Mourning Ring Worth
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Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Fashion Rings
Tourmaline, Turquoise, Gold, 10k Gold
A Close Look at georgian Jewelry
Georgian jewelry is named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). A slew of beautiful pieces were produced during the period, and today antique Georgian rings, necklaces and other accessories are coveted by fine jewelry collectors.
There are certain features that distinguish jewelry from this era, including the fact that pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries were handmade (so don’t let the absence of a maker’s mark lead you to believe otherwise). Antique Georgian jewelry also has a certain “look.” It’s a bit gray because stones were often set in silver, and because stonecutting techniques were not as advanced as they are today, the gems do not possess the level of sparkle to which we have become accustomed.
Intricate metalworking techniques such as repoussé (the hammering of metal into ornate designs) and cannetille (a method of working the gold wire to make it look woven) allowed goldsmiths to really flex their muscles. These gold pieces, either on their own or combined with gemstones, made for highly original and dramatic jewelry. The era also saw pieces with ornately woven strands of human hair.
Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. These were often cut in the shape of a cabochon or teardrop. It was fashionable to combine garnets or rubies with seed pearls. In Georgian diamond rings, popular cuts for diamonds included rose, old mine and table. Around the 1780s, paste jewelry, or hand-cut glass on foil, was used to imitate diamonds.
Browse a collection of antique Georgian diamond rings, earrings, brooches and other authentic Georgian jewelry today on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right fashion-rings for You
Throughout history, people have worn rings as symbols. They represented wealth and power for kings. Rings, whether fine jewelry or vintage fashion rings, have been given as gifts to mark significant occasions and accomplishments in life. They are also seen as a sign of love when worn on a certain finger.
For enthusiasts of costume jewelry, which is typically designed to accessorize with current fashions and made of inexpensive materials, there has been no shortage of coveted rings created over the years by the likes of J Dauphin, Miriam Haskell and others. A range of fashion rings created in ceramic or embellished with rhinestones — the latter a source of instant, affordable glamour — have also been designed at Chanel. The founder of the internationally revered luxury house, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, loved costume jewelry but couldn’t resist designing jewelry with diamonds.
Signet rings are one of the oldest types of rings. They often have a family crest or seal engraved on the ring that the wearer can imprint into melted wax. Although most people don’t use wax seals anymore, signet rings are an enduring style.
The type of metal chosen for a ring is an important factor in its design. Gold is a classic choice for fine jewelry, and, for costume jewels, gold offers a range of hues that includes yellow gold, white gold and rose gold. Platinum is becoming a popular choice for its elegance. For fashion jewelry lovers, silver rings remain a must-have accessory, particularly those embellished with turquoise or coral.
A stone can add a pop of color or allure to a ring. Many people choose to wear rings featuring their birthstone. Diamonds are popular with those seeking the perfect engagement ring (a search that can prove intimidating), and they also make beautiful fashion rings, from solitaire rings with single stones to rings with groups of stones.
Zircon rings are similar to diamonds and come in various colors. Some rings feature a large stone surrounded by smaller stones in a halo. They can all be the same stone, or they can have different stones to include more colors.
Fashion rings are an easy way to add jewelry to any outfit. Find a collection of vintage fashion rings on 1stDibs that have glitz and glamour to match your style.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A mourning ring is used to memorialize a loved one who recently died. The practice of wearing memorial jewelry in this way began during the Victorian era in England. Today, some people wear antique mourning rings purely for fashion. Shop a collection of mourning rings on 1stDibs.
- Are Tiffany Rings Worth It?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Tiffany & Co. only sells diamonds with excellent cut grades, so the company's commitment to craftsmanship and quality plays a large part in the price. While some rings of similar quality might be less expensive than a ring from Tiffany & Co., rings made by the artisans at this famous American jewelry house will retain their value. There is a variety of rings from Tiffany & Co. available on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022During the 18th and 19th centuries, mourning rings were worn on the pinky finger. When the jewelry came back into fashion in the 1930s and 40s, the tradition of displaying a mourning ring on the fifth finger continued. Today, people may opt to wear the rings on any finger. You'll find a variety of mourning rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a black onyx ring worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The material of the ring setting is a driving factor in what a black onyx ring is worth. An onyx ring with a sterling silver ring setting can be purchased at under $30 as well. Black onyx is a semi-precious gemstone, with prices ranging from $1 to $500 per carat. Find a collection of vintage and designer black onyx rings on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021How much an amethyst stone ring is worth depends on the origin, cut, color, clarity, shine, shape and certificate it carries. In general, the price of an amethyst gemstone can range from $2.74 per carat to $16.44 per carat and much more depending on the quality combination specified. Find a collection of antique and vintage amethyst rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A blue diamond ring worth depends on the type of blue diamond. Ideally, a blue diamond’s cost is based on its 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat), with the intensity of the color being the dominant factor. A blue diamond ring price ranges between $6,800 to $11,200. On 1stDibs, you can find a range of exquisite antique and vintage blue diamond rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021Platinum and rhodium are both precious metals, with rhodium being more expensive. Rhodium is usually applied onto jewelry like a layer while platinum is a completely white metal which does not need any layering. Both metals are typically paired with precious stones and could cost less than $1,000 or as much as $4,000. Find a range of antique and vintage rings today on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A blue sapphire ring is worth about $8,000 depending on the carat weight and quality of the stone. Blue sapphires are the most valuable color of this particular gem, making a blue sapphire ring quite valuable. A broad range of blue sapphire rings can be found on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021How much a red ruby ring is worth will depend on certain quality factors. High-quality ruby rings can range in price from anywhere between $12 to $1,600. The value of a ruby will increase owing to color. Find a collection of red ruby rings on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021How much a gold sapphire ring is worth depends on the tone and saturation of the stone, VVS clarity, design and more. The cost of a sapphire depends on carat, or its weight..On average, gold sapphire is priced at $1,000 to $1,150 per carat. On 1stDibs, find a wide collection of gold sapphire rings and jewelry today.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A blue star sapphire has a transparent body with a deep blue color. A blue star sapphire ring’s worth depends on the 4Cs — color, clarity, cut and carat. Prices for a blue star sapphire ring can also differ according to size and time period. These accessories begin at $449 and can cost as much as around $200,000 or more. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage blue star sapphire rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Princess Diana's sapphire ring is worth more than $500,000 today. Prince Charles bought this ring for just $60,000 in the early 1980s.