Sold|$5,409
Ruby Sapphire Gold Cross Gold Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
Beautiful 18k yellow gold bypass ring, featuring 7mm x 6 x 4mm sapphire and 7mm x 6.2 x 4mm ruby, both cabochons. Timeless, classy and wearable, the ring is a great addition to your ...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Criss Cross Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose gold multi-band ring Crossover multi-band ring with round diamonds throughout Can be resized to any finger size Diamond specifications: 3.00 Carats of diamonds F/G color, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Konstantino Kleos 18K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver, Cross Ring sz 8
By Konstantino
Located in New York, NY
This detailed Konstantino features a cross design in carved 18K yellow gold and sterling silver.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold|$9,495
Diamond Gold Pave Criss Cross Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is composed of 18kt yellow gold and features a stunning criss cross design with white pave diamonds. In excellent condition. Please feel free to ask any questions you may ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso Round Diamond 18k Gold Solitaire Criss Cross Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso 18k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Criss Cross Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Signature X Cross Ring: 18k Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Fairfield, CT
Introducing a distinguished piece from Tiffany & Co.'s iconic Signature X Cross collection. This ring, crafted in sterling silver features an elevated X cross design at the center, f...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Sold|$1,450
Tiffany & Co. Gold Cross Over Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000s, 18k, Tiffany & Co., American. Tiffany & Co.’s love affair with "X's" defines a historic part of their iconic style. This chic 18k yellow gold ring is perfect in any mome...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,380
18KT Rose Gold Diamond Cross Ring
Located in New York, NY
A symbol of faith, elegance, and contemporary style—this exquisite 18KT rose gold ring features a striking cross design adorned with dazzling round-cut diamonds. With a total diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$6,195
Turquoise Gold Fluted Criss Cross Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
This ring is made in 18kt yellow gold, it features a cushion cabochon turquoise center which measures 16.5x13.65mm.
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Unique 18K White Gold Criss-Cross Style Ring with 0.30 Ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning criss-cross style ring made from 18k white gold with 0.30 total carat of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Beautiful 18K White Gold Cross Ring with 0.88 Ct Natural Diamonds, AIG Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
The ring made from 18k white gold 3.07 Grams with AIG certificate
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Konstantino Kleos 18K Yellow Gold & Sterling Silver Cross Ring sz 6
By Konstantino
Located in New York, NY
This detailed Konstantino features a cross design in carved 18K yellow gold and sterling silver.
Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
Sold|$4,195
Two Row Diamond Gold Criss Cross Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Criss cross over the top style custom made 2 row 18k white gold ring with Princess cut and round diamonds. 34 Princess cut diamonds, approx. total weight 1.20cts, G-H, SI1 220 fu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$8,500
Fashion Criss Cross Diamond Gold Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18KT White gold diamond fashion ring, features 5.00 carats of champagne and white diamonds. Near colorless white slightly included.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
Garrard White Gold Diamond Cross Full Eternity Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A unique 18k white gold diamond full eternity ring by Garrard.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold 3.20 Carat Criss Cross Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K white gold criss cross black and white diamond ring, features 3.20 carats of diamonds.
18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Flower Cross Over Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in London, GB
Ad iamond flower cross over ring in 18 karat white gold. The ring is designed as two flowers in a cross-over formation.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.42 Intense Fancy Brown Diamond Gold Cross Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Enjoy this previously loved 18 karat white gold ring featuring a 1.42 carat intense fancy brown diamond set at center complemented by 1.50 carat of pave set diamonds embracing the ce...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pave Diamond Elongated Cross Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 71 round cut= 0.85cttw Color: G Clarity: VS Ring size: 6.75 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing requests) Weight:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$6,750
Diamond Maltese Cross "Jeans" Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Combining European and American motifs, this unique silver, 18k yellow & rose gold ring is a bold statement for your hand!
