Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Cluster Ring, Italy 1890s
Located in Firenze, IT
Centered by a claw set pearl diameter 7 mm, framed by 9 rose cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.25 cts, to a carved gallery and plain hoop. Mounted in gold.Diameter of the top 17...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
White & Tahitian Cultured Pearl Diamond 18k White Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A chic and elegant ring featuring two pearls measuring 11.3mm each.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl & Natural Diamond Statement Signet Ring
Located in Diera, AE
Inspired by the timeless symbol of protection and positivity, this elegant Evil Eye ring is crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and adorned with natural diamonds surrounding a lumin...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald and Pearl Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald and Pearl Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
VCA Aquamarine and Mother Pearl Ring. 1.50ct Square Cut Aquamarine Ring 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Manufacturer: Van Cleef and Arpels Primary Stone: Aquamarine Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.50-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Square Cut Jewelry Type: Bezel-Set Metal: 18K Yellow Gold R...
Aquamarine, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Fresh Water Pearl with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fresh Water Pearl with Diamond 0.09 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 8.59 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Solid 18K Rose Gold Pearl & Ruby Womens Dress Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This wonderfully elegant ring, proudly shows off two magnificent 6mm Cultured Pearls, enhanced by these two colorful red Rubies.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 4.75-5 #23948
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 4.75-5 This elegant 18K yellow gold ring features one luminous pearl (9 mm) surrounded by a sparkling halo of 21 round brilliant cut diam...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White South Sea Pearl Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking South Sea Pearl, approximately 13.0 mm, takes center stage in this contemporary ring.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,920Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian Natural Pearl Halo Ring. Diamond Floral Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold 1900
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Primary Stone: Pearl Secondary Stone: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.7-Carats Secondary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Jew...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
18k Black Rhodium White Gold Pearl Tsavorite and Diamond Floral Ring
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring is crafted in 18k black rhodium-plated white gold and features a luminous 13.51mm pearl at its center.
Diamond, Pearl, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
18k White Gold Cluster Ring with Cultured Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
18k White Gold Cluster Ring with Cultured Pearl and Diamonds Center: Cultured Pearl Diamonds: 12 × Brilliant Cut Color: G–H Clarity: VVS2–VS2 Cut: Very Good Carat: 12 × 0.05 ct An e...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,240Sale Price|60% Off
18K White Gold 10mm Tahiti Pearl & 0.40ct Baguette Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
Their crisp, elongated facets catch the light with a clean, modern sparkle that beautifully contrasts the pearl’s organic glow. Handcrafted in 18K white gold, the ring balances bold ...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Ring - 18k Round Brilliant .55ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $70 or Down 1 size for $50 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearl Color: White Size: 8.2mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .55c...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl & Enamel Victorian Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Lattice Button
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Victorian Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Pearls Stone Note: minor wear Material Infor...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Orange Sapphire & Diamonds Pearl Butterfly Sweet 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 1.90x2.50x2.90cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "8 White Diamonds 0.05 CT 11 Fancy Diamonds 0.06 CT 44 Orange Sapphire 0.45 CT 4 White Shell 1.80 CT 18KR 5.58 GM (WBTT)"...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Natural Large Pink Pearl Ring Solid Gold Diamonds and Green Enamel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Enamel Pearl Ring 18K Yellow Gold 21 Grams Large Natural Pink Fresh Water Pearl Beautiful Bronze-Pink Color Pearl Size 14 MM - with very good Luster Brilliant Green Enamel on ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
