Antique Victorian 10K Gold, & Black Agate or Onyx Cameo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian gold and agate/onyx cameo ring. In 10 karat gold. With a prong-set black and white carved onyx or agate cameo of a young woman with long hair dressed in a ...
Agate, Onyx, Pearl, 10k Gold
White Gold Onyx Solitaire Bypass Ring - 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $35 or Down 1/2 a size for $25 Metal Content: 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Onyx Color: Black Style: Solitaire Bypass Measuremen...
Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold
Antique 10k Yellow Gold Cushion Cut Black Onyx Buckle Shoulder Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 10k Yellow Gold Weight: 2.97 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 ( fitted on finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Width: 16.6mm (0.65") (top of the ring...
Onyx, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
10k Gold Jostens Seal Ring With Onyx In Yellow Gold.
Located in London, GB
10k Gold Jostens Seal Ring With Onyx In Yellow Gold.
Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 10k White Gold Rectangular Black Onyx w/ Diamond Open Work Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This outstanding vintage ring was crafted in solid 10k white gold and features a large, polished, rectangular cut black onyx stone adorned with 3 old cut diamonds neatly and individu...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 10k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Cubic Zirconia Men's Signet Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 10k Yellow Gold - Palladium setting at diamond Weight: 9.6 Grams Ring Size: 11.0 (Measured on finger, please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquiries.)
Onyx, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Onyx Victorian Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 10k Scrollwork Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Victorian Date: 1870s - 1880s Metal Content: 10k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Onyx Color: Black Sty...
Onyx, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Owl Onyx Ring of 10k Gold - Mid 20th Century
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Mid 20th Century Statement Ring – Onyx with Diamond-Eyed Gold Owls in 10k Gold: This striking statement ring showcases a captivating design featuring two intricately crafted gold owl...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold
Yellow Gold Onyx Diamond Art Deco Ring - 10k Oval Cabochon Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Onyx Cut: Oval Cabochon Color: Black Natural Dia...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
10k Onyx and diamond ring. 10k rose gold round onyx diamond ring. Vintage Mourni
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Size: 4 1/4 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Onyx Gem color: Black Band color: Rose gold Style: Art deco About this item Rare Onyx and Diamond ring. 10k Rose Go...
Rose Gold
10K Gold 1960s Diamond Onyx Roman Soldier Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite ring features a 10k yellow gold band, a captivating black onyx stone, and an intricately engraved depiction of a Roman soldier, adorned with a sparkling diamond.
Diamond, Onyx
1936 Art Deco 10K Yellow Gold Black Onyx Men's Class Ring, 6.3g
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This vintage “1936” class ring is a remarkable piece of history, crafted from 10K yellow gold and bearing an M&M maker’s stamp, signifying its authenticity and quality.
Onyx, Yellow Gold
Antique 10K Yellow Gold Swivel Ring with Onyx and Cameo, Art Deco
Located in Sewickley, PA
A beautifully crafted yellow gold swivel ring, featuring an octagonal rotating bezel that flips to reveal two contrasting faces. One side showcases a sleek black onyx panel, centered...
Onyx, 10k Gold
Ostby & Barton Onyx Diamond Art Deco Men's Ring - Yellow Gold 10k Rectangular
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Brand: Ostby & Barton Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natura...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Scratched Gold Black Onyx Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 10k rose gold with a center Black Onyx. Circa 1980s Size 11 3/4, resizable
Onyx, 10k Gold
Art Deco Black Onyx Hardstone Roman Soldier Cameo 10k White Gold Ring 1930s
Located in Towson, MD
One 1930s Art Deco onyx hardstone cameo ring in 10K white gold, showcasing refined period craftsmanship and striking geometric design.
Onyx, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold Reversable Cameo/Onyx Diamond Ring Size 7 #25083
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10K Yellow Gold Reversable Cameo Ring Romantic and timeless, this 10k yellow gold ring features a beautifully detailed cameo center piece on one side then rotates to show a polished...
