57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

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I have surprisingly strong opinions about engagement rings for someone who isn’t planning to get engaged anytime soon. (Probably because girls are raised to have strong opinions about engagement rings starting at age 4, but, you know, I digress.) My opinions are many—I want something unique-looking in structure, vintage-looking in color, and maybe sans diamonds entirely. But this diverse array of preferences tends to intersect at one genre of jewelry: Art Deco engagement rings.

Those familiar with art and architecture will know the Art Deco movement (circa 1910-1940) is characterized by motifs from myriad different eras—Cubism’s geometric shapes, Fauvism’s bright colors, the luxurious artisanship of 18th- and 19th-Century France. It’s basically a motley crew of the aesthetic movements that preceded it, and the result is something that feels at once bold and romantic—vibrant and industrial. (Those struggling to call an image to mind can think of the Empire State Building or the Chrysler Building—both of which are characterized by Art Deco’s crisp, layered forms.)

Though we are, decidedly, no longer living in Art Deco times, there are a variety of Art Deco pieces on offer online and at auction. But if sifting through all that sounds intimidating, simply peruse the selections we’ve pulled, below. There are no fewer than six pieces I would personally die to own—as engagement rings, or as costume jewelry pieces in general. With everything from sleek black ovals to boxy magenta gems on the sartorial menu, you’re bound to find at least one eye-catching piece worth integrating into your repertoire, stat.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

For the shopper who’s lamented that black engagement rings aren’t a thing.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Not a fan of the classic engagement ring silhouette? This stunning piece fully understands you.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Feel like a princess—but like, an artsy, contemporary one.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A couple classic diamonds, surrounded by a seriously statement-making frame.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Because you shouldn’t have to choose between diamonds and pearls if you don’t want to.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

I’m not usually a gold jewelry person, but damn.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Basically an overhead shot of the Empire State Building, rendered in ring form.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

For the shopper who wants an eye-catching wedding band, too.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A ring that’s as fit for a socialite as it is for a straight-up queen.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A diamond engagement ring that’s not all diamonds.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A veritable work of art—one you can wear.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A ring that blends Art Deco edge with Edwardian romance—yes, please.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Classic without sacrificing contemporary appeal.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Equal parts industrial and elegant.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

OK, this one’s about as badass as it gets.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

I’d long had a tough time imagining a two-stone engagement ring. But this one has convinced me the silhouette can absolutely work.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A more minimalist take on a decidedly maximalist movement.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

An engagement ring, crafted with the fan of warmer palettes in mind.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Cleopatra-worthy.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

So pretty you might just catch yourself ogling your own finger every time you wear it.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

For the person who prefers lots of little stones to one big one.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

All kinds of sparkle—and architectural fun, too.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

I mean, this ring literally costs $75,000, but just look at it.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Because when the metal’s this pretty, you won’t mind that it’s taking up more surface area than the gemstones.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Proof “tiny” and “statement-making” are far from mutually exclusive.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A ring that’s shaped like a bow? So cute I can hardly handle it.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

An Art Deco ring for the shopper who wants the thing to feel a little bit classic.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Fit for the lover of all things silver, sapphire and structure.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Aged just enough to feel antique—without sacrificing sparkle.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Geometric shapes pervade Art Deco architecture—it’s only fair they pervade jewelry iterations of the movement, too.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Equal parts bold and beautiful.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

That off-white gem in the center is statement-making with or without its (delightfully!) imposing setting.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Two stones, done as if they were one.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A ring that feels geometric without veering too far from the classic engagement ring norm.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until hot pink gem stones come along, that is.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A diamond engagement ring that acts

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Straight out of the 1920s—and onto your finger.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Who said your engagement ring couldn’t be striped?

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

About as classic as an Art Deco ring is gonna get.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Most people don’t think to turn truly massive gemstones horizontally.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

That Empire State Building style—but with a circular gem, instead of a square one.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Mixed metals didn’t just originate within the last decade.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Proof you don’t need an enormous diamond for your engagement ring to make a statement.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Minimalist in structure. Maximalist in palette.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Metal crafted so beautifully it’s almost mesmerizing.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A nod to Art Deco’s geometric forms, without sacrificing the appeal of a more classically styled ring.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

The retailer calls this one a “Jazz Age jewel,” and I love that phrase so much I can hardly summon anything else to say.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

This hand-crafted piece is at once sophisticated and statement-making.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Diamonds on diamonds—on diamonds.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

20 diamonds and one huge emerald—yes, please.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A ring that challenges convention in structure, style and shade.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A subtler way into a decidedly statement-making trend.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Because you can do silver and gold without mixing metals.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A ring so stunning you’ll be looking for excuses to wear it. (Thankfully, if it’s an engagement ring, you won’t need any excuses to wear it.)

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Layers, done the thick band way.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

A ring that feels fit for the 2018 Met Gala.

STYLECASTER | 57 Art Deco Engagement Rings So Stunning They Belong in Museums

Baz Luhrmann’s Great Gatsby, rendered in ring form.

 

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

A version of this story was originally published in August 2018. Updated July 2019.

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