Skip to main content

Mid Century Rings

to
658
6,927
3,258
2,965
2,715
2,595
6,998
1,453
1,371
841
821
94
577
8,885
34
1
1
1
9
43
866
260
58
7
3
78
5,875
3,555
166
1739
824
681
625
577
to
97
84
79
49
43
2,040
1,330
1,187
438
373
91
65
55
47
35
30
23
15
12
9
8
1
9,402
194
7,002
2,361
Sort By
Mid-20th Century Tiffany Co. Three Old Mine Cut Diamond 18KYG Band Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
this classic cut. Measuring 5.4mm in width and a size 6.75, this ring is both elegant and substantial
Category

Mid-20th Century American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Mid Century Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Mid Century Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold Introducing this beautiful vintage
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid Century Vintage 14k Gold Dome Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This exquisite mid-century statement piece is a sustainable estate jewel, expertly handcrafted with
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-20th Century Fine Australian Gray Opal Diamond Gold Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
handmade openwork scroll ring. US size 4.75.
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold

Mid-Century Flower Emerald Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Mid-Century Flower Emerald Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This charming Mid-Century flower
Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Belperron Mid-Century Gold Emerald Diamond "Bourrelets" Ring
By Suzanne Belperron
Located in New York, NY
The bold 18kt yellow gold ring centering three stones set horizontally, an octagonal-cut emerald
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Gold Ring with Enamelled Bezel and Table-Cut Paste. England, mid-17th century.
Located in London, GB
Gold Ring with Enamelled Bezel and Table-Cut Paste. England, mid-17th century. Measurements Bezel
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Solitaire Rings

Mid Century diamond 14k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century 14k yellow gold ring radiates refined sparkle, showcasing nine luminous diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century Modern 14k Gold, Amethyst, Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century handmade cocktail ring. In 14k gold. Featuring a carved amethyst gemstone
Category

20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

Mid Century 2.70 carat diamond platinum cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Mid Century platinum cocktail ring dazzles with an impressive constellation of old
Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Black Onyx and Diamond Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1950s, this mid-century dinner ring is designed around a navette-shaped black onyx
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The "Mid-Century 18kt Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds" is a piece of jewelry that combines elements
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3 row Diamond Mid Century Modern 1960s Platinum Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Mid Century Modern 3 row Diamond Platinum Band Ring. Hand
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century 8.5 mm. Black Pearl Platinum Coiled Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Marvelous Mid Century vintage ring of Italian origin Ring as been hand crafted during the 50’s of
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Black Pearl, Platinum

Mid-Century Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring White Gold 1950s–1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring in White Gold, Circa 1950s–1960s. At its heart
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold

Mid-Century 7.50 Carat Dome Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A dynamic diamond dome cocktail ring unlike anything you've ever seen. This vintage, mid century
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Dome Rings

Materials

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

Mid-Century Coral and Diamond French Fashion Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Two pear-shaped cabochon natural coral gems crafted in the 1950s in France are held by a distinctive swirling rope design encased with five round diamonds totaling approximately 0.25...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lapponia Calcite Ring 14 Karat Gold Finland Mid-Century Scandinavian Brutalist
By Lapponia
Located in New York, NY
natural Calcite and a claw motif. It is a beautiful piece of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern jewelry
Category

Mid-20th Century Finnish Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old gold ring with sapphire and diamonds, mid-20th century
Located in Chorzów, PL
Timeless gold ring with sapphire and diamonds, Western Europe, mid-20th century Made of 14-karat
Category

Mid-20th Century European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Mid Century 0.90 Carat Diamond Solitaire Style Platinum Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This timeless piece was crafted sometime during the Mid Century design period ( 1940-1960 ). This
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 18K White Gold Emerald Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Period: Mid-20th Century (1950s–60s) Style: Daisy Cluster, Halo Ring, Cocktail Ring, Estate Jewelry
Category

Mid-20th Century French Post-War Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Mid Century diamond 18k white gold eternity ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century 18k white gold eternity ring features five bright round brilliant cut diamonds in
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring in Platinum 1950s-1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring in Platinum, 1950s–1960s. An extraordinary expression
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Modern Platinum Diamond Baguette Ring/ Band
Located in Venice, CA
This classic mid-century modern ring would have originally been used as a wedding band. Today it
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-20th Century Five Stone Colombian Emerald Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-20th century five stone Colombian emerald ring, with graduated round cut emerald, approximately
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-20th Century Five Stone Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-20th century five stone Burma ruby ring, with graduated round cut ruby, approximately 1.3cts in
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid Century diamond 14k white gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This mid-century 14k white gold ring from the 1950’s showcases a central old European cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Old gold ring with sapphire, mid 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique white gold ring with natural sapphire. Origin: Italy, mid-20th century. The sophisticated
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century 2.20 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a platinum ring taken from the mid-way point of the 20th century. This vintage piece
Category

