Tessera Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring

About This Design

Art deco diamond engagement rings have endured for over a century because the geometry simply works. The Tessera is our tribute to that tradition, a ring built around an octagonal halo of baguette-cut and round brilliant diamonds arranged like the tiles of a Roman mosaic. The name comes from the Latin tessera, meaning mosaic tile, and it describes exactly what defines this design. Every stone in the halo is placed deliberately, baguettes alternating with rounds, framed by fine milgrain beading that catches the light along every edge.

What separates the Tessera from vintage art deco engagement rings found in antique shops is precision. Original 1920s rings were remarkable for their era, but modern manufacturing allows us to achieve tolerances and symmetry that were simply not possible a hundred years ago. The Tessera takes the visual language of the Art Deco period and executes it with contemporary craftsmanship, so you get the romance of a bygone era with none of the compromises. The centre diamond sits in an open-back setting that floods the stone with light from below, something that closed-back antique settings could never achieve.

This is an art deco inspired engagement ring designed from the ground up, drawing on the bold geometry and intricate detailing of the 1920s while benefiting from the best of British ring making. If you are drawn to vintage engagement rings but want something made to last generations rather than something already a century old, the Tessera is designed for exactly that.

Design Details

The halo is the centrepiece. Four baguette-cut diamonds are set at the intercardinal points of the octagonal frame, with round brilliant diamonds filling the spaces between them. The entire halo is finished with milgrain beading along both the inner and outer edges, a hallmark of art deco style engagement rings that adds texture and depth without increasing the ring’s footprint. The milgrain is applied by hand using a traditional knurling tool, pressing each tiny bead individually into the metal.

The shoulders are grain set with round brilliant diamonds and bordered by milgrain detailing that continues the decorative language from the halo down through the band. Grain setting, sometimes called bead setting, involves raising tiny beads of metal from the band itself to hold each diamond in place. It creates a cleaner line than claw setting and allows the diamonds to sit almost flush with the surface, which suits the structured geometry of this design.

The band carries an engraved milgrain edge that runs the full circumference, tying the front and back of the ring together as a single cohesive piece. The gallery, visible from the side profile, features an open lattice design that allows light to enter the centre stone from multiple angles. This is a deliberate departure from the closed gallery backs found on original antique art deco engagement rings, where airflow and light were secondary to structural economy.

The Tessera is designed primarily around a stunning old mine cut diamond whose proportions complement the octagonal halo naturally. It is available with other diamond shapes such as round brilliant, cushion or Asscher cut diamonds and we are happy to advise on which centre stone shape works best for your preferences. The ring sits flush against a straight wedding band, and can also be paired with a shaped band if preferred.

Your Diamond

The Tessera is available with both lab-grown and natural diamonds, so you can choose the stone that best reflects your values and budget.

Our lab-grown diamonds are graded to D or E colour with VS1 to VVS1 clarity and an Excellent or Ideal cut. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, optically, and physically identical to mined diamonds. They are real diamonds, certified independently by the IGI or GIA.

For natural diamonds, we source stones individually to match your requirements. Whether you have a specific carat weight, colour, or budget in mind, we will find the right stone and walk you through the options before you commit. Request a natural diamond quote through the configurator or get in touch directly.

Si Vis Amari offers the highest quality tier for our lab-grown collection. The standard shown here, D/E colour, VS1 to VVS1 clarity, Excellent cut, is our recommendation and it is the standard we set for our own rings. The cut grade, in particular, is something we never compromise on. It is the single biggest factor in how much a diamond sparkles, and every stone we set is cut to Excellent or Ideal grade.

How It Works

Use the configurator above to select your preferred metal, platinum, 18ct yellow gold, 18ct white gold, or 18ct rose gold, and choose your carat weight. Once you are happy with your selection, submit your enquiry and we will come back to you with a personalised quote.
If you have any specific requirements outside the standard options, whether that is a particular diamond shape, a carat weight not listed, or a natural diamond, get in touch and we will walk you through the options.

If you would prefer a natural diamond, a carat weight outside the standard ranges, or have any other specific requirements, get in touch. We will put together a bespoke quote and walk you through the options.

Crafted by Hand

Every Si Vis Amari engagement ring is handcrafted individually and hallmarked in accordance with UK law. The Tessera is made specifically for you by experienced craftspeople who understand that every piece tells a story. From the initial consultation through to the finished ring in your hands, every step reflects a commitment to getting the details right.

The level of hand finishing on this ring is extensive. The milgrain beading alone requires hours of careful work under magnification, and the grain set shoulders demand precision that simply cannot be replicated by machine. This is a ring that rewards close inspection, every detail is considered and every element is finished to the highest standard.

Explore more from our vintage collection, browse our full engagement ring range, or learn more about the Art Deco movement at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes an engagement ring art deco?

Art deco engagement rings are defined by bold geometric shapes, symmetrical patterns, and intricate metalwork including milgrain and filigree detailing. The movement originated in the 1920s and drew on influences from Egyptian, Aztec, and modernist architecture. The Tessera captures these characteristics through its octagonal halo, baguette and round diamond arrangement, and hand-applied milgrain beading throughout the design.

Is the Tessera a genuine antique ring?

No. The Tessera is a newly designed and handcrafted ring inspired by the Art Deco period. It is made to order using modern techniques and materials, which means you get the visual character of a vintage art deco ring with superior structural integrity, better light performance from the open-back setting, and a full UK hallmark. Every Tessera is brand new and made specifically for you.

Which diamond shape works best in the Tessera?

The octagonal halo is designed to complement round brilliant, cushion, Asscher, and old mine cut diamonds, all of which echo the geometric character of the Art Deco style. Round brilliant is the most popular choice for its maximum sparkle, while Asscher and old mine cut diamonds offer a more period-authentic look with their stepped facets and broader flashes of light. The Tessera is available with all diamond shapes through the configurator.

How much does an art deco diamond engagement ring cost?

The price of the Tessera depends on your chosen carat weight and metal. Use the configurator above to see live pricing for lab-grown diamond options. For natural diamond quotes or carat weights outside the standard range, contact us for a personalised quote. There is no obligation and no pressure.

Carat weights shown are approximate. Your diamond will be within the stated range (e.g. a 1ct selection may be 0.95 to 1.05ct). Exact weight and specification confirmed at time of order.