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Nazarelle 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Criss Cross Ring
By Nazarelle
Located in Houston, TX
This ring is made in 18k white gold and features round cut diamonds weighing 0.93ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$9,850
Cartier Pavé Diamond Cross Over Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Cartier, thier pavé diamond cross over ring. Set in 18 karat gold with 77 brilliant diamonds weighing approximately 1.75 carat. 11.5mm wide. Size 53 Size 53US
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Parentesi 18 Karat White Gold 0.70 Carat Diamond Cross Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari Parentesi 18K White Gold 0.70 ct Diamond Cross Ring is made with 18K White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Fred Paris Cross Over Sapphire Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Fred Paris
Located in New York, NY
Signed cross over Ring set with 8 full cut Diamonds and two faceted Ruby & Sapphire oval Stones. Signed Fred - Paris. Ca 1980.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed Rosaria Varra Ring with Criss-Cross Ice Jade and Diamond in 18K
By Rosaria Varra
Located in Miami, FL
A unique statement-like cocktail ring created by Rosaria Varra featuring a natural translucent Jadeite jade Cabochon AKA Ice Jade. The jade is caged by a crisscross gold and diamond ...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fei Liu Pearl Diamond Cross 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
18ct rose gold stacking ring with a 8mm freshwater pearl set aside a diamond encrusted cross emblem. - Ring size: N (UK) / 6.75 (US) - Weight: 2.2gm Fei Liu Fine Jewellery is an in...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18...
Negative Space Cross-Over Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Webster, NY
Crossover negative space style diamond ring crafted in 18K white gold. Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately 1.30CTW Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Color: Average G-I Clari...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$18,500
Ruby and Diamond Cross-over Ring
By Marshall
Located in New York, NY
Sumptuous Asher cut Diamond - weighing approximately 1.25cts surrounded by fancy cut Rubies, opposed by an approximately 90pt cushion cut square Ruby surrounded by Diamond Baguettes....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Brown Diamond and Sapphire Criss-Cross Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
An exceptionally offbeat design gives this piece an eye-catching appearance, while the lavish décor graces it with spellbinding, extravagant allure. The ring is made of prestigious 1...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Criss Cross .31 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Authentic Tiffany & Co Etoile criss cross 18k ring with round diamonds in Platinum bezels set in 18k yellow gold setting. 12 full cut diamonds, approx. total weight .31cts, F-G, VS...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold
Diamond Tri-Color Gold Cross-Over Band Ring 1.23 Carat Total Weight
Located in Miami, FL
Diamond Tri-Color Gold Cross-Over Band Ring 1.23 Carat Total Weight This beautiful ring features 18 karat white, rose, and yellow gold with a cross-over band ring featuring 1.23 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Armenta Midnight Cross Diamond & Peacock Tourmaline Ring 6
By Armenta
Located in Miami, FL
Armenta Midnight Cross Diamond & Peacock Tourmaline Ring 6 This stunning designer ring is made of 18 karat gold, white diamonds, black diamonds and peacock tourmaline. Made by Arm...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Gold
Sold|$19,584
Edwardian Diamond Cross over Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Edwardian diamond cross over ring. Diagonally set to centre with two round old cut diamonds in open back claw settings with an approximate combined weight of 1.70 carats, further set...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.3 Carat Emerald and Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cross-over Ring
By DA Jewellery
Located in Banbury, GB
This wonderful cross-over ring made from 18 Karat white gold wraps your fingers with two flower heads crafted from emeralds against bright and lively diamonds with a total emerald ca...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Stylish Retro 18ct Gold Cross Over Dress Ring, Circa 1960s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
A stylish Retro vintage gold ring by Van Cleef and Arpels c.1960s, designed as a wraparound cross over stylised leaf with reeded markings and bold three dimensional profile. This won...
18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold and Silver Cross Ring with Sky Blue Topaz
Located in Astoria, NY
Presenting men woman all handmade heavy decorated ring crafted from sterling silver and solid 18 Karat yellow gold to create a unique medieval look with a cross and other symbols. Th...
Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Armenta Old World Criss-Cross Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Style 09662
By Armenta
Located in Carmel, IN
This Armenta criss-cross ring is from the Old World collection. It's made out of 18 karat yellow gold and is decorated with white diamonds. Internal Measurements: Ring Size: 6.25 ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with 0.39 Ct of Diamonds, Crossed Model in 18 Kt Rose Gold
Located in Rome, IT
Band ring with 0.39 ct of brilliant cut diamonds, cross model in 18 Kt rose gold. The manufacture is Made in Italy •It is possible to slightly change the size and would be provided ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Signed Tiffany & Co. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cross over Ring with Pave Diamonds
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Signed "Tiffany & Co." 18 karat yellow gold cross over ring with a pave diamond ball in the center set with round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.20 carats. Ring size - 6.75
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Scott Kay Two-Tone Cross-Hatch Cable Ring 18 karat Gold & Sterling Silver Size 8
By Scott Kay
Located in Miami, FL
Scott Kay Two-Tone Cross-Hatch Cable Ring 18 karat Gold & Sterling Silver Size 8 Sterling Silver Scott Kay sculpted cable ring with 18 yellow gold and sterling silver cross-hatch de...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Valentin Magro Fluted Criss Cross Cushion Turquoise Sleeping Beauty Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
The turquoise is shaped into an elongated cushion and set sideways in the ring. The 18k yellow gold shank splits as it rises.
Turquoise, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Maltese Cross Cigar Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 151 round brilliant cut = 2.05cttw Color: G Clarity: VS Ring size: 7 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing reque...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Maltese Cross Cigar Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 151 round brilliant cut = 2.08cttw Color: G Clarity: VS Ring size: 7 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing reques...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.05 Carat Natural Five Diamonds Cross Ring 18 Karat and Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Cross Ring 2.05ct (5) Cushion cut diamonds I-J color si-1 clarity. 18kt Yellow gold & Platinum 10 grams Ring Current size: 6 3/4 Cross Deck: 18.2 X 7.8mm / .72 X ....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.10 Carat Two-Stone Cross-Over Diamond Twist Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Two stone cross-over twist engagement ring set with two matching semi old European cut diamonds weighing 1.10 carats in total. The diamonds are set in eight claw white gold, open bac...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hammerman Bros, 1960s Diamond and Gold Ring Made in France
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Cincinnati, OH
60's Diamond ring retailed by NYC firm Hammerman Brothers. The 18k yellow gold textured cross-over ring with six round white brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately .30cts tota...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$4,900
Fabulous Diamond and Coral Dome Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Very Classy 18K yellow Gold Dome Ring criss cross set with sections of Coral and Pave Diamonds.
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold
Roger Dubuis 1.75 Carat Diamond Cross 18 Karat Rose Gold Mesh Bracelet and Ring
By Roger Dubuis
Located in Southampton, PA
Boldly designed and impeccably crafted, this spectacular jewelry piece from Roger Dubuis will accentuate your look in the most memorable manner. It is made of alluring 18K rose gold ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$3,180
18K White Gold & Rhodium Cross Motif Ring
Located in Ridgefield, CT
Bold in symbolism and modern in design, this 18k white gold ring with a black rhodium finish features a striking cross motif that speaks to both strength and style.
18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
18k Platinum Diamond XOXO criss cross ring. 18k Yellow Gold Pt900 Infinity band
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Diamond Band. Can be used as a wedding band. 18k Yellow Gold Crosses on PT900 Platinum shank. Condition: Shows limited signs of wear 8 total diamonds 1/2ctw 5.1grams s...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Burmese Ruby Cross Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Burmese Ruby Cross Ring - Size 4 3/4.
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Sold|$990
Zolotas Greek Cross Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
The perfect jewel to wear with a glass of Ouzo while enjoying the MYKONOS' sunset. All yellow gold 18k centered by a cross. Zolotas mark.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Diamond And Sapphire 18k Gold Signature X Cross Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Tiffany & Co Diamond And Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Signature X Cross Ring. Fine ring from the rare Tiffany & Co Signature X range.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18Kt Yellow Gold Triple Diamond Criss Cross Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite 18kt yellow gold ring showcases a sophisticated triple diamond criss-cross design. The intertwining bands, set with 70 sparkling diamonds 0.84 carats SI1-SI2 - H, crea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$9,000
Loree Rodkin Diamond Yellow Gold Cross Ring
By Loree Rodkin
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Cross Ring by Loree Rodkin.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18K Yellow Gold 0.35ct Diamond and Ruby Two-Band Criss-Cross Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
A ring that epitomizes grace and class. This Tiffany & Co. ring in 18K yellow gold features two slender bands that cross and come together to elegantly carry a stunning 1.32 ct ruby ...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Diamond Cluster Cross-Over Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful antique ring from the Edwardian period set with two stunning diamond clusters which elegant cross over on beautiful sweeping shoulders. Each cluster is has seven old Euro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.