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1970s Amethyst Ring

Handmade 1970’s French 18K large Amethyst Ring
Handmade 1970’s French 18K large Amethyst Ring

Handmade 1970’s French 18K large Amethyst Ring

Located in Toronto, ON

Handmade 1970’s French 18K large Amethyst Ring. The Ring bezel set with a fine purple pear shaped amethyst gauging approximately 21.00 x 16.00 x 10.04 mm, approximately 17 cts, plain...

Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Vintage 18ct Gold 1970’s Amethyst & Diamond Cluster Ring
Vintage 18ct Gold 1970’s Amethyst & Diamond Cluster Ring

Vintage 18ct Gold 1970’s Amethyst & Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Amethyst Ring 18ct Gold Tested Hallmarked London 1971 Makers Mark J & P Fabulous sized, vintage cluster ring. Set with an oval, faceted amethyst & a halo of beautiful, n...

Category

Late 20th Century English Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1970's Large Vintage 14k Gold Amethyst Ring, 30ct Oval Gem with Diamonds
1970's Large Vintage 14k Gold Amethyst Ring, 30ct Oval Gem with Diamonds

1970's Large Vintage 14k Gold Amethyst Ring, 30ct Oval Gem with Diamonds

Located in Great Neck, NY

A bold statement piece from the 1970s, this substantial cocktail ring showcases a magnificent natural amethyst measuring approximately 22.0 x 12.0 mm (around 30 carats).

Category

Vintage 1970s European Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Large Amethyst and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
1970s Large Amethyst and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring

1970s Large Amethyst and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Miami Beach, FL

Large Oval Facetted Amethyst approximately 35c prong set with 2 - .25c each diamonds on either side mounted in a 14k yellow gold mounting. US size 4 - It can be made larger. ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold

1970s Amethyst Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
1970s Amethyst Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring

1970s Amethyst Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat white gold, owl hallmark. Elegant retro ring, it is set with claws in the center of a faceted amethyst in a surround of 8/8 cut diamonds. Total weight of the amethys...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Substantial 1970's Cocktail Ring w/15ct Amethyst & 3cts of Diamonds in 18K Gold
Substantial 1970's Cocktail Ring w/15ct Amethyst & 3cts of Diamonds in 18K Gold

Substantial 1970's Cocktail Ring w/15ct Amethyst & 3cts of Diamonds in 18K Gold

Located in Palm Beach, FL

The scale of this beauty makes a big statement. This large 1970's ring, features one center emerald cut amethyst set in 18k yellow gold, surrounded by two rows of high quality brilli...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Bulgari 14ct Amethyst Sugarloaf Cocktail Ring in 18kt Gold, 1970s
Bulgari 14ct Amethyst Sugarloaf Cocktail Ring in 18kt Gold, 1970s

Bulgari 14ct Amethyst Sugarloaf Cocktail Ring in 18kt Gold, 1970s

By Bulgari

Located in Malmö, Skåne län

Bulgari jewelry more often than not revolves around the concept of "happiness", with light gathering of colored gems put together, expressing ‘joy’ and ‘fun’ in a playful way. the ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Gold and Amethyst Ring by Jens Paul Asby, 1970s Denmark
Vintage 14K Gold and Amethyst Ring by Jens Paul Asby, 1970s Denmark

Vintage 14K Gold and Amethyst Ring by Jens Paul Asby, 1970s Denmark

Located in Stockholm, SE

This vintage ring is crafted in 14 karat gold and set with a natural amethyst in a bold, sculptural composition. The stone is presented as a rounded, organic cluster, showing a cryst...

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Vintage 1970s 3.77 Carat Amethyst and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Vintage 1970s 3.77 Carat Amethyst and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Vintage 1970s 3.77 Carat Amethyst and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An impressive vintage 3.77 carat amethyst and 9 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse amethyst jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintag...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

10ct Gold 1970s Diamond Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz Cluster Ring
10ct Gold 1970s Diamond Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz Cluster Ring

10ct Gold 1970s Diamond Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz Cluster Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Dearest Ring 10ct Gold Circa 1970s Makers Mar S A This 10ct yellow gold vintage dearest acrostic ring is a true beauty.

