Victorian Silver Navette Diamond Ring. Old Mine Cut Ring 14k Yellow Gold Russian
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.15 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Secondary Stones: Additional diamonds Stone Setting: Bezel-se...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring, England Circa 1890
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Hardstone Cameo Ring is done in 14K Yellow Gold. It is done Black Agate with a women in relief wearing Medieval costume. This ring is a rectangle rather than a round or oval ...
Agate, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Opal & Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Portland, England
A beautiful Victorian antique ring set with three graduated oval cabochon opals displaying vivid play-of-colour in greens, blues, and flashes of yellow. The opals are separated and f...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This stunning Victorian old European cut diamond solitaire engagement ring is crafted in 14k yello...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Diamond Ring, 1890s
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring, dated to the late 19th century, is made of 18-karat yellow gold and is characterised by the presence of a chrysoberyl cabochon, commonly known as the "cat's eye" due to the...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Baby Ring 14K Yellow Gold 1890's Finberg MFG Co.
Located in Dearborn, MI
Victorian Diamond Baby Ring 14K Yellow Gold 1890's Finberg MFG Co. Features a Genuine Natural .05ct Old Single Cut Diamond Trademarked Finberg MFG Co. Genuine Baby Ring Not Mad...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Ring. This amazing Victorian rose cut diamond and pearl ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. This beauti...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Antique Victorian old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 1...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Silver Amethyst Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Silver Amethyst Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. This beautiful Victorian amethyst and rose cut diamond halo engagement ring is crafted in 10...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Opals Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Ring, Circa 1890s, UK
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An exceptional Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring dating to the circa 1890s, crafted in 18 carat yellow gold. Details * Victorian opal and diamond trilogy ring * Circa 1890s *...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique English Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique English Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise Old Mine Diamond Ring. This gorgeous Victorian turquoise and diamond ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold. This ring featu...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Heart Clover Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Heart Clover Ring. This beautiful Victorian pearl and diamond heart clover ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The ring ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 15 Carat Gold and Rose Cut Diamond Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds nine diamonds. The rose cut diamonds measure approx 2pts each. Modelled in 18 carat gold and fully hallmarked Birmingham 1892. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2 Band Widt...
Diamond, Gold
Antique Victorian 1.35 Carat Chrysoberyl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 1.35 carat chrysoberyl and 0.82 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections....
Diamond, Chrysoberyl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian GIA 1.10 carat no heat sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Victorian sapphire and diamond ring is a romantic antique jewel from the 1890’s, centered by a GIA-certified oval cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.10 carats. Docu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Cabochon Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold Cabochon Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring. This beautiful Victorian star sapphire and diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous ruby and diamond cluster ring taken from the Victorian period. This antique piece has been crafted from a warm 18ct yellow gold and showcases a stunning pear-...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.30 carat ruby and 1.55 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique Victorian jewellery collections. This stu...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamonds in this band total 17pts. The stones are all set in star settings within the 18carat gold band. Hallmarked Birmingham 1884. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Band Width: 8.5mm We...
Diamond, Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Ring. This gorgeous Victorian diamond ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and silver top. The ring features old...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Carnelian and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The deep red carnelian is complimented perfectly by the 9ct yellow gold in this signet ring. Ring Size: O or 7 1/4 Stone Dimensions: 10x7.5mm Weight: 2g
Carnelian, Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous classic Victorian old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 14k...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Owl Antique Unsiex Bird Animal Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped high polish gold signet face Flanked by stylized owl motif shoulders With grooved details Tested as 14 karat gold With maker's mark Circa: 1890s Ring Size:...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Victorian Diamond and Amethyst 9 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: Approximately 6.5 Metal Type: 9 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 1.9 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2185638837 Shape: O...
Amethyst, White Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Garnet and Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Garnet and Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring. This gorgeous Navette shield ring has a row of garnets in the center surrounded by rose cut diam...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising five old cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a band of 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is set with 5 sparkling diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring. This gorgeous Victorian old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The cent...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian Gold 1.6ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Navette Marquise Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Chunky old mine cut diamonds perfectly hand pave set in a hand made ring with original patina preserved! Travel back in history every-time you look down at your ring! Enjoy! --Stone...
Diamond, Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Victorian old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and ...
Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Victorian Diamond Turquoise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three oval shaped turquoise cabochons bead set east to west Ranging in size from 4.0 x 6.0 mm to 5.5 x 7.0 Opaque medium greenish blue in color Accented by diamond halo sur...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Victorian Old Mine Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 9 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 1.1 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 5181578890 Shape: Old Mine Brill...
White Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Demantoid Engagement Ring
By Art Carved
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Demantoid Engagement Ring. This incredible antique Victorian old cut diamond and demantoid engagement ring is crafted...
