Victorian Tiara Ring
Antique 19th Century Dutch Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Band Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late 20th Century More Rings
Onyx, Carnelian, 10k Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Hoop Earrings
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Aesthetic Movement Brooches
Diamond
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Engagement Rings
Gold, Enamel
Antique 1810s Unknown Regency Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Wedding Rings
Pearl, Garnet, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond
Antique Late 18th Century European Georgian Bridal Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque More Necklaces
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Brooches
Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Signet Rings
Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
2010s American Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
American Engagement Rings
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Rings
Diamond
Antique 1890s Italian Victorian Signet Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1840s British Victorian Cluster Rings
Emerald, Natural Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures
Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s French Cufflinks
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 15k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Cocktail Rings
Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold
2010s Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Brazilian Victorian Stud Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1880s Victorian More Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold
2010s American Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 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.
- What is a Victorian ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Victorian rings are usually made with fine metals and feature impressive gemstones in ornate settings. The style of Victorian jewelry was defined during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 to 1901). Early Victorian rings were large, brightly colored, and boldly designed, with gemstones such as bloodstones, chalcedonies, garnets, moss agate, rubies, smoky quartz and topazes. During the mid-Victorian period, the designs were more sophisticated, using gemstones such as opals, crystals, emeralds, diamonds, pearls, black glass, jet, and rubies. In the late-Victorian period, platinum became widely used in the jewelry of the era and replaced gold and silver settings for the first time. Find a collection of antique and vintage Victorian rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, many Victorians gave engagement rings to their fiancées. In fact, the tradition of giving engagement rings became more popular during the Victorian era due to the effects of the Industrial Revolution. The economic growth of the time led to the creation of a middle class that had the ability to save up for special purchases. At the same time, gemstones mined in South Africa began arriving in England, increasing the supply of precious stones and making prices more affordable. Explore an assortment of antique Victorian engagement 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.