Category

Late 20th Century North American Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 10k Gold

1970s, 2.51 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
1970s, 2.51 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

1970s, 2.51 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

This impressive vintage pearl and amethyst ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold.

Category

Vintage 1970s English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

12.5 Carat Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat White Gold 1970s
12.5 Carat Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat White Gold 1970s

12.5 Carat Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat White Gold 1970s

Located in New York, NY

12.5 Carat Amethyst and 1 Ct Diamond Cocktail /Engagement Ring in 14 karat White gold,Estate from 1970's This is a ring which has a 12.5 carat of high quality Amethyst .

Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold

Recent Sales

Amethyst Vintage Ring, 18 Karat Gold, 1970s
Amethyst Vintage Ring, 18 Karat Gold, 1970s

Amethyst Vintage Ring, 18 Karat Gold, 1970s

Located in Paris, FR

18kt yellow gold ring (quality mark: Owl) set with a central emerald cut amethyst. Resizement ring inside. Work from the 70ies. Weight: 17,20 g Ring size: 51 (diameter 16,25/ US si...

Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s Deep Purple Amethyst Cluster Cocktail Ring 9 Carat Gold
Vintage Circa 1970s Deep Purple Amethyst Cluster Cocktail Ring 9 Carat Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s Deep Purple Amethyst Cluster Cocktail Ring 9 Carat Gold

Located in Hamilton, AU

Expertly crafted in 9 carat gold, The Cordelia Ring is a stunning vintage jewel. Her ample band rises to an oval setting crowned with vivid amethysts that move and dance in the twink...

Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970's 52-Carat Round Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
1970's 52-Carat Round Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring

1970's 52-Carat Round Amethyst Diamond Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Stunning vintage cocktail ring fashioned in 14 karat yellow gold. The ring features an approximately 52 carat round amethyst gemstone with an under halo of 26 round brilliant cut dia...

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold

1970's 15 Carat Purple Amethyst in Rich Yellow Gold Ring
1970's 15 Carat Purple Amethyst in Rich Yellow Gold Ring

1970's 15 Carat Purple Amethyst in Rich Yellow Gold Ring

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Check out this bold look with a huge Amethyst! c1970's, done in 14K yellow gold. Size 5.75, sizable.

Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modernist 1970s 4.80 Carat Amethyst Diamonds Ring
Modernist 1970s 4.80 Carat Amethyst Diamonds Ring

Modernist 1970s 4.80 Carat Amethyst Diamonds Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

US Size : 5,5 ; Free resize, please contact us. Authentic antique ring - American work of the 1970s. Our opinion: A slender line and an amethyst of intense hue.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Vintage Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s

Vintage Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s

Located in London, GB

This Victorian-inspired cluster ring features a pale, pink amethyst, which is very rare!

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s Emerald Amethyst Diamond White Gold Ring
1970s Emerald Amethyst Diamond White Gold Ring

1970s Emerald Amethyst Diamond White Gold Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 carat white gold. This striking antique white gold ring is set with a central round amethyst surrounded by 4 marquise cut emeralds, 8 round amethysts and 4 brilliant c...

Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold

Andrew Grima Amethyst Diamond Gold Ring 1970s
Andrew Grima Amethyst Diamond Gold Ring 1970s

Andrew Grima Amethyst Diamond Gold Ring 1970s

By Andrew Grima

Located in New York, NY

A vintage, cabochon amethyst, diamond, and textured 18 karat gold wire work ring, by Andrew Grima, c. 1970.

