The 10 Best Art Deco Style Diamond Engagement Rings

Trends come and go, but nothing has the staying power of Art Deco design in jewelry. Modern, refined, and timeless, it encapsulates everything most brides want in a ring today. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that more and more contemporary designers are turning to glamorous Art Deco engagement rings for their newest diamond ring styles.

“The appeal of Art Deco style jewelry never fades”

-Russell Zelenetz

The History of Art Deco Engagement Rings

The Art Deco movement emerged in post-war Paris and exploded in the Roaring Twenties when people were feeling optimistic, liberated and embracing change. That enthusiastic spirit, combined with the evolution of modern machinery and easier travel to faraway destinations, fueled an unprecedented creative transformation that influenced everything from architecture and art to style and jewelry.

Strong, graphic architectural lines (think of the soaring skyscrapers erected in the era), geometric opulence (layers of squares, rectangles, triangles and circles), and striking use of color and/or shades of black and white are all characteristic to the Art Deco aesthetic. A rejection of the ornate Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau styles of the past, its refined style has made it desirable to every generation since.

From the Chrysler Building’s gleaming spire to the lavish diamond bracelets and bold cocktail rings of the 1920s, Art Deco was a celebration of innovation, elegance, and modernity. Designers embraced new materials like platinum and onyx, while also drawing inspiration from Egyptian, African, and Asian motifs. The result was a glamorous, forward-looking aesthetic that still feels fresh, powerful, and relevant today.

The Appeal of Art Deco Engagement Rings

“The appeal of Art Deco style jewelry never fades,” says Russell Zelenetz, a partner in Stephen Russell, the Madison Avenue jeweler, which offers an exceptionally curated selection of vintage jewelry designs along with their own new signature pieces. “[Art Deco style] is modern, crisp, clean, and easy to understand,” he says. The jeweler uses old European cut diamonds in their designs because, Russell says, “the new stones can be beautiful, but they don’t have the charm of the old diamonds.”

Characteristics of Art Deco Engagement Rings

Defined by their bold sophistication and meticulous craftsmanship, these rings embody the glamour and innovation of the 1920s and ’30s. Below, discover the classic qualities of authentic Art Deco engagement rings.

• Geometric Designs – Bold shapes like squares, rectangles, triangles, and chevrons define the look.
• Symmetry & Precision – A strong sense of balance and clean architectural lines echo the modernist spirit of the era.
• Vintage Diamond Cuts – Old European cuts, Asscher cuts, and emerald cuts were favored for their elegance and sparkle.
• Platinum Settings – Cool-toned platinum was the metal of choice, prized for its strength and ability to hold intricate designs.
• Bold Use of Color – Accents of onyx, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies added striking contrast and flair.
• Milgrain & Filigree Details – Delicate beadwork and lace-like metalwork added texture and refinement.
• Inspiration from Global Influences – Motifs drawn from Egyptian, Asian, and African art infused rings with a new, worldly sophistication.

How to Shop Art Deco Engagement Rings

However, it can be hard to get a hold of great original Art Deco engagement rings; those from the 1920s and 1930s by Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and other important jewelry houses are among the most sought-after designs at auctions and consistently command top dollar.

But don’t despair. Many gorgeous new jewelry designs are available at a variety of price points and interpretations.

Take, for example, the several designers who are currently using original European diamond cuts in new engagement rings. “When we think of high-end antique pieces, we think of Cartier and those important and famous pieces from the Art Deco period,” says New York jeweler Ashley Zhang. “There is an association with important jewelry and the Art Deco style.”

Zhang started her business dealing exclusively in vintage jewelry, but now sells both vintage and modern diamond engagement rings and commitment rings. “Most of my clients want custom engagement rings with an Art Deco influence so they can get everything they want in a ring,” she says. “Art Deco is always popular because it’s fun, eye-catching, and symmetrical.”

Zhang’s Edith engagement ring features an Asscher-cut surrounded by a halo of diamond baguettes and tiny round brilliant round cut diamonds. “It’s a Deco look, but with a simpler band,” she says. “So you can stack it with other bands.” Zhang also often incorporates emerald cut diamonds into her designs.

Whether you opt for an original Art Deco engagement ring (Stephen Russell has some of the most stunning styles), a new variation with a vintage diamond cut, or a custom design that reflects the glamorous spirit of the era, you can be sure that it has serious lasting power. The symmetry, bold geometry, and attention to detail feel as modern today as they did a century ago. It’s a style that speaks to confident wearers who appreciate both beauty and design with substance.