Sold|$1,040
Victorian Opal Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
From a bygone era. Size 6 1/2, with alternating rubies and opals.
Opal, Ruby, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Edwardian Era Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving the magnificent details on this ring!! Ring Details Material: 10K Rose Gold Era: Edwardian 1900 - 1920 Head Width: 10.4mm Head Height: 6.5mm Shank Width: 1.2mm Weight:...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$299 / item
Oval-Cut Peruvian Pink Opal Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Ring weighs 1.60 grams. Crafted with 10K Yellow Gold, this delicate Ring is polished to a high finish shine.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.40 Ct Oval Opal Solitaire Ring, 10kt Yellow Gold, Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 10 karat yellow gold oval opal solitaire ring. This October birthstone ring features a bezel set, oval cabochon cut opal weighing approximately .40 carat surrounded by a sc...
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rose Gold Opal & Diamond Petite Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this dainty vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: 10K Rose Gold Era: Victorian 1840 - 1900 Head Length: 12.5mm Head Height: 5.1mm Shank Width: 2.5mm Weight: 2.1 Gram...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid Century Opal Flower Power Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Photography © Bella Rosa Galleries Santa Barbara, CA Condition: Very Good Era: Retro Year: 1970s Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Gemstones: 5 Natural Australian Opal Diamonds: 8 Round Fac...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Victorian Era Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving the unique character & style of this vintage opal ring!! Ring Details Material: 10K Yellow Gold Era" Victorian 1840 - 1900 Head Length: 25.2mm Shank Width: 1.8mm Weigh...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold, Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A 10 karat yellow gold, opal and diamond ring. This ring features a navette design centered on a prong set, oval cabochon cut opal with four single cut diamond accents and a split sh...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 7.65 Carat Opal & Diamond Jumbo Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very Good Era: Vintage Year: 1970 Metal: 10K White Gold Center Opal: Carat Weight: 7.65 Cut: Oval Cabochon Color: Flashes of Blue, Green & Pink Clarity: Opaque Accent ...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Two-Tone Opal Diamond 10 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ring is 10k gold, size 6 1/2 and can easily be re-sized to fit.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold
Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Statement Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 10 karat yellow gold and opal statement ring. This ring features a rectangular design with three oval cabochon opals set in a vertical line with swirl motif detailing and a...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1930s American Made Opal Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A 10k yellow gold ring decorated with a cushion-shaped cluster of opal, sapphire and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 10k Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.25 #17768
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold Opal Ring Size 6.25 This stunning ring features 2 gorgeous white opal stones set in a 10K yellow gold band for a breath-taking finish!
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Victorian Era Navette Style Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Ring Details Material: 10K Rose Gold Era: Victorian 1840 - 1900 Length: 1 Inch Width: 1/4 Inch Shank Width: 1.5mm Weight: 2.6 Grams Finger Size: 6 Sizable Upon Request Accented by t...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Aesthetic Movement Ruby Opal Flower Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
If opals are one of your favorite gemstones, you will find this Antique Aesthetic Movement Ruby Opal Flower Cluster Ring very attractive. Opals, a technicolor dream in a black and wh...
Opal, Ruby, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1920s Jelly Opal 10 Karat Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rectangular, cut-corner, buff top jelly opal Translucent to transparent Displaying very good play-of-color mostly in the green, violet and blue range Ring stamped R &...
Opal, 10k Gold
Victorian Rose Gold Opal & Rose Cut Diamond Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Ring Details Material: 10K Rose Gold Era: Victorian 1840 - 1900 Length: 8mm Width: 16.4mm Height: 3.3mm Shank Width: 1.8mm Finger Size: 6 Sizable Upon Request Accented by the follow...
Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
10 Karat Yellow, Rose, and Green Gold Opal Foliate Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A 10 karat yellow, rose and green gold opal foliate ring. This ring features a bypass design centered on a prong set, oval cabochon opal with leaf motif detailing and a thin shank. ...
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Diamond 10 Karat Rose Gold Gemstone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Belcher style ring features an oval cut opal measuring 4.0 x 6.0 mm Opal is opaque and white in body color with moderate spectral play-of-color Flanked by four rose cut diamonds - ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco Opal Diamond 10 Karat Gold Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring oriented East to West centers a single cut diamond Weighing approximately 0.03 carat - eye clean and bright Set in a square form flanked by two 3.0 mm round opal cabochon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Cluster Harem Ring Size 4.5 #21578
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal Cluster Harem Ring- This lovely 10K yellow gold ring features a stunning cluster of 37 natural opals set in a dome-style design, giving the piece a bol...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal 10 Karat Rose Gold Eternity Band Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring features oval opal cabochons set fully around in decorative rose gold bezels. Semi-transparent white in body color with excellent spectral play-of-color. Ranging in size from 3....