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 3.71 Carat Garnet and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 3.71 carat garnet and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse Victorian jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impress...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
$11,800
Massive Victorian Seal Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 18k. This gorgeous 18k yellow gold seal ring was made to a massive scale. The bold town and country look features a stunning hardstone seal, underscored by abundant ha...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian 15k Yellow Gold 0.54ctw Diamond & Black Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old English Cut - Claw Set - J Color -VS2 Clarity - 5.3mm (approx.) - 0.54ct (approx.) Material: Solid 15k Yellow Gold - Black Enamel Wei...
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
.25 Carat Total Weight Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Opal Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 14 karat Rose Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.9 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .25 carat total weight Cut: Antique Rose Cut Color:...
Diamond, Opal, Rose Gold
Victorian Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.50 carat opal and 0.33 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of Victorian jewellery. This fine and impres...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Belcher Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Belcher Engagement Ring - GIA. This amazing Victorian old mine cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold....
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Gold Old European Diamond Solitaire Ring w/ Grooved Sides
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful Victorian solitaire ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold shank with a white gold bezel setting at its top. Features an old European cut natural diamond stone neatl...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
An elegant 14k Victorian ring, featuring a lively old mine cut diamond and a hand carved mount. The diamond is set in a 14 karat gold mount with six prongs, .40 carats, and it has a ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,518Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian 10k Rosy Gold Old Cushion Diamond & Seed Pearl Open Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Cushion Mine Cut -Pave Set - I Color - SI2 Clarity (2) Natural Cultured Seed Pearls - Round Shape - Star Pave Set - White Color Mate...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring set to the front with two lines of alternating cushion-cut sapphires and diamonds, circa 1890. 7 old cut diamonds for an approximate total diamond weight of 1.50 carat 5 cus...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian 14k Gold 0.60ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Floral Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Multi Prong Set - J Color - VS2 Clarity - 0.60ct (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 1.87 Grams Ri...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Antique 3.57ctw Opal Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Dinner Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This AUTHENTIC Victorian OPAL and DIAMOND Ring will certainly pick your Imagination. Was it a nineteenth century promise ring of sorts? A gift to mark a special occasion? Whatever th...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
GIA Certified .40 Carat Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.7 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .40ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant (Antique Cushion) Color: J Clarit...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold 0.54ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Belcher Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising one cushion-shaped old mine cut diamond, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band. This arresting ring is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian c1896 Almandine Garnet, Seed Pearl 15K Rose Gold Cannetille Style Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This delightful late Victorian – c1896 - 15ct Rose Gold Ring, is set with a row of richly coloured oval Natural Almandine garnets, interspersed with delicate seed pearls. The sto...
Garnet, Pearl, Rose Gold, 15k Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Undyed Red Coral Cameo Fashion Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous Victorian 14 karat yellow gold ring boasts a hand carved red coral cameo with truly stunning natural untreated color! The beautifully delicate carving is all original a...
Coral, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,198Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian 14k Gold GIA Belcher Set European Diamond Solitaire Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This breathtaking antique ring was crafted from solid 14k gold and features a truly stunning old European diamond solitaire at its center. This very fine quality diamond is GIA certi...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.58tgw Sapphire, Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A yellow gold, sapphire, diamond and ruby ring, comprising five cushion shaped sapphires, five old mine cut diamonds and five cushion shaped rubies, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Star Set Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Star Set Band Ring. This gorgeous Victorian English old cut diamond star set band ring is crafted in 18k yellow go...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,598Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian 10k Yellow Gold 0.52ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - Fiery Warm Yellow Color - VS1 Clarity - 0.52ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 10k Yellow Gold Weight: 2.73 Grams Ring...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$3,000Sale Price|35% Off
Victorian Purple Star Sapphire Ring, 1890s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
The centre stone of this lovely Victorian ring is a purple star sapphire. The sapphire is natural and a transparent stone with a beautiful star that is well centered and shows a dist...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Silver, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Ruby Cluster Ring. This gorgeous Victorian old mine diamond and ruby ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and si...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Opal Five Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Opal Five Stone Ring. This gorgeous antique Victorian natural cabochon moonstone five stone ring is crafted in 18k yellow...
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.30 Carat Total Weight Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.6 grams Pearl: Natural, Pinkish-White Diamond Details: Weight: .30ct, total weight Cut: Rose Cut, Antiqu...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
.40 Carat Total Weight Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.26 Metal Type: 14K Rose Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.08 grams Center Stone Details: Type: Ruby, Natural Weight: .40ct, total weight Cut: Old European brillia...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating cluster ring taken from the later stages of the Victorian period. At the centre we find a gorgeous blue sapphire, exuding depth and allure. Accompanying th...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 0.90 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14K Gold Engagement
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A distinguished Victorian engagement ring featuring a 0.90 carat diamond, expertly cut in an Old Mine style. The diamond is graded K color and VS2 cla...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Fancy Yellow Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold Fancy Yellow Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Mermod and Jaccard fancy yellow old mine diamond engagement ring is crafted ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 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.