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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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024No, an engagement ring doesn't have to have a diamond in it. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement jewelry, so any ring that appeals to you can signify your intention to marry someone. Alternatives to diamond rings include simple band rings formed of precious metals and gemstone rings featuring rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other stones. Explore a diverse assortment of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024No, an engagement ring does not have to be a diamond. Although diamonds are popular, rings featuring other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds can serve as engagement rings, and it's even possible to choose a ring made entirely out of precious metals with no gemstone accents of any kind. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement rings, so feel free to select any ring that appeals to you. Find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, engagement rings can be without diamonds. Many people prefer engagement rings that feature other types of gemstones. Alternatives to diamonds include sapphires, emeralds, rubies, moonstones, citrines, amethysts and topazes. Truly, any type of ring that appeals to you can serve as your engagement ring. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022While diamonds signify love and devotion, a yellow diamond is meant to also signify knowledge, intellect and wisdom; it’s also seen as a hue of happiness and cheer. Receiving a yellow diamond engagement ring still signifies everlasting love much like a clear diamond, but it also is meant to bring an element of happiness and certainty—this is what makes it a popular diamond color for engagement rings. You’ll find a variety of yellow diamonds from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The three diamonds on an engagement ring mean friendship, love, and fidelity or past, present, and future.This type of ring is also called a Trinity or trilogy ring.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Black diamond engagement rings are popular for many couples. An antique, new or vintage black diamond engagement ring is an edgy, dramatic choice. Just keep in mind that with diamonds, it's all about sparkle, and the darkness of a black stone obscures its fire and brilliance. If the inky opacity of a black diamond seems a bit extreme and you'd like a little light to shine through, consider a gray diamond, which can be cut for maximum brilliance. Brides with a taste for the cool and unusual might also consider salt-and-pepper diamonds, which have white and black inclusions that produce a silvery gray, speckled look. Find black diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 6, 2023What it is called when an engagement ring has diamonds on the band depends on the style of the setting. Accent stones are smaller diamonds that flank a central stone, while halos are diamonds that encircle the main stone. A ring with diamonds set in a crease along the sides of the band has a channel setting. Pavé rings feature many small diamonds placed close together along the band. Find a wide range of diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Black diamonds can make good engagement rings because they symbolize authority, power and passion. They also can be less expensive than clear diamonds.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Whether black diamond engagement rings are bad luck depends on a person's individual beliefs. In Italy, rubbing a black stone like a black diamond is considered good luck by some people. However, in India, black diamonds are a traditional symbol of bad luck. Find a variety of diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, salt and pepper diamonds can be good for engagement rings. Many people find the unique coloration of the gemstones to be visually appealing and appreciate them as an alternative to classic white diamonds. Although the inclusions that give salt and pepper diamonds their speckled appearance slightly weaken them, the gemstones are still strong enough to hold up to the effects of daily wear. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of salt and pepper diamond engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024Although trends in bridal jewelry change over time, pear-shaped diamond engagement rings tend to remain popular. Jewelry makers have produced pear-shaped diamonds since the 15th century, when a Flemish diamond cutter named Lodewyk van Bercken first mastered the technique. Many people love the sparkle of the cut and find its mix of curves and points to be visually appealing. Find a diverse assortment of pear-shaped diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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