18k Gold Ring Mounts

Flush Mount Diamond Ring

Victorian 3 Stone Diamond Ring

Vintage Modernist Rings

Semi Mount For 3 Carat

White Gold Semi Mounts

Diamond Mounting Ring Baguette

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Hearts On Fire 18k White Gold Diamond Semi Mount Engagement Ring

$2,395

Hearts On Fire 18k White Gold Diamond Semi Mount Engagement Ring

By Hearts On Fire

Located in Towson, MD

This contemporary Hearts on Fire diamond semi-mounting in 18K white gold features 0.49 CTW of G-H color, SI1 clarity round brilliant diamonds set in a distinctive six-scalloped flowe...

Category

20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

$4,824

2.40ct Diamond Semi-Mount in 18k Gold

Located in Tustin, CA

Luxury, at the right price. This unique ring has a 2.40 carat total weight. This stunning semi-mount is completely surrounded in fluorescent and shining round diamonds set in 18K w...

Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

New Beverley K Semi Mount Engagement Ring 18k Gold Cathedral Diamond Size 5.75

$1,175

$5,760

$5,560Sale Price|20% Off

$3,800

$28,000

$48,000

Emerald Cut Diamond East-West Set Flush Mount Ring

By Michael Kanners

Located in Bal Harbour, FL

The ultimate in quiet luxury—a stunning diamond ring that exudes effortless elegance with a sporty edge. Perfect for everyday wear, this masterpiece features a beautifully proportion...

Category

2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

A Neoclassical carnelian intaglio set in an 18k gold ring. Zeus Labraundos

$5,456

A Neoclassical carnelian intaglio set in an 18k gold ring. Zeus Labraundos

Located in London, GB

Intaglio 15 × 21 mm; 18k gold mount – ring size EU 53 (US 6½ / UK M½) — open hoop, adjustable; gross weight 7.46 g.

Category

Antique 1790s English Neoclassical Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Handmade Ring

$990

Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Handmade Ring

Located in Pasadena, CA

This stunning ring features a natural oval shaped emerald at its center, beautifully surrounded by natural diamonds, all set in 18K yellow gold mounting.

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Go...

18 Karat GIA 22.95 Carat Natural Tanzanite Diamond Ring 18 Karat Custom Mount

$18,888

18 Karat GIA 22.95 Carat Natural Tanzanite Diamond Ring 18 Karat Custom Mount

Located in New York, NY

GIA 20.45CT Natural Tanzanite Excellent cut Clean Clarity Best color D-Block Classic GIA "Violetish Blue" Measures: 18.23 X 12.90 X 10.24 mm Diamonds: 2.50ct. G-color, Vs-2...

Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Certified 1.21 Carat Oval Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 18K Gold

$3,900

Certified 1.21 Carat Oval Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring in 18K Gold

Located in Pasadena, CA

Centering an oval shaped natural ruby weighing approximately 1.21 carats, this ring features tapered baguette and round natural diamonds set in an 18K yellow gold mounting.

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.06ct Color Change Bluish Violet Sapphire set in White Gold & Diamond Mounting

$4,500

2.06ct Color Change Bluish Violet Sapphire set in White Gold & Diamond Mounting

By Rothschilds

Located in Palm Beach, FL

This very unusual and palpable 2.06 carat bluish violet to purple, natural color change sapphire, is set, exquisitely, in a modern 18k white gold mounting which exhibits heavy hand e...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bespoke Halo Mount for 3-5 Carat Yellow White Diamond Oval Shape Platinum Ring

$5,450

Bespoke Halo Mount for 3-5 Carat Yellow White Diamond Oval Shape Platinum Ring

By Hasbani Diamonds

Located in London, GB

Custom made by Hasbani Diamonds London, specialists in bespoke engagement rings and fine diamond jewelry. Available in platinum or 18k gold Wide selection of gemstones available Pro...

Category

2010s British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Eme...

2.30 ct Black Opal Cabochon Ring with Pear Diamond Accents in 18K White Gold

$7,085

2.30 ct Black Opal Cabochon Ring with Pear Diamond Accents in 18K White Gold

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

The opal is elegantly framed by two pear-shaped diamonds weighing a total of 0.38 carat, set on a refined 18K white gold mount. The ring weighs 3.84 grams.

