Vintage 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
This 1960s cluster ring centres around a single red ruby.
Vintage 1960s Unknown Cluster Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
This 1960s cluster ring centres around a single red ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 2.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
Expertly crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, this 1960s ring is truly stunning. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 2.70 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1960s Size: P
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Tigers Eye Seed Pearl Insect Ring, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Tigers Eyes Seed Pearl Insect ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold and is set with 3 Beautiful Tigers Eye stones with a perfect stripe in the center. One round and two oval stones w...
Pearl, Tiger's Eye, 14k Gold
1950s-1960s 19ct Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Cluster Ring White Gold Portugal
Located in Lisbon, PT
A Mid-Century Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Cluster Ring in White Gold, Portugal, c. 1952-1975. Featuring an intense blue oval-cut aquamarine claw-set to the centre, encircled by 2...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 2.10ct Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
This vintage halo Ring is a true statement piece, featuring a stunning 2.10 carat round cut emerald set in 18 carat yellow gold at it’s centre.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$23,200Sale Price|20% Off
1960s European 18k gold, natural unheated ruby, diamond and onyx cocktail ring
Located in London, GB
This stunning 1960s cocktail ring is designed around a remarkable unheated natural ruby.
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold
7 Carat Oval Opal and Diamond Gold Mid Century Modern 1960s Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant and finely detailed Solitaire Oval Opal and Diamond Gold Dome Cocktail Ring. Hand set with a securely nestled 7 Carat Oval Opal Doublet surrounded by .42tcw...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s 6.00 Carat Cabochon Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with a Cabochon Emerald weighing approximately 6.00 carats. Circa 1960s Size 10 1/2, resizable
Emerald, 14k Gold
Ruby Macri Classica Model Ring ca 1960s
Located in Napoli, NA
The size is 6 Band width 4.4 mm Excellent condition, Made in 1960s, Italy CONDITION: Pre Owned - Excellent METAL: 18k Gold STONES: Natural Ruby ct 0.90 WEIGHT: 4,7 grams RING SIZE...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$53,111Sale Price|20% Off
French 1960s No Heat 7.42 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
18 carat white gold ring, eagle head hallmark. An attractive daisy ring with a claw set exceptional oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 12 brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.10ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Emerald Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 1.10 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, 18ct White Gold Age: 1960s Size: P
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Cocktail Ring Faux Diamonds Sapphire Gold Vermeil, circa 1960s 1970s
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 1960s. 1970s cocktail ring faux diamonds and sapphire set in sterling silver with gold vermeil/gold plated setting.
Vermeil, Sterling Silver
“Vintage 1.60ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring 14k Gold, Soviet Era 1960s”
Located in Cairo, EG
Vintage brilliant cut diamond ring with an estimate weight of 1.60 carats G color rare white excellent cut and spark vs clearity in 14k gold setting with detailed work magnificent wo...
$9,880Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage White Gold Ring with 4ct Colombian Emerald and Diamonds, Circa 1960s–70s
Located in Braintree, GB
A bold and elegant vintage white gold ring from the 1960s–70s, set with a striking natural Colombian emerald weighing approximately 4 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
French vintage dome ring in 18 karat gold, gold ring, textured gold ring
Located in PARIS, FR
French vintage dome ring in 18-karat gold. This 1960s ring features textured gold work.
Gold
Vintage 4.50 Carat Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1960s
Located in London, GB
The slim band has also been made in yellow gold. This vintage ring dates back to the 1960s.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Turquoise, Diamond and Enamel Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold as well as blue enamel, with a Cabochon Turquoise, and Single cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.30 carat. Circa 1950s Size ...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Enamel
New Old Stock Lady's 14 karat Yellow Gold Princess Opal Ring Circa 1960s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14 karat Yellow Gold Princess Opal Ring Circa 1960s Hallmarks: "14k" , "JG" Available Sizes: Two size 6.5, Three size 7, One size 7.25, One size 9 New Old Stock, Stamped tested 14 ...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Soviet Era 18k Gold Emerald Cut Ring with Diamonds
Located in Cairo, EG
Vintage soviet union era 1960/1970s 18k yellow gold ring centered with natural green emerald in emerald cut estimate weight of 1.70 carats flanked with brilliant cut diamonds estimat...
