9K Gold Early Victorian English Enamel Portrait Ring, circa 1850's
Located in Venice, CA
This ring dates to the early 19th century, circa 1850s.
Antique 1850s Unknown Early Victorian Fashion Rings
9k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Early Victorian English Enamel Portrait Ring, circa 1850's
Located in Venice, CA
This ring dates to the early 19th century, circa 1850s.
9k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k Gold Carnelian Intaglio Skull Ring, Italy Circa 1850s
Located in Firenze, IT
The intaglio is decorated with an engraving of a skull resting on a book: the skull is historically a symbol of the Memento Mori, from the Latin "remember that you must die," a moral...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique 1850s Georgian Mourning Braided Hair Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
An antique Georgian mourning ring, circa 1850, from the antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California. It features natural pearls, two rubies and on...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 3 Stone Garnet Baby Ring 14K Yellow Gold Antique Original 1850's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Victorian 3 Stone Garnet Baby Ring 14K Yellow Gold Antique Original 1850's Features 3 Genuine Natural Cabochon Garnet Gemstones 100% Natural Garnet Gemstones 14K Yellow Gold Ci...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18kt Gold Pearl and Diamond Daisies Ring, Italy Circa 1850s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat gold band, pearls and brilliant diamond daisies, Italy 1850s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
French 1850s Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, horse head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
“Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1850s”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 1850s victorian era 18k yellow gold ring with rose cut diamonds estimate weight 1.5 carats ring is in open work style massive large looking
Victorian 1850s 18K Gold Black Enamel “In Memory Of” Engraved Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian black enamel and yellow gold ring, comprising black enamelled panels, reading “In Memory Of”, with engraving and carved floral edges, in 18 karat yellow gold. This mean...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 1850s 'In Memory Of' Enamel Mourning Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold mourning ring from the early Victorian era. The ring has been set with a central cabochon black cats eye tourmaline and the band of the ring feat...
Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1850s Victorian Men's Ring with Rose Cut Diamond Surrounding an Old European Cut
Located in Miami Beach, FL
A bold, Russian-crafted Victorian era man's "For Life" diamond ring. Eye clean or better and charming rose cut diamonds surrounding an old European cut, estimated .9 cts. Ring disp...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Signet Jewish Ring circa 1850's
Located in Firenze, IT
Antique signet jewish ring depicting a large candelabra or Menorah which has lit candles or tapers.Flanking the candlestick are a ram's horn or shofar and a vase with a palm frond, b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1850s Memorial Gold Ring Band
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Victorian 1850s memorial gold ring band. The hand made design is lavishly decorated with continuous rich engraved motifs and a central plaque with three initials.
18k Gold
Victorian Amethyst Ring Turquoise .28 Carat Original 1850's-1900's Antique 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from 1850's-1900's Amethyst Ring with Turquoise .28 Carat 14K Featuring A Mesmerizing .20ct Natural Round Amethyst Gemstone Center Two Spectacu...
Amethyst, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1850s Australian Opal Diamond Rose Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold. This ring features a 12 claw set opal cabochon with a halo of rose cut diamonds. Height: 1.4 cm, width 1.1 cm, thickness: 8 mm. Opal weight: about 1.05 ...
Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Ceylon Sri Lanka .70ct 12K 1850's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original from the 1850's Victorian Ceylon Sri Lanka Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring .70ct 12K Yellow Gold Features Two Genuine Natural Ceylon Sapphire Gemstones from Sri La...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Ladies Ring With Amethyst and Chrysoberyl, C.1850's
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Ladies Ring With Amethyst (0.60 CT Total) and Chrysoberyl (0.30 CT Total) Circa.1850's Dimensions - Finger Size: (UK) = K (US) = 5 1/2 (EU) = 50...
Antique Victorian 1850s 18K Yellow Gold 0.53ct Diamond & Bloodstone Target Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A diamond and bloodstone ring in yellow gold, comprising one old cut diamond and a ring of bloodstone, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat gold band. The chunky old cut dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1850's Victorian Neoclassical Enamel Diamond Silver-Topped 18 Karat Cupid Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tested as silver and 18 karat gold. Circa: 1850s. Ring Size: 3 1/4 & sizable. Measures: North to South 14.0 mm and sits 2.2 mm high.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian 1850s Natural Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Signage: 14 Karat Gold Natural Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Ring Condition: Good Year: Circa 1850s Size: 5.75 (Sizable) Weight: 2.3g Please feel free to reach out with any questions, c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1850's British Early Victorian 1.70 Carats Old Mine Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring is set to front by five old mine cut diamonds - graduating in size. Weighing collectively approximately 1.70 carats. With color ranging from J/K color to L/M color with ove...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Victorian Gold and Woven Hair Mourning Memorial Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850s Yellow Gold Mourning, Memorial Band Ring, measuring 1/4 inch wide with delicate Milgrain edges, the center is very finely Woven Hair, a center Gold section has the Initi...
