Antique Edwardian 14K Gold and Platinum Floral Old Euro Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 14K Gold and Platinum Floral Old Euro Rose Cut Diamond Ring. This beautiful Edwardian floral old Euro and rose cut diamond ring is crafted in 14k yellow g...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Antique Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped turquoise cabochon measuring 12.5 x 17.5 mm Opaque light greenish blue in color and bead set with a halo surround Comprised of old European cut diamonds and ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Five-Stone Old Cushion Cut Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful, handmade, Victorian ring, has five old cushion cut diamonds within a claw setting. The diamonds are similar in size, with the central three each weigh 0.20 carat and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Marcus & Co. Art Nouveau Sapphire Enamel Demantoid 14K Gold Antique Iris Ring
By Marcus & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.06 carats - transparent medium vibrant blue Set via stylized prongs in a navette shaped surround depicting highly rendered i...
Garnet, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
14K White Gold 2.10 carat Australian Black Opal Ring size 6.75
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K white gold ring with a genuine earth mined Australian black opal. The opal weighs 2.10 carats and is an elongated oval cabochon measuring about 9.3mm x 6.3mm. The miner stated th...
Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1900s Emerald and Old Mine Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8 grams Emerald Details: Natural Emeralds, Antique Cushion Cut, Green Color. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1900s Rose-Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold and platinum. A feminine antique ring, round in shape and set with rose-cut diamonds, the center one in a claw setting and those around it in a chased sett...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.97 Carats deep blue sapphire and diamond cluster ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Antique cluster ring circa 1900. Ring set with a center deep blue sapphire of 1.97 Carats and 10 old European cut natural diamonds for a total of approximately 1.50 Carats ( estima...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring by Marcus & Co.
By Marcus & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring by Marcus & Co. As if a single ember were held between two stars. At its center, a Burmese ruby—unheated, unaltered—glows with a qui...
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian 2.40ct Emerald and Diamond cluster Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring dates to the later Victorian era and centres around a stunning, vivid green emerald. The 2.40 carat emerald is a cabochon cut stone, set within 18 carat y...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Diamond Marquise Shaped Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous cluster ring dates back to approximately the 1900s. It has a very classic Victorian style, with the 18 carat yellow gold band and platinum setting. The marquise shape w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau Jadeite Jade Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Dragon Antique Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval jadeite jade cabochon measuring 13.0 x 15.0 mm - translucent medium green with light mottling Natural in color with no indications of dye or impregnation - Type A J...
Jade, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Edwardian Sapphire and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#1000
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian Sapphire and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#1000 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Natural Unenhanced Marquise Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Antique marquise ruby and diamond ring. Vertically set to the centre with two round old cut diamonds in slightly raised open back rubover millegrain platinum settings, with a combine...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque 1900 Diamond Ring in 18Karat Gold
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque Diamond ring in 18 Karat Gold. Ca. 1900 Belle Epoque (Spanish or French) Bypass Diamond ring mounted in 18 karat yellow Gold. The two main diamonds are ha...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Late Victorian Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
A favourite style of the Victorians, this original period ring features three oval-shaped sapphires interspersed with vertically-set pairs of rose cut diamonds in 18 carat yellow gol...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique diamond cluster ring by Gorham, American, circa 1905.
By Gorham
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond cluster ring by Gorham. Set centrally with a cushion shape old mine diamond in an open back raised rubover setting with a weight of 1.00 carats, further enhanced by t...
Diamond, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell Art Nouveau No Heat Ceylon Sapphire 14K Gold Antique Unisex Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped sapphire cabochon weighing approximately 10.02 carats total - transparent medium blue Natural Ceylon (Sri Lankan) in origin and displaying no indications of ...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Sugarloaf No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Kohn & Co Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Kohn
Located in Boston, MA
An Art Nouveau period Sugarloaf Sapphire solitaire, set in an 18k yellow gold mounting. The deep blue sapphire is the focal point, accentuated by the intricate woven gold design. Cra...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Era Elongated Platinum Ring. Diamond Sapphire Accent 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.15 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: G Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Clarity Seco...
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold
Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Silver Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautifully hand crafted Diamond and Pearl Ring combines classic Edwardian style with the symmetry of Art Deco. The ring is set with two pearls, approx. 7.5-8mm each, securely nestle...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Ruby, and Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Ruby, and Old Mine Diamond Ring Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Opal...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.0 Ct Fire Opal Diamond Ring 18 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
This more than exquisite antique ring is in transition between the Edwardian and Art Deco period 1910/1920 circa Elegantly designed for a timeless style getting more beautiful and ra...
Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian GIA 1.56 carat old European cut diamond seed pearl 18k gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting Victorian ring is a beautifully distinctive jewel from the 1900’s, centered by a GIA-certified old European cut diamond weighing 1.56 carats. Graded I color and VS2 c...
Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Edwardian 1.50ct Old Cut Diamond Twin Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating from the Edwardian period, this graceful twin stone diamond ring flows vertically from one 0.60 carat old cut diamond to another with glistening curves of petite grain set dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Estate 18K Gold and Platinum English Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#999
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K Gold and Platinum English Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#999 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Gold and Platinum [Hallmarked, and T...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Estate Edwardian 14K Gold .70cttw Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#969
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian 14K Gold .70cttw Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#969 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 6.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold Top [Hallmarked, and...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Belle Epoque diamond ring bicolore white and yellow gold 18 Karat
Located in Uccle, BE
Bicolore yellow and white gold 18 Karat ring inspired by the Belle époque. Very charming ring with unique old cut diamonds with very rare champagne color old cut diamonds. Suits ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This five stone ring has 3 beautifully deep blue sapphires, complimented by two lovely old cut diamonds. The sapphires have a combined weight of 1.85 carat, and the diamonds 1.20 car...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian French Plat 18k Gold 1.7ct GIA European Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This breathtaking, all original, antique diamond engagement ring was crafted in France from solid 18k white gold and platinum during the Edwardian period. It features a gorgeous, GIA...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Marquise-Shaped Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Originating in the early 1900s, this late Victorian era ring is grain set within a platinum marquise-shaped bezel with 1.90 carats of old cut diamonds. This handmade antique bezel is...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby And Diamond Graduating Five Stone Ring English c.1900
Located in Firenze, IT
lternating cushion cut rubies and old-cut diamonds, claw setting, between scrolled shoulders, mounted in gold, total ruby weight approxiamtely 0.90cts, total diamond weight approxima...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Frank Walter Lawrence No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 14K Gold Antique Halo Ring
By Frank Walter Lawrence
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed cushion cut sapphire weighing 3.69 carats total - transparent medium blue Natural Ceylon (Sri Lankan) in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Set ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 2.40 Carat AGL Burma Sapphire & Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edwardian era French import 2.40 Carat Oval Cabochon Sapphire & Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, composed of 18k rose gold & platinum. The 2.40 carat Oval Cabochon blue ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
0.80 Carat TDW Solitaire Round Center Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring and Band
Located in New York, NY
0.8 Carat Total Diamond weight with 0.20 carat Solitaire Round Center Diamond Engagement 14 White Gold Ring + Band Prong set 14 K gold Stamped Diamond VS2 quality and G color. Very...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Sapphire Ruby Old Cut Diamond Toi Et Moi Cluster 18k yellow gold ring
Located in London, GB
An original Edwardian Natural Ruby, sapphire and old cut diamond cluster toi et moi ring set into 18ct yellow gold. A pretty 18carat gold Edwardian double heart ring that has been ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Top Rose Cut Diamond Clover Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Top Rose Cut Diamond Clover Ring. This gorgeous Edwardian diamond ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum top. This ring ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Belle Époque Ring Natural Oriental Bouton Pearl 3.47 Ct Plat Diamond
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant Belle Époque ring was crafted around 1900. It is made from platinum and is set with a beautiful white natural oriental salt water bouton pearl. The bouton pearl has a ba...
Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Platinum
Circa 1900s 18K White Gold Opal and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VEG#20a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s 18K White Gold Opal and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VEG#20a Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.9 grams ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Two Stone Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Diamond Details: .50ct total weight, old mine brilliant, H ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian 0.60 Carat Three Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Set in the Victorian era’s favourite combination of 18 carat yellow gold and platinum, this c.1900s ring sparkles with 0.60 carats of old cut diamonds. These antique diamonds, a 0.3...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
French 20th Century Garnet Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark, and platinum. Delightful antique ring, its round setting is decorated in the center of a faceted garnet in a closed setting of rose...
Garnet, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian 1.45 Carat Old Cut Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
From the late Victorian years comes this five stone old cut diamond ring centring a 0.45 carat diamond between a pair of 0.30 carat diamonds, with a 0.20 carat diamond set at either ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Certified 7.01 Carat Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A truly remarkable certified old cut diamond single solitaire ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is solely set with an outstanding 7.01 carat round old cut diamond. The diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$13,440Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Sapphire Diamond Dress Cocktail Ring, circa 1905
Located in Zurich, CH
Stunning 18 karat yellow gold platinum sapphire diamond dress cocktail ring, circa 1905. This fairy-tale jewel is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold with platinum and features a marquis...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Edwardian Opal and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold, and Platinum Top [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.65 grams Diamond Details: .60ct total weight, old...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Five-Stone 0.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Five old cut diamonds sparkle side by side in pierced platinum galleries atop an 18 carat yellow gold band at the heart of this late Victorian era ring. The diamonds, which are old c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1900s Belle Epoque Fine Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. Authentic antique ring, asymmetrical setting with 2 ribbon motifs knotted at the front and extending to the start of the band. Each motif i...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...
Circa 1900s Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring - VEG#2029a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring - VEG#2029a Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 4.25 (Sizeable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tes...
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.5 Metal Type: 14 karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5 grams Finger to Top of Stone Measurement: 2 mm Condition: Excellent
Yellow Gold
Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster. Centrally set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Ceylon sapphire in an open back claw setting with a weight of 3.87 carats, encircle...
GIA .88 Carat Edwardian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.45 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2221176353 Weight: .88ct Cut: Old European brilliant Co...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Platinum Engagement Ring. 1.40ct Old Euro Diamond Filigree Ring KVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.43ct Diamond & Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique and contemporary 1.43 carat diamond and platinum cluster ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impress...
Diamond, Platinum
3.05 Carat Diamond and Palladium Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning and impressive antique and vintage 3.05 carat diamond and palladium cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine...
Diamond, Palladium
French Diamond and Yellow Gold Intertwined Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine antique 0.25 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine antique cocktail ring has been crafte...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Platinum Dome Ring. 1.70 TCW Diamond Geometric Engagement Ring I SI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.80 Carats Total Center Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Center Diamond Color: I Color Overall Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 2.1 grams....
Diamond, 14k Gold
Edwardian 18K Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring. Cushion & Old European Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.20 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: I-J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1-SI1 Sec...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Elegant Edwardian GIA Diamond 3 Stone 4 Carat Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Exemplifying the elegance of the Edwardian era, this magnificent, GIA Certified 3 stone diamond engagement ring offers a fascinating view into the past. Its unique, domed bombé setti...
Diamond, Platinum
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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
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.