Renaissance 22k Ring
Antique Early 17th Century English Renaissance Solitaire Rings
Garnet, 22k Gold, Enamel
Antique 16th Century British Renaissance More Rings
Rock Crystal, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Renaissance Engagement Rings
22k Gold
Antique 1870s Swedish Renaissance Revival Wedding Rings
Diamond, 22k Gold, Silver
2010s Asian Artisan Cluster Rings
Tourmaline, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings
Chalcedony, 22k Gold
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1990s Greek Classical Greek Signet Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Cluster Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Engagement Rings
Gold, Enamel
1910s Wedding Dresses
Antique Late 19th Century Renaissance Band Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Signet Rings
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 19th Century British George III Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold
Antique 19th Century British Georgian Wedding Rings
18k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Band Rings
Carnelian, 22k Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Greek Signet Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
1930s Casual Dresses
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces
Pearl, Rhodolite, Silver, Gold, Enamel
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Antique Mid-18th Century French Neoclassical Fashion Rings
Agate, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 17th Century Dutch Baroque Engagement Rings
Garnet, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Hellenistic Chain Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique 17th Century English Renaissance Solitaire Rings
Crystal, Rock Crystal, 22k Gold
Antique Early 17th Century Unknown Renaissance Band Rings
22k Gold
Antique Early 1600s Dutch Renaissance Engagement Rings
White Diamond, 22k Gold
Early 2000s Fashion Rings
Garnet, Turquoise, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 17th Century Unknown Solitaire Rings
Amethyst, 22k Gold
Antique Early 1600s Dutch Renaissance Solitaire Rings
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, 22k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Engagement Rings
Rock Crystal, 22k Gold
Antique 16th Century Unknown Engagement Rings
Ruby, 22k Gold
Antique 1850s British Renaissance Revival Band Rings
22k Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Indian Victorian Wedding Rings
Chrysoberyl, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Fashion Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Signet Rings
Emerald, 22k Gold
Antique 17th Century English Renaissance Band Rings
22k Gold, Gold
Antique 1860s Swedish Renaissance Revival Cluster Rings
Garnet, Opal, Pearl, 18k Gold, 22k Gold
Antique Early 17th Century Italian Signet Rings
Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Greek Renaissance Bangles
Late 20th Century American Pendant Necklaces
Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 16th Century English Renaissance Signet Rings
22k Gold
Antique 16th Century English Renaissance Signet Rings
22k Gold
Sapphire, 22k Gold
Antique 1850s British Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold
2010s American Hellenistic Chain Bracelets
South Sea Pearl, 22k Gold, Yellow 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.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
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