Category

1990s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Gold

Morganite Oval Stone in Diamond Mounting

$8,000

Morganite Oval Stone in Diamond Mounting

By Emis

Located in New York, NY

Ring signed Emis in 18kt Yellow Gold and Diamond setting . High mounted with alternating Diamond set tapered spokes.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Morganite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

15 Carat Cushion Cut Morganite in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Mounting with Diamonds

$12,000

15 Carat Cushion Cut Morganite in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Mounting with Diamonds

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Set in 18 karat yellow gold is a 15 carat Cushion Mixed Cut Morganite with 56 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.00 carats. Ring size is 7. This ring c...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Vintage Gold Band Ring

$13,750

Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Vintage Gold Band Ring

Located in Montreal, QC

Measuring approx. 1" l x .8" w x .6" h. Hand crafted 18K Yellow Gold mounting. Ring size 6, we offer ring resizing.

Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

A Victorian Sardonyx Gold Cameo depicting John Locke

Unavailable

A Victorian Sardonyx Gold Cameo depicting John Locke

Located in London, GB

The black and white Cameo is set in a substantial 18k Gold Ring mount, hallmarked for 1881. John Locke (1632-1704) was an English philosopher whose writings were influential in the ...

Category

Antique 1880s British Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

18k Yellow Gold Mount Rainier Ring with .75 carat Round Natural Montana sapphire

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

0.38 CTW Ritani Diamond Loose Braid Semi Mount Ring in 18K White Gold

By Ritani

Located in Vienna, VA

0.38 CTW Ritani Diamond Loose Braid Semi Mount Ring In 18K (Please Read) Ritani Diamond Loose Braid Semi Mount Ring 18K White Gold Diamonds Carat Weight: Approx. 0.38 CTW CZ Center ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

40.20 Carat Special Hexagon Cut Lemon Quartz 18K Gold Ring with Mounting Detail

Unavailable

40.20 Carat Special Hexagon Cut Lemon Quartz 18K Gold Ring with Mounting Detail

Located in Bangkok, TH

40.20 Carat Special Hexagon Cut Lemon Quartz Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold with Mounting Detail Please let us know if you wish to have the ring resized.

Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

New Odelia 0.32ctw Diamond under Prong Semi Mount Ring in 18K Rose Gold

Unavailable

New Odelia 0.32ctw Diamond under Prong Semi Mount Ring in 18K Rose Gold

By Odelia

Located in Vienna, VA

New Odelia 0.32ctw Diamond Under Prong Semi Mount Ring in 18K Odelia Diamond Under Prong Semi Mount Ring 18K Rose Gold Diamonds Carat Weight: Approx. 0.32ctw CZ Center Stone: Approx...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 18k Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Flush Mount Ring

Unavailable

Victorian 18k Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Flush Mount Ring

Located in Narberth, PA

A beautiful synethetic ruby and diamond flush mount ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This stunning piece is crafted in 18k yellow gold and has 3 gorgeous stones that rest in fl...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

New Odelia 0.32ctw Diamond Straight Under Halo Semi Mount Ring in 18K White Gold

Unavailable

New Odelia 0.32ctw Diamond Straight Under Halo Semi Mount Ring in 18K White Gold

By Odelia

Located in Vienna, VA

New Odelia 0.32ctw Diamond Straight Under Halo Semi Mount Ring in 18K Odelia Diamond Straight Under Halo Semi Mount Ring 18K White Gold Diamonds Carat Weight: Approx. 0.32ctw Clarit...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

Unavailable

1970s Christian Dior Wooden Band Ring Set with Diamond Mounted in 18 Karat Gold

By Christian Dior

Located in Cosenza, Italia

A simple and elegant 18 karats yellow gold band ring with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.20 carats by Christian Dior. IT Misura 14 US Measure 6.5

Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

A 5.76 carat SSEF ceritified Burma No Heat mounted with diamond Ring

Located in New York, US

A 5.76 carat SSEF ceritified Burma No Heat mounted with diamond Ring - 18KT White Gold - Rings Weighs 11 grams in total - SSEF Certification number 111679 - Ring Size 7

Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Ritani 18 Karat White Gold Graduated Polished Shank Halo Semi Mount

Unavailable

Ritani 18 Karat White Gold Graduated Polished Shank Halo Semi Mount

By Ritani

Located in DAYTON, OH

This semi mount was designed by Ritani and is made from 18k white gold.

Category

2010s Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Old European Cut Diamond in Modern Yellow Gold Bezel Set Mount

Unavailable

Old European Cut Diamond in Modern Yellow Gold Bezel Set Mount

Located in New York, NY

Set in a custom, handmade 18K yellow gold bezel set mount with milgrain around the stone.

Category

2010s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Ritani 18 Karat White Gold Split Shank Half Bezel Semi Mount

Unavailable

Ritani 18 Karat White Gold Split Shank Half Bezel Semi Mount

By Ritani

Located in DAYTON, OH

This semi mount was designed by Ritani and made from 18k white gold.

