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Art Deco 1940's Vintage Diamond Solitaire Engagement White gold Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
The 18 kt gold ring is an authentic vintage diamond engagement ring from the Late Art Deco era
Category

Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940s Art Deco .20 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring Mined .54ct RBC Original 1940's 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Details 100% Natural Mined Diamonds .54 Carat Diamond Weight  14K White Gold Circa 1940's The Art
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940's Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Bypass Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
1940's diamond bypass ring handcrafted in 14 karat white gold. The vintage ring features an
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940s Art Deco 18K White Gold .60ct Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 10Kt. Solid Gold Multi Colored Signet Ring with Enamel Inlay 1940's
Located in Long Beach, CA
Colored CIRCA / YEAR: 1940's SIZE: 10.75 This Art Deco ring is entirely hand constructed in 10Kt. White
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco More Rings

Materials

10k Gold

1940's Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This 1940s vintage diamond cocktail ring is a captivating and elegant piece of jewelry that
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940s Late Art Deco .65 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.4 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14ct White Gold 1940’s Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 14ct White Gold Tested Circa 1940’s Gorgeous, vintage
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940s Art Deco 14K White Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Art Deco 1940s Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring, 1940s Art Deco
Located in Wallkill, NY
14k Rose and White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Center round brilliant bezel set diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Diamond and Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
crafted in 18k yellow gold with white gold settings. The ring has a convex rectangular, stepped and
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

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

1940s Art Deco .32 Carat Old European Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.4 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940s Art Deco .28 Carat Old European Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: 14 Karat White Gold Weight: 1.8 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Odeonesque Old Mine Cut Diamond Geometric Ring White Gold Signed 1940s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco Odeonesque Old Mine cut diamond geometric ring in 18 karat white gold, signed, Portugal
Category

Vintage 1940s Portuguese Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

13.00 Carat Amethyst Art Deco Filigree White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
13.00ct rectangle amethyst Art Deco 1940's filigree 14k white gold cocktail ring. 1 bright medium
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold

1940s Art Deco 1.50 Carat, Total Weight Ruby & 18K White Gold Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 3.0 grams Color Stone Details
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco gold ring with diamonds and emerald, circa 1930/1940s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A unique ring made of 18-karat white gold (0.750 fineness) and platinum. The ring is decorated
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, Platinum

18 Karat White Gold Art Deco Diamond Shield Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Gold

.16 Carat Diamond White Gold Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1940's double diamond engagement ring. Handmade 14k white gold ring with double square top set with
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

15.00ct Orange Yellow Citrine White Gold Estate Art Deco Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Take a step back in time with this exquisite original late art deco 14k white gold filigree ring
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Circa 1940s Art Deco Filigree .53ct Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18CT Yellow And White Gold Art Deco Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
18CT Yellow And White Gold Art Deco Diamond Cocktail Ring This statement ring is a testament to
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 0.25 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.25 Colour: H Clarity: VS1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, 18ct White Gold Age: 1940s Size
Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1940s 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco sapphire, diamond, platinum and yellow gold ring, set with three baguette cut sapphires
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1940s 18K Gold & Platinum 4.78tgw Sapphire and Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco sapphire, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one oval cut blue
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Late Deco 0.82ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
This Late Deco solitaire ring features a captivating transitional cut central diamond. The diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Art Deco 1.85 Carat Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
colour and VS in clarity. The style of this ring is classically art deco, and was made in the 1940s
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Cultured Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
white gold and platinum set dress ring; part of our vintage jewelry collections. This stunning, fine
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Deco 0.80ct Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
This late deco diamond cluster ring was hand made during the 1940s in 18 carat white gold with all
Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: K
Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

14 Karat White Gold Art Deco Old European Diamond Engagement Ring and Band Set
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Late Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1940s, this beautiful Late Art Deco solitaire ring features a single transitional cut
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Deco Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold art deco ring with brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.60 carats / Made in
Category

20th Century Italian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940s Vintage Diamond and Sapphire White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
white gold Art Deco style dress ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
18K white gold. Circa 1940.
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Art Deco Style 3.00 Carat Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated, Art Deco style setting
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Deco 3.20ct Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1940s, this Late Deco aquamarine & diamond cluster ring is a real beauty. The
Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Late Deco 3.75ct Star Sapphire Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
set into a ring crafted in 18 carat white gold, the deep blue sapphire is an impressive 3.75 carat and
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Star Sapphire, 18k Gold

18k Gold diamond tank ring - family heirloom - Art Deco, Antique engagement ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely small Rose Cut diamond ring. This Tank ring is made in 18 karat Yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940's .49ct TW Diamond 14K Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Sweet 1940's .49ct diamond (total carat weight) ring set in 14K yellow & white gold. This
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1940s 14K White Gold .40ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 24.88 Carat Star Ruby Diamond White Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco Cabochon Star Ruby and diamond cocktail ring. GIA certified natural star Ruby accented
Category

Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Star Ruby, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

1940s 18k White Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Late Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
of the ring is made from 18 carat yellow gold, whilst the white metal is platinum. Gemstone
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Circa 1940s 14K White Gold 1.35ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 11 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1940s Large Amethyst and Diamond Handmade 18k Yellow White Gold Ring
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
color: Gold Style: Art deco We are privileged to sell this rare piece. It has been stored most of its
Category

Early 2000s Fashion Rings

Materials

White Gold

Art Deco Engagement Wedding Diamond Ring Set. Vintage 1930s or 1940s Wedding
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Color: Gold Adjustable Style: Art deco Vintage Engagement Set. Beautiful pieces in great condition
Category

Early 2000s Engagement Rings

Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Art Deco Style Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.33 carat diamond and 18 carat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Engagement Wedding Diamond Ring Set. Vintage 1930s or 1940s Wedding
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Color: Gold Adjustable Style: Art Deco Vintage Engagement Set. Beautiful pieces in great condition
Category

Early 2000s Wedding Rings

Late Deco 3.65 Carat Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
: 3.65 Total Colour: F Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct White Gold Age: 1940s
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring - 18k Transitional .34ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Art Deco Date: 1940
Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring - 18k Round Brilliant .24ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
- 1940s Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .22ct Cut: Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 18k Gold Ring with 76.40 CTW in Citrine & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Circa 1940s. Art deco Retro Cocktail Ring crafted in 18k Rose Gold. Featuring a center natural
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

.50 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Art Deco Filigree Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1940's diamond engagement ring. Old European cut center diamond in a filigree late Art Deco 14k
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Geometric Art Deco ring with Old European diamonds and sapphires
Located in Chorzów, PL
. Ring made of 14-karat white gold (0.585 fineness) and platinum. Weight: 3.78 g, Ring size: 59 - ask
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 14k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Filigree Flower Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1940s from 10K white gold carved with intricate filigree design, this stunning band
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

1940s French Zircon Diamond Emerald and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
18 karat white gold, platinum set cluster ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections
Category

Vintage 1940s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Zircon, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

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1940s Art Deco Ring White Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact piece of 1940s art deco ring white gold you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, White Gold and 18k Gold — can elevate any look. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of 1940s art deco ring white gold may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating a choice in our collection of 1940s art deco ring white gold has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Antinori Fine Jewels and Buccellati are consistently popular. An object in our assortment of 1940s art deco ring white gold of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 76, is particularly popular. An old european cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and cabochon versions for sale. Most of our 1940s art deco ring white gold for sale are for women, but there are 47 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 1940s Art Deco Ring White Gold?

On average, a piece of 1940s art deco ring white gold at 1stDibs sells for $2,973, while they’re typically $290 on the low end and $23,280 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold 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.