10k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1980s Black Onyx Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 10k rose gold with a center Black Onyx. Circa 1980s Size 11, resizable
Onyx, 10k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Black Onyx & Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Men's black onyx and diamond ring in 14k setting. Stamped 14k and weighs 14.1 grams gross weight. The diamonds are round brilliant cuts, .20 total carats, J to K color, Si clarity. T...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
This beautiful ring contains a center oval black onyx that contains a white gold plaque in a diamond shape that contains an old mine cut diamond. The ring is a 10.5 and can be sized ...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Yellow Gold Oval Black Onyx & Old Diamond Large Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 10k Yellow Gold Weight: 7.51 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 ( fitted on finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Width: 25.8mm (1") (top of the ring -...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century Black Onyx and Diamond Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1950s, this mid-century dinner ring is designed around a navette-shaped black onyx pierced by a small round diamond measuring approximately 0.05 carat, HI color SI2 cl...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold
Men’s 16.25mm Black Onyx 4.00 Carat Diamonds Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Men’s 16.25mm Black Onyx 4.00 Carat Diamonds BIG Statement Ring. The ring measures 25.8mm and is a size 12.5. The ring is very big and features approx 4.00 carat of diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Old European Diamond Black Onyx Heart Shield Ring Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a very special Edwardian, Art Deco Heart Shape Ring with Black Onyx, a central Old European Cut Diamond and a wonderful shield design in 10 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Black Onyx Ring Edwardian White Gold Wedding
Located in New York, NY
This is a very special Edwardian, Art Deco Ring with a rectangular Black Onyx, a central Old Mine Cut Diamond and beautiful 10 Karat White Gold work around the stunning gallery and e...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Tourmaline cabochon, Black Onyx & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Tourmaline & Black Onyx Engagement Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, natural, Mozambique Ruby, Black Onyx & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Ruby & Black Onyx Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
$5,440Sale Price|20% Off
8.25 carats, Zambian Emerald, Black Onyx & Diamonds Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Black Onyx Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, natural Zambian Emerald, Black Onyx & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Emerald & Black Onyx Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Rubellite, Black Onyx & Diamonds Art Deco Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art deco style, Rubellite & Black Onyx Engagement Ring set in 18K Gold and natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Rubelite, 18k Gold
10k ONYX L I or E ring. 10k Letter L or E statement ring. Calligraphy L or E
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Size: 12 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Onyx Gem color: Black Band color: Gold This is a super unique ring.
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, Zambian Emerald, Black Onyx & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Emerald & Black Onyx Engagement Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Tourmaline, Black Onyx, Pink Opals & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline, Black Onyx & Pink Opals set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Vintage Ring Black Onyx Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7.5 / 2gr
Located in SE
Vintage Unisex type Ring set with bezel set cabochon cut natural Black Onyx stone accented with old European cut Diamonds in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Yellow Gold band and crown...
Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, Kunzite, Black Onyx & Diamonds Art Deco Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Kunzite & Black Onyx Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Kunzite, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Set in 18K Rose Gold, 5.90 carat Morganite, Black Onyx & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Black Onyx Engagement Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Morganite, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Black Onyx & Diamonds Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Opal & Black Onyx Dome Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Black Onyx & Diamonds Art Deco Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Opal & Black Onyx Dome Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, 18k Gold
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, 1.92 carat Zambia Emerald, Black Onyx & Diamond Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art - deco style & unisex, Emerald & Black Onyx Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
$1,840Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Tanzanite, Mother of Pearl, Black Onyx & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite, Mother of Pearl & Black Onyx Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
$4,240Sale Price|20% Off
3.92 carats, Emerald Sugarloaf, Chalcedony, Black Onyx & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Emerald, Chalcedony & Black Onyx Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold & natural Diamonds.
Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
$348Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold filled Signet ring with Black onyx and 0.03 Carat Natural Diamond
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
Elevate your style with our exquisite 18K Gold Filled Signet Ring, featuring a captivating Black Onyx and a dazzling 0.03 Carat Natural Diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
$474Sale Price|40% Off
Black Onyx Diamond Necklace 10K Yellow Gold 0.06ctw 18in
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This striking black onyx and diamond necklace in 10kt yellow gold features a bold black onyx centerpiece accented by 0.06 carats total weight of natural GH SI round diamond. The deep...
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$234Sale Price|40% Off
Bezel Set Black Onyx Necklace 10K Yellow Gold 8mm 18in New
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This sleek Bezel Set Black Onyx Necklace in 10kt yellow gold features an approx. 8mm round black onyx, adding bold elegance to any outfit. Measuring 18 inches in length with a secure...
Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Onyx Link Bracelet 7 1/4" - 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Onyx Color: Black Style: Link Fastening Type: Spring Ring Clasp Measurements Length: 7 1/4" Width: 7/16" (10.5mm) Weigh...
Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 8.17 carats, natural Mozambique Ruby & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby & Black Onyx Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Blue Sapphires, Black Onyx & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
You can choose from Rose Gold, Yellow Gold or White Gold. Also 10k, 14k and 18k gold is available for most of the items.
Diamond, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Gold filled bar Necklace with Black onyx, Abalone, MOP tahitian grey shell
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
Gold filled jewelry is an economical alternative to solid gold. *** Details *** - Metal: - 18K Yellow Genuine Gold Filled - Gold Color: - Rose Gold / Yellow Gold / White Gold (WRITE...
Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
$3,760Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Mother of Pearl, Black Onyx, Emerald & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Mother of Pearl, Black Onyx & Emeralds Dangle Earrings set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,760Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Art Deco Morganite, Ruby, Black Onyx & Diamonds Dangle Earrings
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, art deco style, Morganite, Ruby & Black Onyx Dangle Earrings set in 18K Rose Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Morganite, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
$271Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold filled Geometric Dangle earrings with MOP Abalone Pink Shell Black Onyx
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
This unique dangle earrings combines the elegance and luxury of gold with the natural beauty of Mother of Pearl, Abalone, Tahitian Pearl and Grey shell. They can be a stylish and eye...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
$271Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold filled Geometric Dangle earrings with MOP Abalone Pink Shell Black Onyx
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
Add a touch of chic sophistication to your look with these 18K genuine gold filled octagon geometric MOP earrings. Crafted with Mother of Pearl (MOP), these earrings boast a unique a...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
$281Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold filled Geometric Dangle earrings with MOP Abalone Pink Shell Black Onyx
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
Upgrade your style with these stylish 18K genuine gold filled abalone hinge hoop earrings. The beautiful abalone shell adds a touch of natural beauty, while the hinge design ensures ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
$335Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold filled Butterfly Necklace with MOP Abalone Onyx and natural zircon
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
If You Need This Item In Genuine Solid Gold 18K, 14K Or 10K Please Write A Message & We Will Quote You The Price For Your Purchase.
Onyx, Pearl, Zircon, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
$317Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold filled Heart Necklace with MOP Abalone Onyx Pink Shell natural zircon
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
This necklace can be customized with gemstones like Black Onyx, Abalone, Mother of Pearl,Tahitian Grey shell with natural Zircon.
Onyx, Pearl, Zircon, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
$364Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold filled Necklace with Onyx MOP Abalone Pink Shell and natural diamond
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
If You Need This Item In Genuine Solid Gold 18K, 14K Or 10K Please Write A Message & We Will Quote You The Price For Your Purchase.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
$364Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Gold filled Necklace with Onyx MOP Abalone Pink Shell and natural diamond
Located in Bangkholem , Bangkok Thailand
If You Need This Item In Genuine Solid Gold 18K, 14K Or 10K Please Write A Message & We Will Quote You The Price For Your Purchase.
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold-filled
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.