Gold
Victorian Mourning Memorial Yellow Gold and Enamel Hidden Compartment Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850s Yellow Gold Mourning Memorial Ring, measuring 1/4 inch wide and having hand engraved design work and Enamel accents, a snap down top reveals an inner compartment with bra...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
1850s Opal Rose Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
This little gem will make for a perfect accent ring or stand alone. The ring is small enough to wear with other jewels (only 1 gram in weight), but still adds dramatic flair due to t...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold
Victorian Diamond Baby Ring Rose Cut 14K Gold Antique Original 1850's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from the 1850's Victorian Diamond Baby Ring 14K Gold Features a Genuine Natural Rose Cut Diamond White Gold on the Setting 100% Natural Mined Diamond 14...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1850s Early Victorian Gold Enamel and Diamonds Cross Form Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850s 18K Yellow Gold Ring, the top with a raised Cross that is set with Old Mine cut Diamonds and measuring 1/2 X 3/8 inch, having Texturing design work and further decorated ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian Two Stone Sapphire Ring 1.48ct Original 1850's - 1880's Antique 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from 1850's - 1880's Two Stone Sapphire Diamond Ring 1.40ct Oval 14K Featuring Two Horizontally Set 1.40cttw Genuine Natural Vibrant Blue Oval ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Engagement Ring .40ct F/VVS Antique 14K Original 1850's-1870's
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Vintage Antique 1850's-1870's Old Mine Cushion Cut .40ct Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Art Deco Engagement Ring Featuring a Gorgeous Genuine .40ct Natural F/VVS Old Mine...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1850s 1 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Marquise Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats rose gold, owl hallmark. This splendid antique marquise-shaped ring is set with claws of 15 antique brilliant cut and cushion cut diamonds. Total weight of diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Old Mine Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Ring, circa 1850s
Located in Stamford, CT
Victorian 1850s Diamond ring with beautiful bright sparkly old mine brilliant cut Diamonds in a 14k yellow gold and natural patina setting . 9 old mine brilliant cut Diamonds, appr...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Ring .27ct F/VVS Old Mine Cushion Original 1850's Antique 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from 1850's-1870's Old Mine Cushion Cut .27ct F/VVS Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Featuring a Gorgeous Genuine .27ct F/VVS Old Mine Cushion Cut Natura...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Ring .25ct Old Mine Cut F/VVS Original 1850's Antique 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from 1850's-1870's Diamond Engagement Ring .25ct F/VVS Old Mine Cut Solitaire 14K Featuring a Gorgeous Genuine .25ct F/VVS Old Mine Cut Natural ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1850s Rose Gold Sapphire Diamond "Toi et Moi" Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats rose gold. Exquise antique ring, it is set with claws of an antique cushion cut diamond and a round sapphire. The whole is supported on either side of 2 x 1 sheet ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1850s Oval Rose Cut Diamond Gold Solitair Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Early 19th century antique rose cut diamond ring in solitair style centered with 1 oval rose hand cut diamond in yelowish colour with a diameter of (7.75mm×10.72mm) with fine detaile...
Diamond
Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver Diamond Castle Ring, circa 1850s
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18k and Silver and Diamond Castle Ring c.1850s Period: Victorian Year: 1850s Material: 18k Yellow Gold, Silver and Old Cut Diamonds Weight: 3.49 grams Condition: Very Good...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
French Napoleon 3 1850s Emerald Diamond Duchess Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Called Duchess, this beautiful antique ring is set with a pear-cut emerald, himself set with claws surmounted by antique-cut dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Russian 1850s Rose-Cut Diamond Ring in 9K Gold and Silver
Located in Firenze, FI
A remarkable Victorian-era Russian ring, handcrafted circa 1850, featuring a stunning rose-cut diamond of approximately 1.10 carats. The gem is set in silver over 9-carat gold, a cla...
Diamond, 9k Gold, Silver
1850s 18 Carat Rose Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Fleur de Lys Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats yellow and rose gold. This lovely antique ring is set on its asymmetrical outline with an alternation of 2 emeralds and 3 rose cut diamonds surrounded on both sides...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Men's Diamond Ring 1.25 Carat, Circa 1850s Size 11.5-12
Located in Northampton, MA
A rare and impressive statement ring, this weighty and substantial antique Russian men's diamond ring is a masterpiece of Imperial-era goldsmithing. The first thing you notice about ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Early Victorian Hand Chased Gold and Garnet Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850s Yellow Gold Ring, having Deep Hand Chased work throughout, set with a stepped cut Garnet measuring 11 x 8 M.M.
