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1940s Pearl Rings

Vintage 1940s Retro Pearl and Diamond Ring
Vintage 1940s Retro Pearl and Diamond Ring

Vintage 1940s Retro Pearl and Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

Finely crafted in 14k white gold with a Pearl measuring approximately 10.4mm, and Round brilliant

Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark and platinum, dog's head hallmark. Geometric

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, ...

French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

- French work from the 1940s. Our opinion : Sublime, this diamond tank ring is in excellent condition and

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

1940s Pearl 1.34 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
1940s Pearl 1.34 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring

1940s Pearl 1.34 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive pearl and 1.34 carat diamond (total), 18k white gold cocktail ring

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

1940s 1, 40 Carat Diamonds Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
1940s 1, 40 Carat Diamonds Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring

1940s 1, 40 Carat Diamonds Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat rose gold, owl hallmark and platinum. Incredible tank ring, it features a large

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum,...

1940s Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Cocktail Ring
1940s Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Cocktail Ring

1940s Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold and White Gold Set Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This 1940s pearl twist ring with diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Antique Platinum, Pearl and Round Cut Diamond Ring, 1940s
Antique Platinum, Pearl and Round Cut Diamond Ring, 1940s

Antique Platinum, Pearl and Round Cut Diamond Ring, 1940s

Located in Bologna, IT

This stunning antique ring is set with a central pearl surrounded by a "tornado" of round cut

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Alina Circa 1940s Art Deco Pearl Textured Ring 15 Carat Yellow Gold
Alina Circa 1940s Art Deco Pearl Textured Ring 15 Carat Yellow Gold

Alina Circa 1940s Art Deco Pearl Textured Ring 15 Carat Yellow Gold

Located in Hamilton, AU

exquisite 1940s Art Deco pearl ring, she is a a masterpiece of vintage elegance. Crafted from gleaming 15

Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s South Seas Pearl 1.60 Carat VS Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
1940s South Seas Pearl 1.60 Carat VS Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring

1940s South Seas Pearl 1.60 Carat VS Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Shaker Heights, OH

Stunning Retro Mid Century 1950s South Sea Pearl 1.60 ct G/VS Diamond Ring Ring size 6-6.5

Category

Vintage 1950s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold

1940s  Diamond Pearl Platinum Cocktail Ring
1940s  Diamond Pearl Platinum Cocktail Ring

1940s Diamond Pearl Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Boca Raton, FL

This elegant cocktail ring is circa 1940's . The ring features 6.12 carat total weight of round

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum

1940's Retro Moonstone Pearl 14 Karat Gold Cluster Cabochon Ring
1940's Retro Moonstone Pearl 14 Karat Gold Cluster Cabochon Ring

1940's Retro Moonstone Pearl 14 Karat Gold Cluster Cabochon Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Numbered with maker's mark Circa: 1940s Ring Size: 6 1/2 & sizable

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
1940s Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

1940s Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

and showcases each stone. Condition This vintage 1940's dress ring is fine quality, set with a pearl

Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

French 1940s Retro Diamonds Natural Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
French 1940s Retro Diamonds Natural Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

French 1940s Retro Diamonds Natural Pearls 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

tank ring is adorned on its top with three natural white orient pearls, bordered on both sides by

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

Late Deco Fancy Yellow Diamond and Pearl Three-Stone Ring, circa 1940s
Late Deco Fancy Yellow Diamond and Pearl Three-Stone Ring, circa 1940s

Late Deco Fancy Yellow Diamond and Pearl Three-Stone Ring, circa 1940s

Located in London, GB

A truly unique ring, inspired by the Victorian era, but dating to the 1940s. It features a round

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

1940s 1.12 Carat Diamond and Pearl Platinum Art Deco Ring
1940s 1.12 Carat Diamond and Pearl Platinum Art Deco Ring

1940s 1.12 Carat Diamond and Pearl Platinum Art Deco Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

with the main setting and meld seamlessly with the plain ring shank. This vintage 1940's cocktail ring

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Antique 1940s Pearl and 1.02 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Antique 1940s Pearl and 1.02 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Antique 1940s Pearl and 1.02 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage pearl and 1.02 carat antique diamond, platinum dress ring; part of

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

1940s Buccellati Baroque Pearl Diamond Ring
1940s Buccellati Baroque Pearl Diamond Ring

1940s Buccellati Baroque Pearl Diamond Ring

By Buccellati

Located in Firenze, IT

a dome featuring three grey baroque pearls measuring approx. 17 x 10 mm (the central one) and 12 x

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1940s Black Onyx Pearl Gold Ring
1940s Black Onyx Pearl Gold Ring

1940s Black Onyx Pearl Gold Ring

Located in Dallas, TX

Circa 1940, beautiful and timeless. Size 2 1/2.

