Victorian 0.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring dates to the Victorian era and centres around a vivid green, natural emerald. The 0.50 carat emerald is classically emerald cut and set within 18 carat ye...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Old Pear Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This delicate and unique ring highlights a very rare old pear cut diamond. The diamond, weighing 0.40 carat, has been hand cut and rub over set within silver. The stone has been esti...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 2.20ct Sapphire and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A trio of beautiful blue unheated sapphires are accompanied by four old cut diamonds in this Victorian carved shank ring. The central old cut Sapphire is 1.00 carat, with the two fla...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.15 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Four old cut diamonds surround an old cut ruby in this Victorian ring. The diamonds are 0.15 carat each, matching the 0.15 carat ruby. The diamonds total to 0.60 carat, and are G col...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A trio of gorgeous, oval cut sapphires are set amongst a pair of old cut diamonds in this Victorian five stone ring. The central Sapphire is 1.00 carat, with the two flanking stones ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.40ct Emerald and Diamond Boat Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Victorian boat ring features a marquise cut emerald at its centre. The deep coloured emerald weighs 1.40 carat and is claw set into 18 carat yellow gold. Surrounding t...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.50ct Ruby and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A trio of vibrant, cushion cut rubies are set alongside a pair of old cut diamonds in this Victorian five stone ring. The central ruby sits largest at 1.00 carat, with the two flanki...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.80ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A deep red ruby takes centre stage in this Victorian cluster ring. The old cut ruby is 0.80 carat and surrounded by a ring of sparkling diamonds. The old cut diamonds total 0.70 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Victorian 2.10ct Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian three stone ring features a trio of iridescent Opals. The central opal is 1.30 carat whilst the outer pair are 0.40 carat a piece. Set in between the three pr...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.60ct Emerald and Diamond Navette Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Navette ring dates back to the Victorian period. At its centre sits a vivid emerald weighing 0.60 carat. The emerald is in the classic emerald cut and surrounded by a ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.78 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning antique diamond solitaire dates to the 1880s, in the Victorian era. The 0.78 carat old cut diamond is an I colour and VS1 clarity. A rose cut diamond sits on either sho...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 10.00 Ct Certified Unheated Ceylon Sapphire 1.80 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This breath taking original Victorian ring is 1880 circa Classy Trilogy mount hand made during the time of solid 18 KT gold Ring boasts a magnificent 10.00 Carats untreated unheated ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.50ct Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous green emerald is set in the centre of this unique Victorian ring. The vibrant emerald is emerald cut, and is 0.50 carat. A 0.20 carat ruby is set on each end of the ring, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian era, this hand made ring is made up of two rubies and three diamonds. The centre old cut diamond weighs 0.35 carat, with the two diamonds at either end w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 18 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds two blue sapphire and three diamonds. The central diamond measures 7pts and the smaller rose cut diamonds measure 1pt each. The sapphires measure 7pts each. Fully hal...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Emerald and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s, this beautiful triple cluster ring showcases a trio of classically emerald cut, vibrant green emeralds enveloped in diamonds. The central emerald is 0.20 carat w...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This sweet ring dates back to the 1880s and features five old cut natural rubies, totalling to 0.75 carat. The rubies surround a single old cut diamond which sits to centre, weighing...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.60ct Diamond and Pearl Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this beautiful Victorian cluster ring features a central diamond surrounded by pearls. The focal diamond is an old oval cut stone weighing 0.60 carat. The s...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Old European Cut Diamond Starburst Ring, Celestial, 1889, Size 8.5
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: Capture the beauty of the stars with this antique celestial ring. Featuring a light cognac colored diamond, the starburst design is enhanced by the delicate enamel d...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 2.00 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A show stopping 2 carat Sapphire takes pride of place in this Victorian cluster ring. The sapphire is oval cut and completely natural and unheated. It is surrounded by a halo of old ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,857Sale Price|39% Off
18k Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring Victorian
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful 18k yellow gold ring features both round cut sapphire and diamond. The center of the ring is oval shaped with pointed ends, and features a center round cut sapphire th...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.40ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A trio of old cut diamonds are set between a pair of vibrant rubies in this Victorian five stone ring. The central diamond is 0.60 carat with the two at either end weighing 0.40 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.45ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880, this classic carved shank ring features three old oval pink sapphires and two pairs of old cut diamonds set in an alternating sequence.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian cluster ring showcases a striking 1.90 carat sapphire at its centre. The old cushion cut stone is certified by GCS and completely natural and unheated. Encirc...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.60ct Tourmaline and Diamond Four Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This unique ring from the Victorian era features four vibrant, green tourmalines on display. The central two of which are 0.60 carat with the two on either side being 0.30 carat. In ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Victorian 3.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian five stone ring showcases a trio of natural blue sapphires. The largest of the three cushion cut stones sits central at 1.20 carat with the flanking pair wei...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.20ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This captivating cluster ring showcases a classically Victorian design. At its centre, a 1.20 carat emerald is sat, cut in an unusual asscher cut shape and rub over set into 18 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.60ct Garnet and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A classic three stone design from the 1880s featuring one garnet gemstone in the centre with two old cushion cut diamonds, one to either side. The garnet, oval in shape, weighs 1.60 ...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Victorian 2.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian ring showcases a natural blue sapphire at its centre. The cushion cut stone is an unheated stone of Sri Lankan origin with a weight of 2.00 carat. Flanking t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18K Gold Old European cut 1.14ct
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Tiffany & Co Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18K Gold Old European cut 1.14ct This antique ring is made in solid 18K Yellow Gold (tested) and set with genuine Opal and diamonds. This pi...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique 18 Carat Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Gents Ring
Located in London, GB
This incredible 18ct yellow gold ring dates back to 1886 and bears the Chester (UK) hallmark. It's set with an Old Mine Cut Diamond, indicative of its early Victorian age, of a gene...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central diamond in this glossy 18ct gold band measures 7pts and is set in a square setting. The rubies that sit either side of this stone measure 8pts each. Hallmarked Birmingham...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Boat ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Victorian pink sapphire and diamond boat ring is truly a one of a kind piece. Featuring a 0.40 carat oval cut pink sapphire at its centre, with a 0.25 carat pear cut p...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 3.50ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning carved shank trilogy ring dates back to the Victorian period. Taking centre stage, three sparkling old cut diamonds are set with a further four rose cut diamonds set in...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.05ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting Victorian ring features central sapphire flanked by old cut diamonds. The central sapphire weighs 1.05 carat and is a completely natural stone. The two diamonds eithe...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.00 Carat Pink Spinel Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14 karat Yellow Gold Weight: 3.2 grams Color Stone Details: Type: Natural Pink Spinel Shape: Antique Cushion Carat Weight: 1.00 carat Color: Intense Pi...
White Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond, and yellow gold ring, set with three half seed pearls, and two old single cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band. Thi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Old Mine-Cut Diamond Ring Inscribed July 5, 1884
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Old Mine-Cut Diamond Ring, Inscribed July 5, 1884 A charming and beautifully crafted antique Victorian diamond ring dating to 1884, featuring an old ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 0.70ct Diamond and Pink Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian five stone ring features a stunning combination of old cut diamonds and pink sapphires set in intricately carved 18 carat yellow gold. The central diamond weighs 0.30 ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique 1870 Victorian Navette Shaped Diamond Statement Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This stunning and large navette shaped diamond ring will add sparkle to any festive outfit. Thirty three old European round cut diamonds ranging in size from 0.5-0.25 carat weigh tog...
Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian 0.65ct Red Spinel and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This unique three stone ring dates back to the Victorian Era. It features a Burmese red spinel in its centre, which is flanked by two old cut diamonds. The beautiful red spinel is an...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Victorian Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Mine Euro1.28ctw Convert
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $40 Era: Victorian Date: 1880s - 1890s Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.60ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, hallmarked 1897
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian five stone ring features a trio of intense pink sapphires, separated by a pair of old cut diamonds. The biggest sapphire sits at the centre weighing 0.30 car...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.65ct Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Beautifully hand crafted in the 1880s this Victorian cluster ring centralizes around a wonderful 0.65 carat Sapphire. Surrounding the sapphire are 0.50 carat of old cut diamonds, wh...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Cocktail Ring -Victorian 18K Gold & Silver 3.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond & Burma Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
This is a spectacular, museum-quality antique Victorian dome ring masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold with an authentic oxidized silver-topped setting. Weighing a substantial 13.6...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 2.60ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian trilogy ring features three beautiful old cut diamonds. The centre diamond weighs 1.20 carat, flanked by two 0.70 carat diamonds, each expertly claw set. Betw...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A remarkable 1.30 carat natural sapphire proudly sits between two 0.60 carat old cut diamonds. The diamonds are of excellent quality being estimated as G in colour and VS-SI in clari...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Star Setting Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 18ct gold band holds a central diamond set in a star and trios either side. The central diamond measures 5pts. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1882. Ring Size: K or 5 1/4 ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.80ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Hand crafted in the Victorian Era this classic trilogy ring showcases a trio of old cut diamonds. The middle diamond sits the largest at 0.40 carat with the flanking pair sitting at ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond 2.35 White Opal 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.35 carat white opal and 0.12 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique opal rings and estate jewelry collecti...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Turquoise and 15 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This delightful cluster ring holds six bright turquoise and in the middle sits a shimmering 3pt diamond. The ring is modelled out of 15ct gold and is beautifully engraved all the way...
Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold, Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian ring showcases three old cut diamonds in a carved shank setting. The centre diamond is 0.50 carat, while the diamonds to either side are 0.25 carat each. Sma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.90ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This captivating Victorian trilogy ring features a trio of sparkling diamonds. The centre diamond is a 1.00 carat oval cut stone, flanked by two 0.45 carat old cut diamonds, each exp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.30ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful green emerald is flanked by old cut diamonds in this classic Victorian trilogy ring. The 0.30 carat central emerald is a carre cut stone. The accompanying diamonds weigh ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian 18K Gold Emerald Split Pearl and Diamond Wide Half Hoop Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Late Victorian 18K yellow gold wide tapered half-hoop ring, set with a row of diamonds, a row of emeralds, and a row of split pearls. Circa 1885. Ring contains seven Old Mine-cut di...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s in the height of the Victorian era, this beautiful three stone ring features a deep blue central sapphire flanked by diamonds. The Sapphire is an old cut stone we...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1880s, this stunning trilogy ring features a central ruby flanked by old cut diamonds. The Vivid red ruby is an old cut stone weighing 1.00 carat and Burmese in or...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.05ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A stunning natural and unheated blue sapphire sits proud to the centre of this Victorian trilogy ring, flanked by old mine cut diamonds. The central sapphire is an oval cut stone wei...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1885 Nordic Halo Ring 2.5ct Turquoise 1.5 ct Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø8US /5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring from XIX century in period Leather and Silk box. Band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with ornaments and Black enameled panels. The Crown has Silver clusters fused with ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring dates back to the 1880s and is classically Victorian in its style. To the centre sits a 1.00 carat, oval cut sapphire flanked by old cut diamonds. The vivid blue ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.