Vintage 8 Carat Marquise Red Coral Gold Solitaire 1960s Mid Century Modern Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage Marquise Red Coral Gold Solitaire 1960s Navette Ring. Featuring an 8 Carat Hand set Marquise Red Coral Gemstone.
Coral
Vintage 1960s Tiffany & Co. Carved White Coral Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a carved White Coral. Signed by Tiffany & Co. Circa 1960s Size 4 1/2
Coral, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s 10.00 Carat Amethyst Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k white gold with an Oval cut Amethyst weighing approximately 10.00 carats and small Round cut Diamonds. Circa 1960s Size 4, resizable
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s French 1.23ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This 1960s three stone diamond ring is hallmarked to the outer surface of the shank with the maker's mark and the French 18k gold mark (eagle's head ).
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Bypass Tahitian Pearls and Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with two Tahitian Pearls measuring approximately 15mm each, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 5.00 carats. Circa 196...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
New Old Stock Lady's 14 karat Yellow Gold Garnet & Opal Ring 1960s Bombe Style
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14 karat Yellow Gold Bombe Opal & Garnet Ring Circa 1960s Hallmarks: "14k" , "JG" Finger Sizes Available: One piece at size 5, one piece at 5 1/2, one piece at size 6 1/2, one piece...
Garnet, Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s David Webb Emerald and Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with an AGL certified, Colombian origin Emerald weighing 4.43 carats, and a GIA certified Asscher cut Diamond weighing 3.10 carats, G c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cocktail Ring- Mauboussin 1960s AGL 2.60 Ct Colombian Emerald & Diamonds.
By Mauboussin
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional, museum-grade vintage 1960s statement cocktail ring by the historic French high-jewelry House of Mauboussin Paris.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Black Star Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Black star sapphire and diamond gentleman’s gold ring, 1960s. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #R-DJ1013B.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s 0.87 Carat Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum featuring a center Pear Shaped Diamond weighing 0.87 carat, E-F color, SI1-SI2 clarity. Circa 1960s Size 5 1/1, resizable
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s 2.10 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold featuring a center Marquise cut Diamond weighing approximately 2.10 carats, M-N color, SI1-SI2 clarity, with side Baguette cut Diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s 5.00 Carat Cabochon Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 5.00 carats and pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 3.0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Retro Cat's Eye Ring GIA Blue Green Tourmaline Oval Cabochon Original 1960s 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Retro Antique from 1960's GIA Certified Blue Green Tourmaline Cat's Eye Mens Unisex Ring 14K Yellow Gold Features a Genuine Natural GIA Certified Greenish Blue Ova...
Tiger's Eye, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
14kt White Gold Retro Diamond Wedding Set, 1960s, SI1-SI2 Clarity
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This 14 karat white gold diamond wedding set features a beautifully coordinated pair of rings designed for elegance and lasting wear. The engagement-style ring showcases a 4mm round ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Gold and Enamel Zodiac Band
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and orange enamel. Circa 1960s Size 8 1/4
18k Gold, Enamel
$780Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14K Gold Mid-Century Modern Five-Stone Garnet Ring Signed c.1960s
Located in New York, NY
Stones show microscopic abrasions consistent with age. Ring Specifications Era: Vintage, Mid-Century Modern (1960s) Brand: Unknown (signed) Hallmarks: 14K, Designer Signature (uncle...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Red Enamel and Diamonds Domed Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold, platinum and red enamel with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 4.50 carats, G-H color, VS1-VS2 clarity. Circa 1960s Si...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Pearl Three Stone Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.45 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. Box is not included....
