Athena Owl Ring
21st Century and Contemporary American Classical Greek Fashion Rings
21st Century and Contemporary American Classical Greek Cocktail Rings
22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Greek Fashion Rings
22k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Cocktail Rings
Silver
Antique 19th Century Late Victorian More Rings
Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings
Gold
2010s Italian Artisan Charm Bracelets
Black Diamond, Pearl, Oriental Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
People Also Browsed
Antique 1870s English Victorian Brooches
Yellow Gold
Antique Early 17th Century English Renaissance Solitaire Rings
Garnet, 22k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Signet Rings
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Three-Stone Rings
Garnet, Gold, 22k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Classical Roman Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold, Bronze, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Classical Roman Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Classical Greek Fashion Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Classical Greek Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Band Rings
Carnelian, 22k Gold
2010s Balinese Classical Greek Pendant Necklaces
22k Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Classical Greek Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Classical Greek Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, 22k Gold
1990s Greek Classical Roman Fashion Rings
18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Classical Greek Cocktail Rings
22k Gold
Recent Sales
2010s German Contemporary Band Rings
Citrine, Brown Diamond, Silver
2010s German Contemporary Band Rings
Black Diamond, Onyx, Silver
2010s German Contemporary Fashion Rings
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire,...
21st Century and Contemporary American More Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Chalcedony
21st Century and Contemporary American Classical Greek Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Signet Rings
18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Fashion Rings
Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Signet Rings
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Greek More Rings
Garnet, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Greek Classical Greek More Rings
18k Gold
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 rings, vintage 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.
Read More
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.