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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.
For the shopper who’s lamented that black engagement rings aren’t a thing.
Not a fan of the classic engagement ring silhouette? This stunning piece fully understands you.
Feel like a princess—but like, an artsy, contemporary one.
A couple classic diamonds, surrounded by a seriously statement-making frame.
Because you shouldn’t have to choose between diamonds and pearls if you don’t want to.
I’m not usually a gold jewelry person, but damn.
Basically an overhead shot of the Empire State Building, rendered in ring form.
For the shopper who wants an eye-catching wedding band, too.
A ring that’s as fit for a socialite as it is for a straight-up queen.
A diamond engagement ring that’s not all diamonds.
A veritable work of art—one you can wear.
A ring that blends Art Deco edge with Edwardian romance—yes, please.
Classic without sacrificing contemporary appeal.
Equal parts industrial and elegant.
OK, this one’s about as badass as it gets.
I’d long had a tough time imagining a two-stone engagement ring. But this one has convinced me the silhouette can absolutely work.
A more minimalist take on a decidedly maximalist movement.
An engagement ring, crafted with the fan of warmer palettes in mind.
Cleopatra-worthy.
So pretty you might just catch yourself ogling your own finger every time you wear it.
For the person who prefers lots of little stones to one big one.
All kinds of sparkle—and architectural fun, too.
I mean, this ring literally costs $75,000, but just look at it.
Because when the metal’s this pretty, you won’t mind that it’s taking up more surface area than the gemstones.
Proof “tiny” and “statement-making” are far from mutually exclusive.
A ring that’s shaped like a bow? So cute I can hardly handle it.
An Art Deco ring for the shopper who wants the thing to feel a little bit classic.
Fit for the lover of all things silver, sapphire and structure.
Aged just enough to feel antique—without sacrificing sparkle.
Geometric shapes pervade Art Deco architecture—it’s only fair they pervade jewelry iterations of the movement, too.
Equal parts bold and beautiful.
That off-white gem in the center is statement-making with or without its (delightfully!) imposing setting.
Two stones, done as if they were one.
A ring that feels geometric without veering too far from the classic engagement ring norm.
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend—until hot pink gem stones come along, that is.
A diamond engagement ring that acts
Straight out of the 1920s—and onto your finger.
Who said your engagement ring couldn’t be striped?
About as classic as an Art Deco ring is gonna get.
Most people don’t think to turn truly massive gemstones horizontally.
That Empire State Building style—but with a circular gem, instead of a square one.
Mixed metals didn’t just originate within the last decade.
Proof you don’t need an enormous diamond for your engagement ring to make a statement.
Minimalist in structure. Maximalist in palette.
Metal crafted so beautifully it’s almost mesmerizing.
A nod to Art Deco’s geometric forms, without sacrificing the appeal of a more classically styled ring.
The retailer calls this one a “Jazz Age jewel,” and I love that phrase so much I can hardly summon anything else to say.
This hand-crafted piece is at once sophisticated and statement-making.
Diamonds on diamonds—on diamonds.
20 diamonds and one huge emerald—yes, please.
A ring that challenges convention in structure, style and shade.
A subtler way into a decidedly statement-making trend.
Because you can do silver and gold without mixing metals.
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.)
Layers, done the thick band way.
A ring that feels fit for the 2018 Met Gala.
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.