18K White Gold Elegant Pearl Ring with Side Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
At the heart of the ring lies a lustrous pearl, a symbol of purity and timeless beauty.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
18K White Gold Pearl & 1.87ct Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring – Size 5.25
Located in New York, NY
Title: A bold vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K white gold, featuring two luminous 10mm pearls set in an elegant bypass design.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angela Pintaldi Cultured Pearl Diamond and 18k White Gold Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Fine cultured pearl and diamond ring set in 18k white gold, by Angela Pintaldi.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 8.50 CT Diamond South Sea Pearl Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in Westport, CT
An extraordinary 18K white gold diamond and pearl ballerina style cocktail ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Baguette Diamond Halo Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.0 Grams Pearl Diameter: ~12.5 mm Pearl Count: 1 south sea pearl Diamond Count: 54 baguette Diamond Color: G-H Diam...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Luminous 0.39ct Natural Diamond & Akoya Pearl Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
A timeless beauty with a modern glow—this ring showcases a luminous 8.36mm round Akoya pearl in a delicate pink hue, radiating soft elegance at the center.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
16 Mm Mabe Pearl and Diamond Halo Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.7 Grams Pearl Diameter: 16 mm Ring Height: 27 mm tall Pearl Count: 1 mabe pearl Diamond Count: 36 round brilliant...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearl 3.00 Ct Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent ring come in 18k gold with a lustrous South Sea Pearl of 15,5mm, extra fine quality, spectacular pure white, perfect shape, and surrounding Natural Diamonds of 3,00 carat...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Pearl Diamond 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Ring Diamond 10-0,01 ct Diamond 29-0,2 ct Pearls d 10,0-11,0 1-0 ct Weigth 7,68 grams Size 6.5 US With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKIN...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
$800Sale Price|60% Off
18K White Gold 9mm Tahiti Pearl & 0.16ct Diamonds Swirl Shank Cocktail Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A luminous 9mm Tahitian pearl takes center stage in this elegant 18k white gold ring, celebrated for its naturally rich overtones of peacock green, aubergine, and silver.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Pink Pearl Diamond Ring 0.20ct GH SI Size 6.75
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This elegant pink pearl and diamond ring is crafted in 18K white gold and features an approximately 9.5mm round pink pearl as the centerpiece.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$880Sale Price|20% Off
18k Gold 11 mm Free Form South Sea Pearl Solitaire Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This brilliant 18k gold ring is adorned with a rare and beautiful South Sea pearl!
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$880Sale Price|20% Off
18k White Gold 11mm South Sea Pearl Solitaire Ring, 20th Century
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
This brilliant 18k gold ring is adorned with a rare and beautiful South Sea pearl!
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Steven Battelle 6.8 Carat Black South Sea Pearl Ring 18K Gold
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A lustrous, slightly irregular shaped black south sea pearl is held in a handmade 4 corner embrace with small wire accents applied on the bezel and shank. Hand crafted by a master v...
Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
$1,828Sale Price|20% Off
Antique blue enamel star ring, Diamond and pearl, 18k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
You cannot help but be enchanted by this exquisite antique Victorian star ring. Crafted in rich 18ct gold it features a stunning duck egg blue enamel cabochon, star set with creamy ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Enchanting 0.05ct Natural Diamond & Akoya Pearl Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Adorn your hand with the graceful elegance of this ring, meticulously crafted in radiant 18K white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sophisticated Tahitian Pearl Ring with Natural Diamonds in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This stunning 18K white gold ring features a captivating Tahitian pearl as the centrepiece, showcasing a beautiful grey hue.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
10.5mm Tahitian Pearl Ring in 18K Gold & Platinum with Diamond Accents
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The inside of the band is stamped "18K." One edge below the pearl is additionally stamped "18K PT" plus an unknown maker's mark -- either "BRY" or "BAY."
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold,...