Category

2010s Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Three Sided Split Shank Halo Semi Mount

Unavailable

18 Karat White Gold Three Sided Split Shank Halo Semi Mount

Located in DAYTON, OH

This semi mount is made from 18k White gold. It features a 3 sided, diamond, split shank design with a total diamond carat weight of 1.07ct. It is inscribed with a, "750" mark on the...

Category

2010s Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ritani 18 Karat White Gold Double Row French Set Semi Mount

Unavailable

Ritani 18 Karat White Gold Double Row French Set Semi Mount

By Ritani

Located in DAYTON, OH

This semi mount was designed by Ritani and is made from 18k white gold. It features two rows of french set diamonds along the upper half of the shank. The total diamond weight is 0....

Category

2010s Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Leo Princess Cut Center Ring in Round Diamond Mounting 1.54 Carat 18 Karat

Unavailable

Leo Princess Cut Center Ring in Round Diamond Mounting 1.54 Carat 18 Karat

Located in Daytona Beach, FL

Women's diamond engagement ring consisting of .98 carat Leo princess cut center and round diamonds along the sides. The total diamond weight is 1.54 Ct. The mounting is 18 karat whit...

Category

2010s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Precision Set 18 Karat White Gold Extraordinary Double Halo Semi Mount

Unavailable

$24,989

$22,800

W 0.75 in L 1.25 in

$5,142

Antique Ladies Art Deco Style Gold Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds

Located in Berlin, DE

Antique Ladies Art Deco Style Gold Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds. Platinum or white gold. Large solitaire has approx. 0.45 carat. US ring size about 7 3/4. Including certificat...

Category

20th Century Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum

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3.88 Carat Total Three-Stone Old Mine Cut Diamond Elongated 14 Karat Gold Ring

$16,800Sale Price|40% Off

3.88 Carat Total Three-Stone Old Mine Cut Diamond Elongated 14 Karat Gold Ring

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Ring size: 5 Breathtaking vintage triple diamond column ring. The tantalizing trio of icy diamonds absolutely radiates on the finger and fills it with sparkle from end to end. It fe...

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

1950s American Ball Gowns

Van Cleef & Arpels Folie Des Pres Diamond & Sapphire Flower Earrings in 18kwg

$99,000

L 1.75 in

Van Cleef & Arpels Folie Des Pres Diamond & Sapphire Flower Earrings in 18kwg

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Philadelphia, PA

These whimsical Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA) earrings feature a dazzling diamond pavé sphere at the top, from which dangle alternating floral motifs crafted from vibrant purple and pink ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.19ct 18K Heart Cut Colombian Emerald Ring - Bezel Set Solitaire Unisex 585

$14,200

2.19ct 18K Heart Cut Colombian Emerald Ring - Bezel Set Solitaire Unisex 585

Located in Jupiter, FL

This ring is not for the faint of heart! Displayed is a Colombian emerald bezel-set, chunky signet ring in 18K gold. This gorgeous solitaire ring carries a full 2.19-carat emerald th...

Category

2010s Colombian Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald

Antique Austrian Bohemian Bracelet Garnets Seed Pearls Enamel / 18cm / 34gr

$1,650

L 6.89 in

Antique Austrian Bohemian Bracelet Garnets Seed Pearls Enamel / 18cm / 34gr

Located in SE

Renaissance styled Austrian – Hungarian or Bohemian Gilt Silver Bracelet hand made circa 1900 -1920s. Fine used condition, no missing stones. Tight lock, secure closure. Original se...

Category

Vintage 1910s Austrian Renaissance Revival Link Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, Garnet, Gold-filled, Silver, Enamel

$3,875

L 1 in

Diamond '1.67ctw' Dangle Earrings in 14K White Gold

Located in Dallas, TX

Diamond '1.67ctw' Dangle Earrings in 14K White Gold. One Inch in Length.

Category

2010s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Platinum Toi et Moi Ring – 2×1.00 ct Old European Cut Diamonds, French

$9,028

Art Deco Platinum Toi et Moi Ring – 2×1.00 ct Old European Cut Diamonds, French

Located in MONTMORENCY, FR

Discover a masterful example of French Art Deco jewelry craftsmanship in this Toi et Moi (“You and Me”) ring, elegantly fashioned from Platinum 950‰. Dating to the 1920s, its sweepin...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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18k Gold Ring Mounts For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of 18k gold ring mounts for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 3986 vintage editions and 3555 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 18th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of 18k gold ring mounts to choose from, but contemporary and modern 18k gold ring mounts are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Single Stone, Roman Malakov and Cartier are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 5017 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. A selection of round cut, oval cut and brilliant cut can be found today on these pages. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of 18k gold ring mounts, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are 18k Gold Ring Mounts?

On average, 18k gold ring mounts at 1stDibs sell for $5,965, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $2,200,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.