Category

Vintage 1940s More Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Art Deco Ring in 14 Carat Gold Adorned with Cultured Pearl, 1940s
Vintage Art Deco Ring in 14 Carat Gold Adorned with Cultured Pearl, 1940s

Vintage Art Deco Ring in 14 Carat Gold Adorned with Cultured Pearl, 1940s

Located in bronshoj, DK

Vintage Art Deco ring in 14 carat gold adorned with cultured pearl. 1940s. Diameter: 17 mm. US size

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Gold

Circa 1940s Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold
Circa 1940s Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold

Circa 1940s Mikimoto Pearl and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold

By Mikimoto

Located in Hicksville, NY

Circa: 1940s Metal Type: 14k white gold Weight: 3.0 grams Size: US 5, resizable Diamond Details

Category

Vintage 1940s Japanese Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

AC Zuni Signed Navajo Artisan Inlay Ring
AC Zuni Signed Navajo Artisan Inlay Ring

AC Zuni Signed Navajo Artisan Inlay Ring

By Zuni

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

cannot get anywhere else! This ring will make your outfit! This vintage 1940's Mother of Pearl and

Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

1940s Pearl Diamond platinum Cluster Ring
1940s Pearl Diamond platinum Cluster Ring

1940s Pearl Diamond platinum Cluster Ring

Located in London, GB

A cultured salt-water pearl and diamond cluster ring, having two rows of diamond surround, one with

Category

Vintage 1940s French Post-War Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Platinum

Platinum and White Gold Pearl Ring - 1940s
Platinum and White Gold Pearl Ring - 1940s

Platinum and White Gold Pearl Ring - 1940s

Located in London, Chelsea

Stunning Vintage Pearl Ring. This is a very impressive ring made of 18ct white gold and platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s English More Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Platinum and White Gold Pearl Ring - 1940s
Platinum and White Gold Pearl Ring - 1940s

Platinum and White Gold Pearl Ring - 1940s

Located in London, Chelsea

Stunning Vintage Pearl Ring. This is a very impressive ring made of 18ct white gold and platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s English More Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Platinum, White Gold

1940s South Seas Pearl 1.60 Carat VS Diamond 14k Gold Cocktail Ring
1940s South Seas Pearl 1.60 Carat VS Diamond 14k Gold Cocktail Ring

1940s South Seas Pearl 1.60 Carat VS Diamond 14k Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Shaker Heights, OH

Stunning Retro Mid Century 1950s South Sea Pearl 1.60 ct G/VS Diamond Ring Ring size 6-6.5

Category

Vintage 1950s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold

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Diamond Necklace Tiara
Diamond Necklace Tiara

Diamond Necklace Tiara

By Diamond Scene New York

Located in New York, NY

A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Harry Winston Jacques Timey Burmese Sapphire Diamond Necklace, 1980s
Harry Winston Jacques Timey Burmese Sapphire Diamond Necklace, 1980s

Harry Winston Jacques Timey Burmese Sapphire Diamond Necklace, 1980s

By Harry Winston

Located in New York, NY

The Harry Winston Jacques Timey Vintage Sapphire Diamond Bib Necklace, crafted in the 20th century, showcases an Art Deco-inspired design in platinum, adorned with a plethora of diam...

Category

20th Century American Contemporary More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring

Located in New York, NY

Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum A striking example of Art Deco elegance, this antique engagement ring features a luminous old mine-cut diamond set within an in...

Category

20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring

Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring

By SCALA GIOIELLI

Located in Marcianise, IT

Amazing 18 Karat white gold cocktail ring. Handmade by our craftsmen and assembled with Australian opal and diamonds. Diamonds weight 0.80 karat Opal weight 6.96 karat Ring total we...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Custom Made 14k Yellow Gold 1.52 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Appraisal
Custom Made 14k Yellow Gold 1.52 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Appraisal

Custom Made 14k Yellow Gold 1.52 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring with Appraisal

Located in Eagan, MN

What a gorgeous and unique ring this is!! It is custom made so it truly is a one-of-a-kind ring. It is a size 6.25. I just love the asymmetrical design it has. It has a large Vint...

Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 8.50 Ct Round Cut Fancy Color Diamond Men's Ring
GIA Certified 8.50 Ct Round Cut Fancy Color Diamond Men's Ring

GIA Certified 8.50 Ct Round Cut Fancy Color Diamond Men's Ring

Located in New York, NY

GIA Certified 8.50 ct Round Cut Fancy Color Diamond Solitaire Men's Ring 8.50 fancy yellowish brown round cut center diamond set in 18k gold hexagon motif band. Ring Size: 5.75 R...

Category

2010s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1930s French Art Deco Diamonds Platinum Asymmetrical Ring
1930s French Art Deco Diamonds Platinum Asymmetrical Ring

1930s French Art Deco Diamonds Platinum Asymmetrical Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in platinum, dog's head hallmark. Square shaped, this superb Art Deco ring is adorned with a brilliant-cut diamond, surrounded by baguette-cut diamonds. Asymmetrically, a half-s...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

French Art Deco 'Tank' Ring in Platinum & Diamonds
French Art Deco 'Tank' Ring in Platinum & Diamonds

French Art Deco 'Tank' Ring in Platinum & Diamonds

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

This late Art Deco ring crafted from platinum and diamonds is best described as a 'tank' ring, and was manufactured in France, circa 1940. The beautifully hand crafted ring features ...