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Opal Ruby Ring 10 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Statement Alternative
Located in Torrance, CA
Metal & Hallmark: 10 karat yellow gold. The ring is hallmarked "10k”.
Opal, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Cocktail Cluster Ring Vintage Antique Yellow Gold Original 1890's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from the 1890's Victorian Opal Cocktail Cluster Ring Vintage Yellow Gold Featuring Seven Fiery 4mm Round Cabochon Opal Gemstones Trademarked Piece This...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Seed Pearl 10 Karat Rose Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bypass style ring centers four 2.5 mm round opal cabochons White in body color with moderate play-of-color exhibiting primarily yellow/green flash Shoulders set with natural freshw...
Opal, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Black Hills 10 Karat Tri-Color Gold and Opal Leaf Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage Black Hills 10 karat tricolor gold and opal leaf ring. A yellow gold ring with a cluster green and rose gold leaf motifs and a prong set, oval cabochon opal. Stones: - op...
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 10 Karat Gold Oval Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian opal & diamond ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 10 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Jelly Opal Ring 10 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian jelly opal ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 10 karat yellow gold.
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Samsan Co. Retro Opal 10 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped cabochon set with talon prongs and measuring 10.0 x 12.0 mm Translucent white in body color with strong blue/green play-of-color With a halo surround of 2.0...
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Rose Gold Opal Ring with Rose Cut Diamond Accents, Etched Design
Located in Addison, TX
This genuine Victorian beauty is crafted of deep rosey 10k gold with a large center opal, flanked by diamond rose cuts.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 20k Yellow Gold 3 Stone Opal Ring Ca 1890
Located in Lexington, KY
This lovely Victorian 3 stone ring is made in 10k yellow gold with natural opals from the 1890s.
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Demantoid Garnet Opal Pearl Ring Vintage 10 Karat Gold Old
Located in Torrance, CA
Antique Victorian era garnet, opal & pearl ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 10 karat rose gold. Three opals adorn the center of the mount with each measuring 4mm (estimated at...
Garnet, Opal, Pearl, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold and Opal 3-Stone Statement Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 10 karat yellow gold and opal three stone statement ring. This ring features three prong set, round cabochon cut opals with a scalloped motif border and split shank. Stone...
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Esemco Vintage Victorian Revival Opal Tri-Colored 10 Karat Gold Navette Ring
By Esemco
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a navette opal cabochon measuring approximately 12.0 x 7.0 mm Opal is translucent white in body color with moderate green/blue play-of-color With floral green and rose go...
Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 4-Stone Opal Ring Vintage 10 Karat Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian 4 stone opal ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 10 karat rose gold. Natural opals each measure 4.5mm (estimated at 0.40 carats each - 1.60 ca...
Opal, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Ring Garnet Opal 10 Karat Rose Gold Half Moon Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian garnet & opal ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 10 karat rose gold. Four garnets are estimated at 0.06 carats each (0.24 carats total estima...
Garnet, Opal, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
1880's Victorian Diamond Jelly Opal 10 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring features vertical row oval jelly opal tablets Belcher set and translucent white in body color - strong play-of-color Accented by four rose cut diamonds - quality...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 10 Karat Rose Gold Opal and Diamond 3-Stone Vintage Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This three stone ring is crafted in 10K rose gold, on either side of the three opals are diamonds in a tris shape.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
0.73 Carat Oval Cab Ethiopian Opal and Round Diamond 10 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Ring is weight 3.00 grams. Crafted with 10k Yellow Gold, this delicate Ring is polished to a high finish shine.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920's Art Deco Opal Sapphire 10 Karat Two-Tone Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round cabochon opal bezel set in gold - measuring approximately 6.0 mm Semi-transparent white body color with strong spectral play-of-color Surrounded by bead set sapph...
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal & Sapphire Halo Ring, 10k Marquise Cabochon Cut 2.16ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $25 or Down 2 sizes for $20 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information: Genuine Opal Carat: 1.20ct Cut: Marquise Cabochon Size: 11.9mm x ...
Yellow Gold
Sold|$399
Dainty 10k Tanzanite Opal Ring
Located in Webster, SD
The face of the ring measures 1/2 inch from knuckle to knuckle. The ring is 10K yellow gold.
