18k Ring Used
2010s Hong Kong 18k Ring Used
Quartz, Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
2010s Hong Kong 18k Ring Used
Sapphire, Star Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Green ...
Mid-20th Century 18k Ring Used
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Artisan 18k Ring Used
Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American 18k Ring Used
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Hong Kong Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century 18k Ring Used
Yellow Gold, Enamel
2010s French Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Diamond, White Gold
2010s Unknown Contemporary 18k Ring Used
2010s Hong Kong Art Deco 18k Ring Used
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Rose Gold
2010s 18k Ring Used
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Indian Contemporary 18k Ring Used
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Ring Used
18k Ring Used For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 18k Ring Used?
Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship
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.
Finding the Right Rings for You
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.
- What does 18K on a ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The mark 18K on a ring stands for 18-karat gold. 18-karat signifies that the ring is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, zinc or nickel. The additional metals strengthen the ring, making it more durable. Shop a range of expertly vetted 18-karat jewelry on 1stDibs.
- What is a spinner ring used for?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A spinner ring can be a great way to help subdue the wearer's anxiety when used in the right conditions. They can also be used as a way to center oneself during meditation.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A mourning ring is used to memorialize a loved one who recently died. The practice of wearing memorial jewelry in this way began during the Victorian era in England. Today, some people wear antique mourning rings purely for fashion. Shop a collection of mourning rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can use your engagement ring as your wedding ring. Although many people choose to wear a separate wedding band, you're free to have your new spouse slip your engagement ring onto your finger during your wedding ceremony. In this case, you would forego wearing a wedding band entirely. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of antique and vintage engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Whether a wedding band should be 14K or 18K depends on your personal preferences. Because it contains more pure gold, 18-karat gold will usually show off a richer color and be less likely to fade over time. On the other hand, 14-karat gold is less prone to scratching and damage because it has more alloy metals. Explore a large collection of gold wedding bands on 1stDibs.
- What is 18K green gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 202218K green gold is an alloy created by mixing silver, copper and zinc with normal gold. 18K green gold is greener than 14K green gold. On 1stDibs, shop a wide collection of genuine 18K green gold from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is 18k gold good?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Yes, 18k is the perfect karatage for jewelry. While 24k is more prized and typically more expensive, it is also less dense and durable than 18k gold.
- Is 18K real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 18K gold is real gold. However, it is not pure gold. Something marked 18K is 75 percent genuine gold and 25 percent metal alloy. On 1stDibs, shop a range of expertly vetted gold jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers.
- Does 18K gold wear off?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Whether or not 18K gold wears off depends on how it's made. The finish will not wear off of a piece of jewelry or another object made entirely out of 18K gold. However, wear can occur on pieces that feature 18K gold plating, a thin layer of gold applied over another type of metal. You'll find a large selection of gold jewelry and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- What is 18k gold watch?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An 18K gold watch is a timepiece made from gold precious metal of a specific purity. The term 18K means 18-karat, a precious metal that is 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent alloy. Shop a large collection of gold watches on 1stDibs.
- What is 18K Italy gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 202218K Italy gold is 18-karat gold produced in Italy. Karats tell you how much of a piece of metal is genuine gold. In the case of 18-karat gold, 18 parts are pure gold, and six parts are other metals. This makes 18-karat pieces 75 percent gold. You'll find a large collection of gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Finger rings were a sign of wealth, status, and knowledge in Ancient Rome. The Romans wore multiple rings at once and favored showy examples. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of authentic Roman rings from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023A range of items and accessories can be used instead of wedding rings to celebrate your big day. Some couples exchange other types of jewelry like earrings or bracelets. Another option is to each present one another with a gift to symbolize your vows. For example, the bride might give the groom a watch, while he in turn offers her a heart pendant necklace. Feel free to choose something that is meaningful to you and your partner. Shop a variety of jewelry and timepieces from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Traditionally, many Asian cultures do not use wedding rings. However, wedding rings have become popular even in countries where they are not normally worn due to the influence of Western traditions. This is particularly true for brides. For example, Chinese men typically don't wear wedding rings, but many Chinese women now choose to. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 14, 2023Yes, platinum is used in wedding rings. As the metal of choice for wedding jewelry, platinum offers long-lasting durability, as it is strong and scratch-resistant. The metal also doesn't fade and is unlikely to tarnish or corrode, allowing it to maintain its cool color and sleek appearance with very little need for ongoing maintenance. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of platinum wedding rings.
- Did the Celts use wedding rings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, the Celts did use wedding rings. During wedding festivals, couples exchanged gold, bronze or iron rings that symbolized the signing of the marriage contract. Many Celtic wedding rings featured knotwork designs that represented the coming together of two families. Explore an assortment of wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- Does Rolex use 24K gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Rolex does not make 24K gold watches. 24K gold is simply too soft for practical, everyday use and many people love to wear their Rolex watches on an everyday basis. All modern Rolex watches are made of 18K gold and you’ll find some older models made of 14K gold. Find vintage and contemporary Rolex watches from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024The fourth finger, or ring finger, is typically the finger used for engagement rings. However, which hand people typically wear engagement rings on varies. The left hand is the most common option in the U.S., Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Ireland, Mexico, the UK, Norway, Poland, Russia, Canada, Australia and other countries. In Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain and India, engagement rings usually go on the right hand. Explore a large collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- Why do people use napkin rings?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Napkin rings were originally introduced in the 1800s and used as a way to determine whose napkin was whose, so they could be reused several times before washing. Today, they are simply used as decoration. Browse a collection of vintage and contemporary napkin rings on 1stiDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The difference between 14k and 18k rose gold metal is that the 14k rose gold is less pure than 18k. 14k rose gold has a deeper pink color because of greater amounts of copper, whereas 18k rose gold has 75% gold and appears yellow. 14k rose gold is increasingly popular due to its brighter pink hue and resistance to scratches. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage rose gold jewelry.
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