David Yurman Mabe Pearl & Diamond Ring - Yellow Gold 18k .60ctw
By David Yurman
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Note: Please contact us for a resizing quote. Brand: David Yurman Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Natural Diamonds Cara...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Talay Silhouette Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
South Sea Pearl Talay Silhouette Ring set in 18K Gold Settings "Talay" which simply means The Sea in Thai language explores the sea’s ephemeral character and rightfully captures th...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Moiseikin 18k Gold Keshi Pearl Diamond Emerald Demantoid Handmade Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Suitable for any season and dress. 18K Gold Handmade Keshi pearl Ring size: 16.5mm inner diameter Gross weight: 12.42g Keshi Pearl cultured 1pc 2.15g Diamond Rd 3pc 0.31ct Emerald ...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Sapphire, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Flower Ring of Pearl, Diamond, and Emerald in 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Materials: Rose cut diamonds; emeralds; pearl; 18k gold
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s 18k Yellow Gold Mabé Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.00ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The diamonds add depth and dimension, elevating the ring into a true statement piece without overwhelming the central pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18K Gold Gray Pearl & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18th Century
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This stunning cocktail ring is crafted in 18K gold and features an elegant combination of diamonds and gray pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Large Estate Baroque Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Estate Baroque Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl and Diamond Ring features a Large Baroque Pearl measuring approximately 18mm by 21mm with Silver overto...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamond Knotted Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A luminous pearl rises from an ornate knotted gold setting, giving this vintage 18k yellow gold ring a bold and dimensional presence.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mobe Pearl and Diamond Swirl Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, 1960s
Located in Stamford, CT
A captivating example of mid-century elegance, this 1960s Mobe pearl and diamond halo swirl ring is beautifully crafted in rich 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$5,000
Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl & Diamond Ring An 18 karat white gold ring set with a pearl framed by round cut diamonds Ring Size: 7 Resizable free of charge
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 0.61cts Diamond & Pearl 13.80cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a pearl gemston...
Diamond, Pearl
Antique Edwardian 18K Gold Amethyst & Pearl Ring Emerald Cut - c.1900
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this enchanting antique Edwardian 18ct gold amethyst & seed pearl ring made c.1900. The ring presents a fabulous central natural amethyst which has been wo...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 1.95ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MK37-050126
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
Diamonds with a total weight of 1.95 carats add stunning sparkle, while a luminous 9.5mm Pearl makes a statement at the center. This pieces detailed 18K Yellow Gold setting features ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci 18k Gold Diamond Turquoise Pearl Horsebit Bee Ring Size 6
By Gucci
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Gucci Design: Horsebit Bee motif with diamond, turquoise & pearl Material: 18k yellow and white gold Hallmark: Gucci Made in Italy 750 Gemstones: Diamond Turquoise & ...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,040Sale Price|20% Off
18K YG and WG GIA Certified Natural Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold and white gold diamond GIA certified natural pearl ring with 30 old European cut, round cut and single cut diamonds approximate 1.44 carats in G-H color VS-SI clarity...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$999Sale Price|20% Off
Pearl Cocktail Ring With Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:2.9g, Diamond:0.42ct, PEARL:2.4ct
Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pearl Cluster Ring, Circa 1920, 1.5ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k tri-color gold ring set with pearls and an old mine-cut diamond up to 0.80 ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.4 cm ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Center and Diamond Petal Flower Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Ring Diameter: 15 mm tall Total Weight: 6.3 Grams Pearl Type: white akoya Pearl Diameter: 7.9 mm Total Diamond Count: 30 diamonds D...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Victorian pearl diamond 18k yellow gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At the center rests an approximately 6.40mm pearl, giving the ring a graceful, luminous focal point with the delicate glow that makes antique pearl jewelry so beloved.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s Tiffany & Co Paloma Picasso Pearl and Diamond 18k Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Paloma Picasso's 1980s Tiffany collaboration produced some of the most collectible signed jewelry of the 20th century, and this mabé pearl and diamond dome ring is a prime example—co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Palladium
Art Deco pearl diamond ring in 18k gold, circular ring, Rose cut diamond, certif
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco pearl diamond ring in 18k gold. Circular ring centered with a 7mm pearl, surrounded by 16 rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Golden Pearl Diamond 18K White Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A chic and stylish ring featuring two golden South Sea pearls. They measure 12.5mm each in diameter and match in their bright golden color with excellent nacre quality making them gl...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White 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.
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.