Opal, Tanzanite, 10k Gold
Vintage Opal Diamond Ring, 10K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 5.25, Simple Opal Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Crafted in 10K yellow gold, this ring features a stunning oval opal gemstone as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold Estate Opal Ring, 2.6g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies estate ring in 10k yellow gold with opal and amethyst. Marked 10k and weighs 2.6 grams.
Opal, Yellow Gold
Victorian 10K Rose Gold 3 Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Embrace the enchantment of the Victorian era with this captivating 10K rose gold ring. Its design showcases a harmonious interplay of round and oval cabochon opals, adorned with deli...
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
10K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring Size 5.75 #22913
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring Size 5.75 This dazzling cluster ring features nine colorful opal gemstones and eight round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 1...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Opal and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 10k yellow gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Opal Details: 1.00ct total weight, natural opal Band Width:...
Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1900's Victorian 10k Yellow Gold Opal Cabochon Stackable Fashion Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This classic Victorian ring is a versatile beauty. Crafted in 10k yellow gold the simple shanks and prongs hold five opals that gleam with pops of faint color at every turn.
Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.52 Carat Opal Oval Cab and Diamond 10K Yellow Gold Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with 10K Yellow Gold, this delicate Ring is polished to a high finish shine.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.85 Carat Oval Cab Ethiopian Opal Diamond Accents 10K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is weight 1.69 grams. Crafted with 10k Yellow Gold, this delicate Ring is polished to a high finish shine.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.96 Carat Oval Cab Ethiopian Opal Diamond Accents 10K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is weight 2.01 grams. Crafted with 10k Yellow Gold, this delicate Ring is polished to a high finish shine.
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.24 Carat Opal Oval Cab and Diamond 10K Rose Gold Classic Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted of beautiful 10-karat rose gold, this ring shines with a highly polished finish. Gemstone colors: White Gemstone shapes: Oval One prong-set oval-cut Australian Opal measures ...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Yellow Gold Topaz Sapphire Opal Halo Ring - 10k Oval 2.08ctw London Blue
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $30 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Topaz Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Carat(s): 1.60ct Cut: O...
Opal, Sapphire, Topaz, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.40 Carat Oval-Cab Ethiopian Opal Diamond Accents 10K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 10-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace Ring. This Ring is made up of 9x7 mm Oval-cab Ethiopian Opal (1Pcs) 1.40 Carat and Ro...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond Opal Ring Moi et Toi 10k Gold Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian opal & diamond 'moi et toi' ring crafted in 10k yellow gold (circa 1880s to 1990s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 10k Yellow Gold European Diamond & Round Cabochon Opal Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a beautiful antique cluster ring that was crafted in solid 10k yellow gold and features an old European cut diamond neatly set at the center surrounded by a halo of fine...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$218
Beautiful Opal Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
This beautiful 1.1 carat Opal is set in 10 karat yellow gold ring. It is a size 7 (sizable).
Opal, 10k Gold
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.
Opals were discovered in 400 BC, and since then five types have been found throughout the world. Before you start shopping for mysteriously beautiful vintage opal rings and other opal jewelry, learn about the different varieties of the gem — and find out which historical figure was reportedly willing to trade his kingdom for a single stone.
Here is a little riddle for you: the month of October has two birthstones, but only one of them encompasses the colors of other birthstones. If you guessed opal, you’re right! (The other gemstone associated with the month of October is tourmaline.)
Opals are such unusual gemstones that there are too many old-wives tales associated with them, like if you’re a blond, wearing an opal necklace will protect your locks from losing color. Opals were also very fashionable in the early 19th century, up until the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s novel Anne of Geierstein in 1829. The title heroine wears an opal and succumbs to an untimely death. However, the British monarchy, and in particular Queen Victoria, did not let this story get in their way, and they frequently gifted opals to friends and family members. October babies should disregard the noise and proudly wear their opals!
There are five types of precious opals: boulder opal, fire opal, crystal/water opal, black opal, and white/light opal. Each variety is distinguished by its color.
So, where does the name come from? The word opal is thought to originate from the Roman opalus or from the Sanskrit úpala (“precious stone”) or from the Greek opallios (“to see a color change”). So while there have been many names for the stones, opals were first discovered in 400 BC in Ethiopia. But the early reference that comes up most often in history books is from the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, who wrote about it in 75 AD. In his text he refers to it as opali. The Romans were big fans of opal, Mark Antony was so enamored by it that, as the story goes, he was willing to trade a portion of his kingdom for a single opal.
There's a wide variety of antique and vintage opal jewelry on 1stDibs (and you won't have to trade your kingdom for it).
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.