Estate Vibrant Cabochon Fire Opal 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful vibrant orange oval cabochon fire opal 14K yellow gold ring. The unusual gold swirl
20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Vibrant Cabochon Fire Opal 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful vibrant orange oval cabochon fire opal 14K yellow gold ring. The unusual gold swirl
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Minimalist Mexican Fire Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold Band
Located in Suwanee, GA
Minimalist Mexican Fire Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold Band. Free Domestic USPS First Class
Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Oval-Cab Australian Opal with Fire Opal 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Oval-Cab Australian Opal 1 pcs 0.77 carat, Fire Opal
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kabana Diamond Fire Opal Tourmaline Iolite 14k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Kabana
Located in Boca Raton, FL
, and iolite ring, beautifully set in 14k yellow gold. A true statement piece, this ring size 6 is
Diamond, Iolite, Opal, Tourmaline, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Meghna Jewels 14.19 carat Fire Opal Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold, 14.19 carat fire opal and handset with
Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Inspired Mexican Egg Fire Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Vintage Inspired Mexican Egg Fire Opal Engagement Wedding Ring 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic
Fire Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Red Mexican Fire Opal Cabochon Engagement Ring Set in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Red Mexican Fire Opal Cabochon Engagement Ring Set in 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First
Fire Opal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Fire Opal Yellow Gold Ring Mexican Gemstone Jewelry Red
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold with natural Fire Opal opal origin - Mexico opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.24 x
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.14ct Glowing Fire Opal with Diamond Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Glowing Fire Opal with Diamond Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kabana Fire Opal Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Flower Design Size 7.5
By Kabana
Located in Boca Raton, FL
, crafted in 14k yellow gold. The ring showcases a vibrant fire opal gemstone that radiates with iridescent
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.94 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.94 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring This Ring features a Round Cut
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.17 Carat Oval-Cut Fire Opal with Diamond Accents 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
& Grace ring. The 14k Yellow Gold jewelry boasts 9x11 mm Oval-cut Fire Opal (1pcs) 2.17 Carat and Round
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.85 Carat Oval-Cut Fire Opal with Diamond Accents 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
; Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts 8x6 mm (1 pcs) 0.85 carat Oval-Cut Prong Setting Fire
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Mexican Fire Opal Ring with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
dazzling ring. Exquisitely crafted from 14-karat yellow gold, this gorgeous ring is highlighted by two
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Mexican Fire Opal Ring with Diamonds for women
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gin & Grace 14K Yellow Gold Genuine Fire Opal Ring with Diamonds for Women
Located in New York, NY
Decorate yourself in elegance with this Ring is crafted from 14-karat Yellow Gold by Gin & Grace
Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 0.57 carat Round
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
$1,368Sale Price|25% Off
Gemistry 1.42 Ct. T.W Double-Row Fire Opal Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
mounted on 14K yellow gold polished tapered shank. Please follow the Luxury Jewels storefront to view the
Fire Opal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Fire Opal with Diamond Accents 14k Yellow Gold Ring For Women/Girls
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Emerald-Cut Fire Opal (1 pcs) 0.66 carat and Natural
Diamond, Fire Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Two-Color Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Ring Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Rare Two-Color Fire Opal Diamond Engagement Ring Solid 14K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kai 1.50ctw Oval Cut Natural Fire Opal Ring in 14K Solid Gold
Located in Rowland Heights, CA
options for a truly personalized experience. 14K Solid Gold 7 x 9 mm Natural Opal|Fire|Oval|Eye Clean
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Golden Dahlia – Fire Opal & Australian Opal Floral Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Y
Located in Suwanee, GA
Golden Dahlia – Fire Opal & Australian Opal Floral Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Opal, Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gemistry 1.45 Ct. T.W Double-Row Fire Opal Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
mounted on 14K yellow gold polished tapered shank. Please follow the Luxury Jewels storefront to view the
Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.68 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.68 Carat Oval Cut Fire Opal Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 1.99
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fire Opal Yellow Gold Ring Mexican Gemstone Elegant Jewelry Minimalism Red Magic
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold with natural Fire Opal opal origin - Mexico opal measurements - 0.12 x 0.24 x
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Fire Opal Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Fire Opal Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a beautiful 3.17
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
7.40 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cut White Diamonds, graded SI1-F for clarity and color. Crafted in luxurious 14K Yellow Gold, this
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9.61 Carat Natural Fire Opal Multi Color Sapphire Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
9.61 Carat Natural Fire Opal Multi Color Sapphire Yellow Gold Ring This ring has a Natural Oval
Fire Opal, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Opal...
