Amethyst Ring Paloma Picasso
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dome Rings
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
20th Century Solitaire Rings
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Greek Revival Pendant Necklaces
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary Afghan Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Tourmaline
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Modern Bracelets
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s American Modern Solitaire Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1970s Unknown Novelty Bags
1990s French Modern Fashion Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
2010s Contemporary Cluster Rings
Tourmaline, 22k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Israeli Modern Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Evening Bags and Minaudières
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Israeli Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Paraiba, Tourmaline, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
2010s American Fashion Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
American Cocktail Rings
Late 20th Century American Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Early 2000s American Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Dome Rings
Amethyst, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Solitaire Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American More Rings
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Peridot, Rubelite, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary More Bracelets
Late 20th Century Contemporary Multi-Strand Necklaces
Amethyst, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s American Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Fashion Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Solitaire Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern More Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
20th Century Solitaire Rings
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s Italian Dome Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
20th Century Spanish More Rings
Amethyst, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American More Rings
Amethyst, 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.
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Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
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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.