Garnet, Gold
Early Victorian Gold Diamond and Enamel Mourning Memorial Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850s Yellow Gold Mourning Ring, the top of the ring measures 5/8 X 7/16 inch and is finished in Black Enamel with an inset Cross of Rose Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
1850s Enamel Banded Agate Gold Bishop of Lincoln Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional Victorian 'Bishop of Lincoln' ring. The banded agate has a carved 'leaping lion' with the words of 'MOBILIS IRA'; Leaping lion traditionally symbolizes strength, brave...
Agate, 18k Gold
Antique Georgian Style Garnet and Pearl Cluster Ring, circa 1850s
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
An antique garnet and pearl cluster ring in the Georgian style. Dating from the 1850s, the ring is centrally set with a fully rub-over set, oval cabochon cut almandine garnet, measu...
Garnet, Pearl, 9k Gold
1.55 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond Three-stone Ring in Platinum 900
Located in Bangkok, TH
Introducing the epitome of luxury and sophistication, behold the breathtaking three-stone, Emerald and Diamond Ring, a true marvel in the world of fine jewelry. Crafted with precisio...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 1830 Mourning Ring Gold Enamel Natural Half Pearls Flowers Garnet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
The gold ring is set with ten natural half pearls within a wavy black enamelled surround. Inside the pearl surround the ring is decorated with a garnet that might have replaced a loc...
Garnet, Natural Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Gold Skull and Crossbones Ring, Italy, Size 8.5
Located in Firenze, IT
Of skull and crossbones design, the gold mouth between bifurcated shoulders. Size : 8 1/2 Weight: 3.65
Gold
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Couture Ivory Beaded Silk Bridal Wedding Gown w.Shawl
By Eavis & Brown
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Les Habitudes / Eavis & Brown Couture created, entirely hand-made in a London atelier Wedding gown with matching shawl Vintage 1990's Photographs a little "whiter" than it looks ...
Georgian 18k Gold Octagonal Miniature Ring, Circa 1790, France
Located in Firenze, IT
Octagonal miniature depicting a putto under a tree and near a brazer with the inscription in French "à l'amitié" that underlines the sentimental value of such gift. The frame is in ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Oval Bloodstone Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Georgian 18K yellow gold oval bloodstone signet ring 19th Century A classic, elegant Georgian oval bloodstone and 18K yellow gold signet ring. Timeless. heirloom quality. Bl...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1935 Nordic Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US /4.8gr
Located in SE
Poison Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with crown being a hidden compartment 13 mm x 11 mm x 5.5 mm deep covered with secure and tight hinged lid decorated with rose cut Garnet. Unisex...
Garnet, 18k Gold
Antique Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1860
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Vivid and romantic, this ruby and diamond ring was created by thoughtfully upcycling antique stones from a damaged Victorian bracelet. At its center glows a 0.37ct cushion-cut ruby o...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Edwardian Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central emerald is so bright and beautiful and measures approx 25pts. Sat either side it are two bright shimmering old mine cut diamonds each measuring approx 5pts. The ring is m...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond, 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Five-Stone Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
In classic Art Deco style this five stone diamond ring is made up of squares and panels of platinum. The old European cut diamonds total 25pts and are set upon an open work gallery. ...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
$100Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Oval Cut 1.5 carat Natural London Blue Topaz Signet Ring 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
This 925 sterling silver signet ring features a London Blue Topaz center stone, which is oval shaped, weighs 1.5 carats and measures 6x4 mm. The entire ring weighs 3.3 grams and has ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$3,324Sale Price / item|20% Off
6.53 Carat Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This statement ring features 6.53 Carat of vivid emerald cut emerald at the center, secured in a four prong 14k yellow gold setting. The emerald is framed by a halo of 0.31 carat rou...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
15ct Gold Victorian Onyx, Diamond & Seed Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring Locket Back
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Daisy Cluster Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1860 This exquisite 15ct gold ring dates back to the early Victorian era and carries a deeply sentimental history as a mourning piece. T...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
$1,584Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural 2.85 CT Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Radiating timeless elegance, this exquisite ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features a stunning 2.85 carat emerald-cut green emerald as its centerpiece. Flanked by tapered bagu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Sights Beautiful example of Victorian period Essex Crystal reverse intaglio ring depicting birds into natural scene like a window on Eden garden, beautiful carving highly detail...
Crystal, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Stamped, Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Boat Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 This exquisite Edwardian-era ring showcases a stunning boat-shaped design, crafted from 18ct gold and adorned with vibrant rubies ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k 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.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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