Mid Century French diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Mid Century French cocktail ring showcases a refined arrangement of single cut diamonds, offering a soft, delicate sparkle that feels both understated and sophisticated....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century French diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Mid Century French cocktail ring showcases a refined arrangement of single cut diamonds, offering a soft, delicate sparkle that feels both understated and sophisticated....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century French diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Mid Century French cocktail ring showcases a refined arrangement of single cut diamonds, offering a soft, delicate sparkle that feels both understated and sophisticated....
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Diamond ring set in 14K White Gold. Ring, center Diamond is approximately .30 carats, I color VS clarity and 13 smaller diamond are approximately .32 carats, I/J color and S...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Old - Cut Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central diamond surrounded by a flower of diamonds . Externally, petals mounted with a diamond. Old- Cut Diamonds 1.50 ct To...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1950s 0.50 carat diamond and 14 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive di...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1950s Diamond and White Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1950s 0.59 carat diamond and 14 karat white gold twist ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive Art Deco diamond ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Aquamarine & Diamond Contemporary Cocktail Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This 14k white gold aquamarine and diamond contemporary cocktail ring is spectacular. The uniqueness of the ring comes from the combination of the aquamarine, diamond and white gold;...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Retro 1950 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with a 115 Cts Turquoise and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
An extraordinary statement piece, this Retro-era ring is crafted in luxurious 18kt yellow gold and features a striking massive cabochon turquoise weighing approximately 115 carats. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant band ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central sapphire surrounded by a frame of diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century 4.20 carat diamond 14k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century diamond cocktail ring is a glamorous jewel from the 1950’s, crafted in 14k white gold with a beautifully dimensional arrangement of tapered baguette and round brilli...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1950s Emerald and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1950s 0.55 carat emerald and 0.46 carat diamond, 14 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by a frame of diamonds and sapphires. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths a...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Butterfly Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion butterfly ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with diamonds on the body and coral as wings. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in pe...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Coral, White Stones, Diamonds, Sapphires, Pearls, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with coral and white stones surrounded by flowers and leaves studded with diamonds, sapphires and pearls. This ring was totally han...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s French Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive 1950s white gold solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s 1.76 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.76 carat diamond and 14 karat white gold twist style cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1950s 14K White Gold Diamond Swirl Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1950s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.6 grams Diamond Details: .50ct total weight, Round Brilliant Transit...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 3.42 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive white gold diamond eternity ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report card.
Diamond, White Gold
Natural Turquoise and Diamonds Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Brilliant Turquoise Ring with Diamonds 14k White Gold 8.70 grams overall design size is approx. 15 x 15mm Stone size oval cabochon 8 x 6 Persian Turquoise finger size 6.5 Bri...
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.51ct Diamond and 18ct White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.51 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cluster ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum and White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking mid-century sapphire and diamond ring finely crafted in platinum and 18K white gold. The design centers a rich, deep blue emerald-cut sapphire weighing approximately 2.10 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
$11,560Sale Price / set|20% Off
Boucheron Paris 1950 Modernist Ring In 18Kt Gold With 27.52 Ctw Diamonds & Coral
By Boucheron
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist cocktail ring designed by Boucheron. Exceptional piece created in France by the iconic Parisian jewelry house of Boucheron. This rare statement cocktail ring was carefully...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 14K White Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ring, Circa 1950
Located in New Orleans, LA
A striking South Sea pearl ring containing over 7 carats of old European cut diamonds surrounding a 12- 12.5 soft white South Sea pearl.