You Are in My Heart - Fire Opal & Australian Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K
Located in Suwanee, GA
. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT THIS PRODUCT 14K Yellow Gold, Natural Mexican Fire Opal, 0.70 ct Austr...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
4.29 Carat Oval Cut Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 2.15 carat Oval Cut Fire Opal as its center stone and is
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.83 Carat Oval Cut Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.83 Carat Oval Cut Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 3.32
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.24 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5.24 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring features a 3.30 carat
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.29 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
6.29 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring features a 4.40 carat
Diamond, Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.74 Carat Natural Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
. Expertly crafted in 14K yellow gold, this ring weighs approximately 5.4 grams. Sized at 7, this piece can
Fire Opal, Sapphire, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14k Gold Textured Coral Reef Motif Ring with Mexican Fire Opal & Mother of Pearl
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificence in opals, this ring boasts 3 fiery orange tone cabochon cut Mexican opals and a
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.11 Carat Pear Cut Natural Fire Opal Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
7.11 Carat Pear Cut Natural Fire Opal Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Item Specs: Natural
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sap...
Kai Nora 3.50ctw Oval Fire Opal Eternity Band in 14K Gold
Located in Rowland Heights, CA
Unveil the enchanting allure of eternal love with the Kai Solid Gold Fire Opal Eternity Band
Fire Opal, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,198Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Fiery Oval Opal Scalloped Open Work Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 15.85x11.96mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 5.97 Grams Ring Size: 4.5 ( fitted on finger
Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Solitaire Round Fire Opal Celtic Knot Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
splendid solitaire ring, crafted in 14k rose gold. The round fire opal is secured in a six-prong setting on
Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Kabana Diamond Fire Opal Inlay 18k Yellow Cocktail Ring Size 7
By Kabana
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite Kabana ring captivates with its radiant fire opal inlay, complemented by the sparkle
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
5.59 Carat Oval Cabochon Red Fire Opal and Diamond Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
14 karat yellow gold, the split shank provides a rich and elegant contrast to the vibrant fire opal
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Angara Natural Oval Solitaire 1.6 ct Fire Opal Cocktail Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
cutwork. Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this cocktail ring is a breathtaking beauty.October
Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5 #23556
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring Size 5 This striking statement ring features a luminous
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
. CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Orange Fire Opal with Pave Diamonds Ring
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
shape Diamonds .43 cts 14k yellow gold Rhodium sterling silver Dimensions Size 8 Band width 2mm Made
Fire Opal, Opal, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
HandMade Heirloom 14k Yellow Gold 1.08 Carat Opal Modernist Brutalist Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
this ring puts it into a category all its own. I also have a vintage pair of 14k Yellow Gold Opal
Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.40ct Natural Black Opal & Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Media, PA
: Excellent sparkle Ring Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.11 grams Ring Size: 5.25 (Resizable
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,500Sale Price|20% Off
Fire Opal Ring Retro Certified 5.5 Carats Circa 1940s
Located in Northampton, MA
A spectacular and utterly unique 14K yellow gold ring from the Retro era (circa 1940s) featuring
Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold
2.93 Carat Fire Opal Rose Cut Diamond Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.93 Carat Fire Opal Rose Cut Diamond Rose Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 1.84 Carat Oval Cut
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Angara Natural Bar-Set Solitaire Round Fire Opal Bypass Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gold solitaire ring showcases a round fire opal in a bar setting. The glistening bypass shank
Fire Opal, Gold
Angara Natural Solitaire 1.1 ct Fire Opal Ring with Diamonds in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
radiant on this 14k yellow gold ring. It is flanked by criss cross motifs, coupled with dazzling diamond
Fire Opal, Diamond, Gold
Classic 2.17 Carat Oval-Cut Fire Opal Accented with White Diamond 14k Yg Ring
Located in New York, NY
& Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Oval-cut Fire Opal 1 pcs 2.17 carat, Natural Round
White Diamond, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fire Opal Ring Art Deco Princess Bombe 14 Karat Gold Opals Blue Green
Located in New York, NY
green fire in the wondrous princess design in 14 Karat yellow gold creates a magical jewel. The opals
Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
6 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Halo Ring 14 Karat Gold Antique Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a spectacular antique Mexican Fire Opal 20 Diamond Ring. The ring is 14 Karat White Gold
Opal, Fire Opal, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
13.70ct Natural Ethiopian Opal and Diamond 14k Solid Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
13.70 Carats Natural Impressive Ethiopian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Ring The opal
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.50ct Natural Ethiopian Opal and Diamond 14k Solid Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
5.50 Carats Natural Impressive Ethiopian Opal and Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Ring The opal has
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 5.54ctw Australian OPAL & Round Baguette Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 5.54ctw Australian OPAL & Round Baguette Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Ring. Highly prized
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.