Vintage 1950s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Modern 14K Gold, Amethyst, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century cocktail ring. In 14 karat yellow gold. With 8 oval-cut, amethysts prong-set
Category

20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold

Mid-Century Natural Amethyst and 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This bold mid-century vintage ring features an elongated oval-shaped cabochon natural amethyst
Category

Late 20th Century Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Exquisite Mid-Century Vintage Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Discover a piece of history with this stunning mid-century vintage cocktail ring, artfully crafted
Category

Mid-20th Century American Romantic Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid Century diamond platinum 3 stone swirl ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century platinum ring highlights three round brilliant cut diamonds totaling approximately
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Spray Ring, Attributed to Frederick Fink
Located in Miami, FL
A Mid-Century platinum diamond spray ring attributed to American jeweler Frederick Fink, known for
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Modern 14K Gold High-Set Citrine Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century cocktail ring. In 14 karat yellow gold. With a large oval modified brilliant
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, 14k Gold

Platinum ring with pearl and diamonds 1.00ct, mid-20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A vintage platinum ring with a beautiful diamond and pearl crimson. Provenance: likely France
Category

Mid-20th Century European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Mid Century Copper Polished Round Statement Ring with Twisted Rope Design
Located in London, GB
Copper mid century anodized polished round ring, featuring a contrasting brass twisted rope design
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Copper

Mid Century diamond 14k white gold wedding ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming Mid Century diamond band glitters with seven single cut diamonds set in sleek 14k
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Gold and platinum ring with diamonds, France, mid-20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
, mid-20th century, hallmarks preserved. A beautiful center diamond in an "old" brilliant cut weighing
Category

Mid-20th Century French Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Mid-19th Century Gold Vinaigrette and Ring
Located in Paris, FR
composition. A delicate chain connects the vinaigrette to an elegantly enameled ring, highlighted with
Category

Antique 1840s French Band Rings

Materials

Gold

1.23 Carat Mid-Century Modern Diamond Swirl Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
encapsulates mid-century modern aesthetics. This exquisite cocktail ring artfully showcases two marquise center
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Modern 14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern diamond cluster cocktail ring. In 14 karat white gold. Bead-set with 7
Category

20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid Century 14.45 Carat Oval Cabochon Amethyst 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This striking mid-century estate cocktail ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and features an
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century Ruby and Diamond Bow Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have striking dress ring showcasing a bold design with square-cut red rubies as the central
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Marquise ring with diamonds and rubies, mid-20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A charming marquise-style ring made of 18-karat yellow and white gold (0.750 fineness). Origin
Category

Late 20th Century Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Mid Century French diamond 18k white gold flower ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This refined Mid Century 1950’s ring glitters with a .60 carat cluster of brilliant diamonds
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid Century French diamond 18k white gold flower ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This refined Mid Century 1950’s ring glitters with a .60 carat cluster of brilliant diamonds
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid Century .99 carat diamond platinum flower cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century platinum flower cluster ring features a luminous 0.99-carat old mine-cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century Aquamarine Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Classic Vintage marquise aquamarine and diamond ring! The marquise cut aquamarine measure
Category

20th Century Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 9k Gold Boulder Opal Ring, Mid-20th Century, England
Located in Manhattan Beach, CA
Matrix” ring in excellent condition. “In the Matrix” emphasizes that the opal is not fully separated or
Category

Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Mid-Century Moonstone Ruby Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
With high polish finish Tested as platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 6 3/4 and sizable Measures north to
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Ruby, Platinum

Platinum Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
crafted in platinum, consistent with fine mid-century craftsmanship, giving the ring a rich feel and a
Category

Vintage 1950s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Mid-Century 9K Gold Smoky Quartz Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold mid-century statement ring featuring a large smoky quartz set in an architectural open-frame
Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Quartz, Gold, 9k Gold

Mid-Century Pearl Diamond Platinum Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and cathedral shoulders Tested as platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 5 1/4 and sizable Measures north to
Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Platinum

Mid-Century White Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This lively mid-century platinum ring features a captivating 5.75-carat oval cabochon white opal at
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Elongated Mid Century Carnelian Diamond Citrine Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
the classic elegance of an elongated, Mid Century Modern masterpiece. Acquired from a private
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold

Leitão Irmão Mid-Century Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring Platinum 1950s-1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Leitão & Irmão Mid-Century Emerald and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, Portugal, 1950s–1960s, in
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Mid Century Rings", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Mid Century Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of mid century rings available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and 14k Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 20th Century. Our collection of mid century rings includes designs that are universally popular, but Modern and Art Deco styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Georg Jensen, Tiffany Co. and Cartier produced popular versions that are worth a look. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 2589, are particularly popular. There are many round cut, oval cut and emerald cut mid century rings for sale. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of mid century rings, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Mid Century Rings?

On average, mid century rings at 1stDibs sell for $2,289, while they’re typically $68 on the low end and $1,575,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Mid Century Rings
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple. 

    Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller

    Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

    Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

    Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
    A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.