Category

20th Century French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Fine Estate Art Deco Period Moi et Toi Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring Circa 1920
Fine Estate Art Deco Period Moi et Toi Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring Circa 1920

Fine Estate Art Deco Period Moi et Toi Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring Circa 1920

Located in New York, NY

Stunning, rare Art Deco period platinum Moi et Toi ring featuring an impressive pair of kite cut natural diamond and natural sapphire gemstones framed by Old European cut and single ...

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Retro Reversible Sapphire Signet Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1940
Retro Reversible Sapphire Signet Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1940

Retro Reversible Sapphire Signet Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1940

Located in London, GB

A retro reversible sapphire signet ring 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1940. This unusual and ingeniously crafted ring comprises of a deep blue cabochon sapphire, engraved with a seal ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA 17.91 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum
GIA 17.91 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum

GIA 17.91 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum

Located in La Jolla, CA

GIA certified 17.91 carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum Old Cushion Diamond Ring features a Center Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond with beautiful vintage carving ...

Category

20th Century North American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

10 Carat Sapphire Diamond 14K White Gold Mens Ring
10 Carat Sapphire Diamond 14K White Gold Mens Ring

10 Carat Sapphire Diamond 14K White Gold Mens Ring

Located in Westport, CT

An original 14K white gold sapphire and diamond ring. Mounted with one magnificent oval-circular cut natural blue sapphire. Measuring approximately 13.30 x 10.80 x 7.18 mm, weighin...

Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940s French Sapphire Diamonds Gadroon Tank Ring
1940s French Sapphire Diamonds Gadroon Tank Ring

1940s French Sapphire Diamonds Gadroon Tank Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark and platinum, dog's head hallmark. Domed, this sublime tank ring is composed of three rings. The one in the center has an oval cus...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Deco Retro 1935 Tank Chevalier Ring In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamond And Sapphires
Deco Retro 1935 Tank Chevalier Ring In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamond And Sapphires

Deco Retro 1935 Tank Chevalier Ring In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamond And Sapphires

Located in Miami, FL

A chevalier geometric ring from the retro-machine age period. Great chevalier ring, created during the late art-deco and the retro periods, back in the 1935. This geometric ring has...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

18 Karat Pink and White Gold Emerald and Diamond Retro Cocktail Ring, circa 1940
18 Karat Pink and White Gold Emerald and Diamond Retro Cocktail Ring, circa 1940

18 Karat Pink and White Gold Emerald and Diamond Retro Cocktail Ring, circa 1940

Located in Zurich, CH

18 karat pink and white gold emerald and diamond Retro cocktail ring, circa 1940. Charming Retro cocktail ring of geometric design, centering upon one octagonal emerald of circa 0....

Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915
Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915

Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915

Located in London, GB

Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty six oval old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's blood Burmese rubies in open back claw settings, ra...

Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum

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1940s Pearl Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of 1940s pearl rings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 14k Gold and Platinum. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century, has proven very popular over the years. The designs in our inventory of 1940s pearl rings bearing Retro or Art Deco hallmarks are very popular. Antinori Fine Jewels, Buccellati and James Parker each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Browse our collection of 92 Pearl versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. A selection of round cut, mixed cut and brilliant cut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of 1940s pearl rings for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are 1940s Pearl Rings?

Prices for 1940s pearl rings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $200 and can go as high as $38,800, while 1940s pearl rings, on average, fetch $1,950.

The Legacy of Pearl in Jewelry Design

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.

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 ringsvintage 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.

Questions About 1940s Pearl Rings
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    How long a pearl ring lasts depends on how well you care for it. Protecting your ring from chemicals and taking it off before you perform tasks like house cleaning can help to extend its life. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of pearl rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023
    What pearls symbolize in a wedding ring is a matter of personal opinion. Some people associate pearls with sincerity, so a wedding ring that features them may mean a person takes their vows seriously. Others believe pearls are a symbol of purity and innocence. Pearls may also represent being loyal to one's spouse or promising to live harmoniously with them. On 1stDibs, find a collection of pearl wedding rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The white pearl is a symbol of new beginnings, purity and innocence, making this natural gem ideal for bridal jewelry. While a pearl isn’t suited to an engagement ring because of its softness, it makes for a lovely cocktail ring, necklace or earrings. Shop a collection of authentic white pearl jewelry from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Yes, pearls are good for engagement rings. Pearls symbolize loyalty, integrity, generosity, and purity which makes them a fitting choice for an engagement. However, pearls have a hardness of 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale, meaning they are easily scratched and not ideal for everyday wear.