mm and sits 6.5
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Art Deco Polychrome Enamel Ring Navette 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6.25 Portrait
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Art Deco era polychrome enamel portrait ring (circa 1930s) crafted in 18 karat
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Art Deco Calibrated Ruby and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
bold geometric designs characteristic of the Art Deco movement. Each detail of this ring tells a story
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Top Old Mine Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Top Old Mine Diamond Filigree Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Cushion Shape London Blue Topaz Onyx Emerald Diamond Art Deco White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
A striking and intriguing jewel, indeed. This bold and colorful Art Deco style ring highlights a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 14k White Gold 0.70ctw Diamond Sapphire East West Saddle Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
14k White Gold Weight: 4.41 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and Emerald Deco Style Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Go back to an era of fine design with this lovely Art Deco inspired 18k white gold ring! It centers
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Ring Solid 14k Yellow / White Gold Hand Engraved 0.70ct Diamond
Located in Long Beach, CA
STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Ring METAL / MATERIAL: 14Kt. Solid Gold CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's CENTER
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Art Deco Amethyst 14 Karat Tri-Gold Vintage Orange Blossom Cocktail Ring
By Orange Blossom
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped for 14 karat gold With maker's mark Circa: 1930 Ring Size: 4 3/4 and sizable Measures north to
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style 1.15 Carat White Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
. Size ITA: 15 USA: 7 1/4 We're a workshop so every piece is handmade, customizable and resizable.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Art Deco 10Kt Solid Multi Color Gold School Ring from FHA Commercial from 1930
Located in Long Beach, CA
, White CIRCA / YEAR: 1930 SIZE: 5.75 This classic Art Deco Insignia ring is entirely hand constructed in
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Rings

Materials

10k Gold

Vintage Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Gold Filigree Mine Cut Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant & finely detailed Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in 14 karat white gold
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style White Diamond Oval Cut Emerald Onyx Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
available also with Rubies or Blue Sapphires. Size ITA: 20 USA: 9 1/4 We're a workshop so every piece is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Deco Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely lovely diamond cluster ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 6.80 CTW Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
motif shoulders Stamped for 14 karat gold Circa: 1930 Ring size: 3 3/4 and sizable Measures north to
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Blue Sapphire Art Deco Style Rectangular Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Art Deco design diamond and blue sapphire rectangular target ring in white gold. Centered with an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Art Deco Old European Diamond and Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Condition: Excellent Price: 900 This ring can be sized up or down 4 sizes for an additional $40. If you wish
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Wedding Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold Stacking
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Antique Art Deco - Edwardian Diamond and Sapphire Wedding Ring Engagement Stacking Ring
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Dinner Ring in 14K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Showcase refined elegance with this Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Dinner Ring. Featuring a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring .26ct Old European 18K Original 1930 s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1930's Diamond Engagement Ring .26ct Old European Cut 18K
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 2.18 CTW No Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Foliate Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
natural surface reaching inclusion Tested as platinum Circa: 1930s Ring size: 7 1/4 and sizable Measures
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Aquamarine and Diamond Art Deco Style Marquise Shape Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total weight: 4.70 g. (approx. total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful 1920s antique cocktail ring with classic Art Deco styling is centred by a chunky
Category

Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Art Deco 0.20 ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An Art Deco period filigree work diamond engagement ring. Centered
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.60 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Octagonal Ring with Onyx
Located in New York, NY
, SI1 clarity. The ring features an Onyx and a halo of Single cut Diamonds. Circa 1920s Size 4 1/2
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

White Blue Opal London Blue Topaz Diamond Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
This Art Deco style opal ring features a 2.38 emerald cut authentic opal with baguette cut London
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold

Aquamarine Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Dinner Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
choice for a stylish engagement or right hand ring setting! Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 1.5cttw Diamond + Sapphire 18k Gold Shield Cocktail Ring, 1920s
By Belais
Located in North Attleboro, MA
This authentic 1920s Art Deco ring by Belais features seven bright Old European cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Art Deco 10kt, Solid Gold Multi Colored 1953 High School Ring with Enamel Crest
Located in Long Beach, CA
Colored Rose, Yellow, White CIRCA / YEAR: 1953 SIZE: 10.25 This classic Art Deco ring is hand constructed
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco More Rings

Materials

10k Gold

Antique Art Deco 9K Gold Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 9K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Elongated Hexagon Blue Topaz Diamond Sapphire Art Deco Style Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
vintage glamour and timeless artistry. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style White Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Ring has a 0.50 Carats Emerald. Size ITA: 15 USA: 7 1/4
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Art Deco Style White Diamond Blue Sapphire Garnet Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
0.80 Carats of Carré Cut Blue Sapphires. This Ring has a 2.00 Carats Handcut Garnet. Size ITA: 15 USA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yello...

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18K White Gold Vintage Stepped Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped for 18 karat gold With maker's mark Circa: 1935 Ring Size: 7 3/4 and sizable Measures north to
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14k white gold Art Deco diamond and sapphire 3 stone ring with diamond accents. The center stone is
Category

Vintage 1920s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Handcrafted White Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Band "Flower" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Carats of White Modern Round Cut Diamonds. This Ring has also a 0.20 Carats Modern Round Cut Ruby. Size
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring A radiant bright oval
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K white gold Art Deco filigree ring featuring a genuine emerald. The round eme
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold Art Deco filigree ring featuring a genuine emerald. The round emerald measures about
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Art Deco Bloodstone Ring 14k White Gold Filigree Sz 3.75 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed Art Deco bloodstone ring crafted in 14 karat white gold (circa 1920s to
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Oval Cut Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Halo Set 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Style: Art Deco Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 4.12 g. (approx. total weight) Ring Size: US7 Center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style White Brilliant Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Ring has a 0.63 Carats Ruby. Size ITA: 15 USA: 7 1/4 This
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Art Deco Ring Size 4", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Art Deco Ring Size 4 For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate art deco ring size 4 for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Platinum, Gold and White Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 37 vintage or 1 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect art deco ring size 4 among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing art deco ring size 4 — no matter the origin — is easy, but Alexander of Beverly Hills and Estate Jewelry each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An art deco ring size 4 of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 18, is particularly popular. See these pages for a baguette cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our art deco ring size 4 for sale are for women, but there are 1 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Art Deco Ring Size 4?

The price for an art deco ring size 4 starts at $240 and tops out at $14,900 with these rings, on average, selling for $1,600.

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.