Victorian 1.0 Ct Rose Cut Diamond plus 18 KT/Silver Target ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty antique Victorian ring is 1880 circa. Italian origin. lovely Target design skilfully hand crafted during the time of solid 18 KT gold with silver portions, The ring ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Moonstone Ruby Diamond and Enameled 14K Gold Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This Victorian ring is like a layered cake, with moonstone, diamonds, rubies, and stunning cobalt blue enamel.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring, Rose-Cut Diamond 0.40ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold solitaire ring set with a rose-cut diamond up to 0.40 ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 3.5 - EU 14.5(45) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 7.9 mm wide and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Dutch Sapphire and Rose Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Dutch Sapphire and Rose Diamond Cluster Ring from the 19th Century. Cluster design with natural navy sapphires with chunky rose diamond concentric pattern. Elaborate hand etch...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Americana Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A lovely plaque ring with red, white and blue stripes of rubies, diamonds and sapphires, set in 18k yellow gold, a lovely nod to Americana. 1.50 carats each of sapphires and rubies a...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Cluster Engagement Ring. 2.20TCW Old Euro Diamond Ring Silver 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Seco...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1880s Item Details: Ring Size: 10 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.9 grams Diamond Details: Center Diamond: .65ct, Old Mine Brilliant...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian GIA 3.06 carat old European diamond 18k yellow gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Victorian diamond engagement ring is a romantic antique design from the 1880’s, centered by a GIA-certified old European cut diamond weighing 3.06 carat.
Blue Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An 18k Gold French Ring with Pink Topaz and Diamond
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat gold ring with an oval-cut pink topaz in a closed setting with a border of rose cut diamonds and flowers with rose cut diamonds on the side, French assay mark and French ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold
Antique Moonstone and Diamond Ring of Platinum Topped 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The moonstone displays gentle adularescence, its ethereal glow beautifully complemented by the subtle, antique sparkle of the surrounding diamonds. Originally created as an antique ...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Moonstone and Diamond Ring of Platinum Topped 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The moonstone displays gentle adularescence, its ethereal glow beautifully complemented by the subtle, antique sparkle of the surrounding diamonds. Originally created as an antique ...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Peruzzi Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Peruzzi Cut Diamond Navette Ring. This incredible Victorian old Peruzzi cut diamond navette ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. This b...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian GIA 1.01 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dating back to 1880, this ring is a true survivor of the Victorian era, when jewelry was made to be treasured for generations.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.40ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold alliance ring set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 1.40 ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 3.8 mm wide Rin...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Old European Cut Diamond 18K Gold Antique Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 0.95 carats H color VS2 clarity Set in an eight talon prong mount with swooping basket Completed by satin finish Tested as 18 karat gol...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 18k gold 7.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.40ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 9.25 - EU. 19.25(61) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 4.3 mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 14k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold ring set with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.40ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 9.5 – EU. 19.5(61) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 6.7 mm high Rin...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Spectacular Antique Coral & Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1880s, 18k, American. One of the most classic looks in the antique jewelry repertoire, this Victorian ring is set with a natural coral cabochon (GIA report) surrounded by 3.20 ...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring of Silver Topped 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A refined Victorian ring dating to 1885, featuring a 0.14-carat ruby surrounded by an oval halo of 14 old mine-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.50 carats total. The gemstones ar...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian RIng with rose cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold 5.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.30 ct - F/G - P - ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.5 mm wide Weight: 5.7 gr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1880s Victorian .83 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 9 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: Shape: Rose Cut Carat Weight: .83 carat Color: L Clarity: I1 Finger to Top ...
White Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 14k gold 8.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold ring with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.60ct – G/H – SI - ring size U.S 8.5 – EU 18.5(58) Detailed description the top of the ring is 3.7 cm wide and 9.5 mm high Ring...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Old Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Old Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Antique Victorian old rose cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 14k rose gold...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning cluster ring holds old mine cut diamonds set within the platinum setting. The central stone measures approx 50pts and is surrounded by a halo of smaller old mine cut di...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster and Enamel Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a remarkable dress ring taken from the Victorian era. This exquisite piece features a centralised old mine cut diamond, radiating a pristine white hue whilst being encir...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Antique Navette Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a turquoise navette shaped cabochon - opaque robin's egg blue in color Bezel set with a halo surround of bead set rose cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.52 carat total ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian GIA 1.72 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fully hallmarked and dating to circa 1880, the ring carries genuine Victorian goldsmithing throughout.
Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Victorian ring with rose cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring set with rose-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.00 carat - G/H - SI - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.3...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 18k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
VICTORIAN 14k rose gold with silver ring with rose cut diamond total 0.20ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.6 cm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.50ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 8.75 - EU. 18.75(59) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.1 cm wide and 7.4 mm...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.10ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring with rose-cut diamond total 0.10ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 9.5 – EU. 19.5(61) Detailed description the top of the ring is 9.0 mm wide and 4.0 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Garnet and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A dramatic antique ring dating (circa 1900), centered with a richly saturated pear-shaped almandine garnet carbuncle, accented by two old European cut diamonds set in 14 karat gold. ...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring with rose-cut diamonds totaling 0.20ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S 7- EU 17.25(54) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.4 cm wide and 7.5 mm high ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Demantoid Garnet Old Euro Diamond Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Demantoid Garnet Old Euro Diamond Ring - GIA. This incredible antique Victorian Demantoid garnet and old European diamond ring is crafted ...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning cluster ring holds rose cut diamonds set within the platinum setting. The central stone measures approx 40pts and is surrounded by a halo of smaller rose cut diamonds. ...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Colombian Emerald Cabochon Diamond Silver 18K Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped Colombian emerald cabochon weighing approximately 8.90 carats total Transparent medium green in color and set in a gold bezel with silver surround Bead set w...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
14k pink gold men's ring with rose-cut diamond up to 0.30ct 7.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold men's ring set with rose-cut diamond up to 0.30 - G/H - SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 9.0 mm wide. Weight: 7.4 gra...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian 5.90 Ct Natural Basaltic Sapphire 2.90 Ct Mine Diamond ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Glorious Victorian A favourite in the Victorian tradition was fine, natural Sapphire set in a rich Diamond halo. This absolutely breath taking 1880 ca.
Diamond, Sapphire
Vicorian ring with pearls and rose cut diamond up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with pearls and rose diamonds totaling 0.20ct – G/H – SI – ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide by 8...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
1880s Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 0.55ct Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1880s Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 0.55ct Diamond Antique Ring Hand Made Americn Old European Cut Diamond 5.2~5.5 mm by 2.9 mm appx weight of .55 Carat single stone With detailed e...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 20k Yellow Gold Marquis Ring with 1.50ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
20k yellow gold marquis ring with old mine cut diamond. 1.50ct – G/H – SI – ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.0 cm wide and 4.7 mm high ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Victorian rose cut diamond and enamel engagement ring is crafted in 18k yel...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Gorgeous Antique Platinum Pearl and Diamond Ring, 2.00ct
Located in San Francisco, CA
Hi there gorgeous!! I just LOVE this Beautiful Antique Pearl and Diamond Ring. So much sparkle and such a unique design! Crafted in all Platinum, this amazing ring features a stunnin...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
VICTORIAN ring with rose cut diamonds up to 0.70ct 4.0 grams 14k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k rose gold with silver ring with rose cut diamond total 0.70ct – G/H – SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide and 5.4 mm...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Ring with garnet and rose cut diamonds 18k gold and silver 11.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold and silver ring set with garnet and rose-cut diamonds - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17(53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval, 1.6 cm wide and 1.4 cm high....
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled three-stone ring taken from the Victorian period. This antique piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and focally features a striking b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1800.
Located in London, GB
Georgian ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut ruby in a closed back grain setting with an approximate weight of 0.50 carats, encircled by...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.80 CTW Old Mine Diamond 18K Gold Antique Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing 0.80 carats - O/P color with SI2 clarity Set with tab like prongs in a pierced crown-style rose gold basket Flanked by flaring yellow gold ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold silver solitaire ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Understated and timeless, this Victorian solitaire ring is centered by an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat. Graded I color and SI clarity, the diamond glows wit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.80 CTW Old Mine Diamond 14K Gold Antique Belcher Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.80 carat total - H color with VS2 clarity Set with pierced scroll motif belcher style prongs Flanked by tri-split shoulders...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Circa 1880s Cabochon Natural Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Antique Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian Circa 1880s Cabochon Natural Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Antique Yellow Gold 5.1 gram 9.0 mm by 7.3 mm by 5.8 mm deep, Cabochon Cut natural Ruby, approximately 4.5 Carat 26 pie...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.80 Ct Certified Purple Ceylon Sapphire 2.0 Ct Diamond Navette ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Subtle Elegance This rare authentic Victorian ring is the emblem of beauty Outstanding navette, elongated shape, boasting the finest Victorian workmanship made during 1880 Focal poin...
Diamond, Sapphire
Victorian Diamond Solitaire ring, late 19th Century.
Located in London, GB
Victorian diamond solitaire ring. Set with a single oval old mine diamond in an open back cut-down setting with an approximate weight of 2.15 carats, to a solitaire design featuring ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet pearl ring holds six pearls and above and below this row are old mine cut diamonds. The diamond total of this ring is approx 90pts. Modelled in 18carat gold. Ring Size: Q...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Sapphire Engagement Ring. GIA 0.70ct Cambodian Cushion Sapphire Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Era: Victorian Era, Circa 1880 Material: 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.5. It can be resized at no extra cost.
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.30 Ct Nat Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Rare Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian period carved hoop ring, lovely as engagement, anniversary or wedding, 1880 ca. 18 Kt gold marked, exquisite trilogy designed mount with scroll work details showing on bot...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
OLD DUTCH ring with coral and rose cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 14k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring set with coral and rose-cut diamonds total approx. 0.25 ct – G/H - SI – Ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is oval-sha...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian ring with old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver ring with old mine cut and rose cut diamond total 0.50ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 8.75 - EU. 18.75(59) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.5...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and silver ring with old mine-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.50 ct – G/H - SI - ring size US 7 – EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2.2 cm w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Emerald Fede Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique 19th Century Victorian Fede ring featuring a trio of a ruby, diamond and an emerald. A Fede ring is a name for a ring featuring clasped hands symbolizing love, friendship or ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs.
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 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.
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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.