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s Van Cleef & Arpels Blush Coral and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold with blush Coral surrounded by Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.65 carats. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1960s...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s 1.09 CTW Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Marquise Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 0.87 carat total Transparent medium blue - bead set and flanked by old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.22 carat to...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 1960s 20.00ct+ Brazilian Santa Maria Aquamarine Diamond Ring in 18k Whit
Located in London, GB
A beautiful 1960s Italian cocktail ring centering a stunning Brazilian aquamarine weighing in excess of 20 carats.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s 15.00 Carat Trillion Cut Aquamarine Ring with Yellow Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a center Trillion cut Aquamarine weighing approximately 15.00 carats and Pear-Shaped fancy light yellow Diamonds weighing approximately a total...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s 0.53 Carat Total Round Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1960s toi et moi engagement ring featuring two round diamonds, one 0.27 carat and the other 0.26 carat in an 18K yellow gold setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1960s David Webb Sugarloaf Cut Green Emerald and Diamond Vintage Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb 18k yellow gold ring from the 1960s with a genuine green emerald of a sugarloaf cut and round cut diamonds in platinum carriage is definitely a unique and luxurious it...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Tiffany & Co. Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1960s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.9 grams Band Width: 4.0 mm Condition: Excellent Price: $1600 This ring can b...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-Century 14k White Gold Baguette Diamond Wedding Band, 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid-Century diamond wedding band is a refined expression of clean lines, balance, and timeless design. A row of baguette cut diamonds is precisely set across the band, their elo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1960s 1.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Three-Stone X ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with 3 Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.50 carat. Circa 1960s Size 10 1/4, resizable
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Gold and Ruby Italian Buckle Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the 1950’s or 1960’s, this Italian 18k gold ring is a modern take on the buckle ring, a jewelry motif that has been repeatedly seen in various iterations since the Victorian era.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.20ct Diamond Full Eternity Band, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful full eternity ring dates to the 1960s. It features twenty four round brilliant diamonds, each weighing 0.05 carats, totalling 1.20 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
9ct Gold Bark Buckle Diamond Set Ring
Located in London, GB
9ct Gold 1960s Buckle Ring Bark surface design set with 15 x 0.8mm Natural diamonds and 2 x 0.8mm Natural Rubies Size U.K Size V 1/4 U.S Size 10 3/4 Thickness - 7.8mm Depth 1.2mm ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Vintage 1.25ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
Down each shoulder, an additional three diamonds are set tapering down in size towards the band. This ring has been entirely crafted in platinum. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Ova...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Hand Carved Shell Cameo with Female Silhouette
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage (ca. 1950s / 1960s) 14 karat solid yellow gold ring with a shell cameo featuring a female silhouette decorated with as openwork chain edge.
Yellow Gold
Vintage Carved Agate 14 Karat Yellow Gold Crest Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cartouche-shaped agate tablet carved with a heraldic crest intaglio Opaque dark grayish blue and measuring 10.0 x 12.5 mm - intaglio is dark blue Depicting a shield flan...
Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14.90 CTW Rubellite Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster ring features an oval mixed cut rubellite tourmaline weighing approximately 13.65 carats Medium dark red in color and surrounded by a round brilliant cut diamond halo Weighin...
Diamond, Rubelite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 3.30 Carat Coral and 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage 1960s gold coral ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Coral, Yellow Gold
21.68 Carat Retro Gold Cocktail Ring Natural Diamond and Cab Amethyst circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning 21.68 carat (approx) 1960's retro 14k Gold Cocktail Ring (size 7). Set with an approximate 20 carat Natural Amethyst Cabochon measuring 18.8x15.5x10mm as well as 80 natu...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Hand Carved Shell Cameo with Female Silhouette
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage (ca. 1950s / 1960s) 14 karat solid yellow gold ring with a shell cameo featuring a female silhouette decorated with as openwork edge.
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Two-Toned Openwork Leaf Band with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Circa 1960s Size 6 10.5 mm wide
Diamond, 18k Gold
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
1960’s Gentleman's Gold and Gemstone Ring
Located in Toronto, ON
1960’s colorful Gold and Gemstone Ring. The custom made Ring of a rectangular tutti fruti like form set with three old mine cut diamonds and a round brilliant cut diamond, total diam...
Beryl, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
1960's Swiss Vintage Ladies Original Ring Form Watch - 18K Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
NAMED ONE OF WATCHPRO MAGAZINE’S “HOT 100” - THE TOP 100 INFLUENCERS OF THE U.S. WATCH INDUSTRY. HOW CAN WE SERVE YOU? We’re new to offering our carefully curated collection on 1stD...
18k Gold
French 1960's 18 Karat Tri-Colored Gold Vintage Industrial Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide yellow gold band with groove detail Accented by white gold stations With stationary rose gold hinges Completed by high polish finish Tested with partial French hal...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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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