Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.53 carat.. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 6.2 We can make any size. Acid t...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking sapphire and diamond cluster ring is modelled in 18 Carat Gold and the stones are set in platinum. The sapphires measures 10pts and the diamond total is 18pts. Ring S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Gold
.81 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #:2225823832 Weight: .81ct Cut: Old European Color: H C...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Yellow Gold Pearl Full Eternity Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful pearl eternity band is modelled in 9 carat gold and holds a total of 21 pearls. The settings are ornate and give lovely detail to this band. Ring Size: O or 7 1/4 B...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique 1900s 1.82 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1.82Ct ruby and 0.57Ct diamond, 18k yellow gold marquise ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impress...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Belle Epoque Diamond Gold Shuttle Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful 18k Gold handmade genuine Belle Époque ring. It features two rows of Old European Cut diamond, total weight 1,80 ct. graded VS clarity G/H color, and in the center a sparkl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring. This gorgeous Antique Edwardian old Euro diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The ring feat...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 0.93ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, 1902 England
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Edwardian 0.93 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold solitaire ring; part our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This impressive antique Edwar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Old and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite diamond ring crafted from a blend of 18ct gold and platinum. At the centre, a prominent old mine-cut diamond radiates a captivating white hue. Surrounding t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Semi-Black Opal and Diamond Conversion Ring of 14k & 10k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An elegant ring created from a stickpin (circa 1900), featuring a captivating semi-black crystal opal (likely Lightning Ridge) with bright non0directional blue/green mosaic flagstone...
Diamond, Opal, 10k Gold, 14k Gold
$4,800Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Ruby And Diamond Five-Stone Ring, Circa 1900 GIA Certified.
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of elegance, this vintage five-stone ring showcases approximately 2 carats of richly saturated natural rubies. The delicate diamond details add a subtle sparkle...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Edwardian old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .99 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.25 Metal Type: 14 karat yellow gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.6 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT# 5202623825 Weight: .99 carat Cut: Antique Cushion C...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Platinum Pearl and Diamond Dinner Ring, Circa 1900, 1.30ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Edwardian dinner ring is a luminous example of early 20th-century refinement, where delicacy, romance, and craftsmanship come together in graceful harmony. At its cent...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique Early 20th Century 18KT Gold Carnelian Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A substantial antique signet ring crafted in 18KT yellow gold, set with a cushion-shaped carnelian intaglio carved with a detailed heraldic coat of arms. The warm, translucent orange...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Era Diamond and Ruby Ring. Diamond Cluster Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.20 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Setting: Prong Set Secondary Stones: Diamond, Ruby D...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
GIA Certified .52 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2191464541 Shape: Old European ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.54ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.54 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.62 Carat Edwardian Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6382414112 Weight: 1.62 carat Cut: Antique Cushion Color: J Clar...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 9k Yellow Gold Stag Signet Ring, Chester 1901, Unisex
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 9 karat yellow gold signet ring: part our gent's jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impressive mens signet ring has been crafted in 9k yellow...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.50 Carat Diamond Signet Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This classic Victorian ring features a half carat diamond, 0.50 carat, in the claw setting which is timeless for the period. Dating to around the 1900s, the ring is handmade from 18 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Double Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This wonderful double diamond cluster holds sparkling diamonds measuring 4pts each at the centre and around the centre stone the diamonds measure 3pts. The clusters are wonderfully t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Old Marquise Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum
Located in London, England
A beautiful old cut marquise cluster ring set in platinum. The ring is predominately set with a highly unique and rare to find old cut marquise stone which is securely 6-claw set in...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Ring - 1.10ct Colombian Emerald & Old Cut Diamonds
Located in Sandnes, NO
This exquisite Edwardian-era ring, crafted in platinum, is a testament to the refined artistry of early 20th-century jewelry. At its heart lies a 1.10ct natural emerald, most likely ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
“Antique 14k Gold Leaf Design Ring with 1ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds, 1907”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold ring in unusual detailed work of leafs design on ring sides centered with old mine cut diamonds estimate weight of 1 carat ring
Victorian Opal, Diamond & Demantoid Garnet Cluster Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Altrincham, GB
This stunning late Victorian cluster ring is set with the most gorgeous combination of stones- opal, diamond and demantoid garnet. A fiery cluster of opal cabochons are set around a ...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 15k Gold
Antique Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.28 carat opal and 0.39 carat diamond, yellow gold and silver set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. T...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming cluster ring dating back to the Edwardian period. This antique piece focally features a round natural pearl at the centre of the face displaying a lovely leve...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian emerald diamond 14k yellow gold 5 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming Victorian emerald and diamond five-stone ring is a beautiful jewel from the 1890’s, combining rich color, antique sparkle, and timeless symmetry. The design features 3 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring - VHK#566
Located in Hicksville, NY
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring - VHK#566 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 9 grams Diamond Details...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Moonstone 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Foliate Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped moonstone cabochon measuring 14.0 x 10.0 mm Translucent colorless body and displaying vivid blue adularescence Bezel set and flanked by grooved foliate motif...
Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14 Karat Gold Lion Ring with Diamond Circa 1900
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A genuine antique sculpted lion ring crafted from 14K yellow gold, circa 1900, from the antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California. In its mouth ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Natural Old Mine Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Natural Old Mine Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring. This gorgeous antique Edwardian old mine sapphire and diamond engagement ring is crafted i...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
French Antique 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Turquoise Ring, circa 1900
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A charming French antique ring dating to circa 1900, crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and designed in a classic floral “marguerite” style. The ring centers on an oval turquoise caboch...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k Gold Circa 1900s Natural Diamond Decorated Pretty Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 9.1 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.35 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7.5 We can make any size. Acid tested...
Diamond
Antique 0.60 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Twist Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.60 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum and silver set twist ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This impressive an...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver
Victorian 18k Gold Handcrafted 1900s Natural Diamond Decorated Cocktail Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Totally is brilliant cut diamond 0.09 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.15 ct. Rin...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Turquoise Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Turquoise Decorated Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 4 grams....
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Antique Circa 1900s Victorian 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.7 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.30 ct. Totally is old cut diamond 0.27 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring si...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Circa 1900 0.51ct Blue Sapphire 0.31ct Diamond Rose Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.51 carat sapphire and 0.31 carat diamond, 15 karat rose gold cluster ring; part our antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressiv...
Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold
Antique Three-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled three-stone diamond ring taken from the Edwardian period. This platinum piece features three round faceted old European cut diamonds in a single lin...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.10 ct. Totally is brilliant cut diamond 0.05 ct. The diamond is has H-I color vs-s1 clarity. Ring size ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Banded Agate 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This banded Agate is so glossy and beautiful! This stone is set in 9 carat gold. Ring Size: S or 9 1/4 Agate Diameter: 13mm Height off finger: 7mm Weight: 3.6g
Agate, 9k Gold, Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This simply stunning ring holds a clean and bright diamond measuring approximately 70pts. The Diamond is set in a simple claw setting and sits proud when worn. The ring is modelled ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
1900s Antique Diamond and Pearl Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.30 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat rose gold, silver set cocktail ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Floral Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Floral Engagement Ring. This incredible Edwardian old European diamond floral engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fee💎 Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 4.4 grams. Tot...
Diamond, 14k Gold
.83 Carat Edwardian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.5 Metal Type: 14Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.6 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .83carat Cut: Rose Cut Color: I Clarity: VS Finger to Top ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Guilloche Enamel and Diamond Ring of Platinum and 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An elegant jewel, this ring was created from an antique button (circa 1900) and thoughtfully transformed with the addition of a custom 14k gold band. The result is a one-of-a-kind je...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.6 grams.. Totally is diamond 0.51 carat. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. Box is not inclu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 0.60ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, hallmarked 1902
Located in London, GB
A stunning blue sapphire is flanked by old cut diamonds in this wonderful antique ring hallmarked 1902. The central sapphire is an oval cut stone weighing 0.60 carat. The accompanyin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.50 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold & Plat [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .50 carat Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: I Clarity: ...
White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Elongated Edwardian Twin Diamond Three Stone Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A most elegant, elongated Edwardian antique engagement ring, our vintage twin diamond bridal heirloom resembles a 3 stone trilogy ring. Graced with a pair of chunky old mine cut diam...
Diamond, Platinum
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Solitare Antique 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Timeless, a solitare ring is always in vogue. Its beautiful fourteen karat 14K yellow gold antique setting shows off a modest rose cut I/VS1 diamond, .80 carat total weight. In size...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.75 Carat Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .75ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J Clarity: VS Sapphire Deta...
Yellow Gold
Antique 1.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1.50 carat sapphire and 0.35 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine a...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening old mine cut diamonds sit fabulously within a simple setting modelled in 18ct gold. The diamonds total 1.16ct and also holds diamond points in-between the larger ston...
Diamond, Gold
Edwardian Turquoise and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beauty has a simple 18ct gold shank. There are four turquoise stones and three pearls set in the face of this ring. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Cluster Dimensions: 9x8mm Weight: ...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
Edwardian Platinum Natural Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A lovely platinum ring that was made circa 1900-1910. It has been set with two natural pearls in the middle and diamond set shoulders on both sides. The backside work of this pretty ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening diamonds sit fabulously within a simple setting modelled in 18ct gold. The diamonds total 1ct and also holds diamond points in the shoulders and in-between the larger...
Diamond, 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 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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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.