Vintage 1.39 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.39 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral, White Stones, Pearls, Diamonds, Sapphires, 14Kt White and Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with corals, pearls and white stones between leaves and flowers studded with diamonds and sapphires. This ring was totally handm...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Mid Century Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in San Francisco, CA
An elegant mid century emerald and diamond ring crafted in 14 karat white gold, centered by a richly colored natural emerald weighing approximately 0.90 carats within a sculptural as...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 3 Carat Diamond Eternity Ring in White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage French 3 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring with 0.85ct Diamonds, 1950s
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.85 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.7 cm wid...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Mid Century English 0.60 emerald diamond 18k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Mid Century English ring is a graceful example of 1950s design, defined by clean lines, balanced proportions, and understated sophistication. At its center rests a finel...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.13 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This diamond cluster ring in white gold is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Fish Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion fish ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with two sapphires as eyes and all the head is studded with diamonds. In the mouth, a sphere of coral. This ring was totally h...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.69ct Emerald & 0.52ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage emerald and diamond ring has been crafted in platinum with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1950s 14k Yellow and White Gold Diamond Cluster RIng
Located in Lexington, KY
- 14k yellow and white gold - .33 ct round cut G/H color VS2 clarity diamond - Size 5 - 1950s This is a gorgeous diamond cluster ring from the 1950s made in 14k yellow and white...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage GIA 1.81 carat diamond 14k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Radiant and timeless, this vintage engagement ring from the 1980s features a captivating 1.81 carat GIA-certified round brilliant cut diamond that glows with exceptional sparkle and ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century GIA 3.30 carat diamond 18k white gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The cluster design adds a graceful, eye-catching silhouette while allowing the old mine cut center to remain the focal point. Crafted in 18k white gold, the setting enhances the brig...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.54ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Yellow & White Gold, Belgium
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The substantial ring is ornamented with a feature spiralling 18k white gold design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Round Cut Amethyst Ring. 1.90ct Amethyst Ring 18K White Gold Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Fashioned in platinum over 18k white gold, the metalwork reveals a masterful attention to detail, with a graceful fusion of durability and beauty.
Amethyst, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold & Diamond Wire Ring 1960's
Located in Milano, MI
Ring in 18ct white gold with 8x8 cut diamonds for a total of 0.5ct circa. The design of the ring reflects the 1960s period as it was typical to see these linear shapes in the jewelle...
Diamond, White Gold
1950s French 1.26 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage French 1.26 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18KT White Gold Natural Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage cluster ring crafted in 18KT white gold, set with a large natural oval blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds. The sapphire is prominently propo...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Pearl and Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive cultured pearl and 0.12 carat diamond, 10 karat white gold twist design cocktail ring; part of our diverse jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold
1950s Deco 14k White Gold and Round/Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This 14k white gold diamond ring from the 1950s is spectacular. With 2.9 carats of diamond, this ring carries a large presence and is sure to never go unseen! The exceptional diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Floral Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1950s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0grams Diamond Details: .50ct, total weight, G Color VS Clarity, Transitiona...
White Gold
Vintage Emerald-Cut Diamond Solitaire Diamond Ring, circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Marked 18 carat white gold, indistinct maker's mark, circa 1950, accompanied by Gemological Institute of America report #6193817823.
Diamond, White Gold
Pink Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Gorgeous ring in 14 karat white gold structure mounted with a central pink coral surrounded by diamonds and sapphires. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and...
Coral, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.60 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Vintage 1950s White Gold
Located in Milano, IT
Antique and harmonious diamond solitaire engagement ring dating back to the 1950s in 18 carat white gold with a round brilliant diamond 0.60 carat, IGI certified, color K/L clarity S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.70 Carat Old European Cut Ring. 18K White Gold Engagement Ring J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7 US, Resizable Color: J Color Clarity: VS1 Metal: Gold, White Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Retro Circa: 1950 Age: Vintage This exquisite vinta...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Engagement Ring. 0.60ct Square Cut Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from luxurious 18k white gold, this ring exemplifies the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined fine jewelry in the 1950s.
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Coral, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths ...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century GIA 2.04 carat diamond 14k white gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This mid-century 14k white gold ring from the 1950’s features a 2.04-carat round brilliant cut diamond in M color and SI1 clarity, certified by GIA #1236495572.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century 1.60 carat diamond 18k yellow and white gold bypass ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The graceful bypass silhouette gives the ring a fluid sense of movement, while the combination of yellow and white gold adds depth, contrast, and dimension.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold 7 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.8grams Aquamarine Details: 14.6mm x 10mm Diamond Details: Band Width: 2.35 mm Condition...
White Gold
Vintage 1950s 0.75ct Diamond Twist Cocktail Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1950s 0.75 carat diamond and 14 karat white gold twist style cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.72 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ring has been crafted in 18 karat white gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral, Emeralds, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold and Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 14 kt gold and rose gold structure mounted with a central flower of coral surrounded by diamonds, sapphires, pearls and emeralds. This ring was totally handmade by I...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
1950s Aquamarine 18 Karat White Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. A charming and understated vintage white gold ring; its oval-shaped setting holds an aquamarine of the same shape, secured by flat prongs. The shank is o...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
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.”
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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.