Category

Vintage 1970s British Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Vintage Amethyst Cabochon 18 Karat Gold Unisex Ring
1970s Vintage Amethyst Cabochon 18 Karat Gold Unisex Ring

1970s Vintage Amethyst Cabochon 18 Karat Gold Unisex Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering an oval amethyst cabochon measuring approximately 19.2 x 16.0 mm, translucent purple with incredible natural inclusions Bezel set in a polished gold surround with tapered ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Yellow Gold Carved Coral Amethyst Enamel 1970s Ring
David Webb Yellow Gold Carved Coral Amethyst Enamel 1970s Ring

David Webb Yellow Gold Carved Coral Amethyst Enamel 1970s Ring

By David Webb

Located in New York, NY

David Webb 18k Gold Carved Coral Amethyst Enamel Ring 1970's METAL: 18K yellow gold.

Category

20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Yellow Gold, Enamel

David Webb 1970s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Amethyst Ring
David Webb 1970s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Amethyst Ring

David Webb 1970s 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Amethyst Ring

By David Webb

Located in New York, NY

This superb quality purple amethyst hand crafted in 18 k yellow gold mounting by David Webb was created in 1970s. Centered with a round cut genuine amethyst weighing approx. 21.61...

Category

20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Yellow Gold

1970s 1.30 Amethyst Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Trio Ring
1970s 1.30 Amethyst Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Trio Ring

1970s 1.30 Amethyst Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Trio Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

US Size : 9 ; Free resize, please contact us. Retro ring - Work from the 1970s. Our opinion: A pretty amethyst ring with contemporary lines that fits perfectly the finger.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

BVLGARI ITALY 18k Yellow Gold, Amethyst & Peridot Cocktail Ring 1970s Vintage
BVLGARI ITALY 18k Yellow Gold, Amethyst & Peridot Cocktail Ring 1970s Vintage

BVLGARI ITALY 18k Yellow Gold, Amethyst & Peridot Cocktail Ring 1970s Vintage

By Bulgari

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Bvlgari Italy 18k Yellow, Peridot & Amethyst Cocktail Ring 1970s Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible vintage ring.

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, Yellow Gold

1970s Multicolor Gemstone Ring
1970s Multicolor Gemstone Ring

1970s Multicolor Gemstone Ring

Located in San Francisco, CA

Estate 1970s 14Kt Yellow Gold Ring with Re-purposed Oval and Round Cut Precious and Semi Precious Gemstones.

Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold

Cartier Amethyst Gold Ring by Dinh Van
Cartier Amethyst Gold Ring by Dinh Van

Cartier Amethyst Gold Ring by Dinh Van

By Cartier

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa: 1970s 18K Yellow Gold and Amethyst Ring by Dinh Van for Cartier.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

CARTIER DINH VAN 18k Yellow Gold & Amethyst Square Shank Ring 1970s Vintage
CARTIER DINH VAN 18k Yellow Gold & Amethyst Square Shank Ring 1970s Vintage

CARTIER DINH VAN 18k Yellow Gold & Amethyst Square Shank Ring 1970s Vintage

By Dinh Van for Cartier

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Cartier by Dinh Van 18k Yellow Gold & Amethyst Square Shank Ring Vintage 1970s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Yellow Gold

1970s 6.60 Carat Blue Topaz Amethyst Garnet Peridot Citrine Yellow Gold Ring
1970s 6.60 Carat Blue Topaz Amethyst Garnet Peridot Citrine Yellow Gold Ring

1970s 6.60 Carat Blue Topaz Amethyst Garnet Peridot Citrine Yellow Gold Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning 6.60 carat blue topaz, amethyst, garnet, peridot, citrine and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse jewelry collections This stunning, fine and impressi...

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970's Multi-Gem Spinel Peridot 14 Karat Gold Branching Cluster Ring
1970's Multi-Gem Spinel Peridot 14 Karat Gold Branching Cluster Ring

1970's Multi-Gem Spinel Peridot 14 Karat Gold Branching Cluster Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Cluster ring is designed as an organic burst motif comprised of amethyst, spinel, peridot and others Gemstones are cushion, round and oval cut - ranging in size from 5.5 x 6.0 mm to...

Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

6.5 Carat Amethyst And 1.5 Carat Diamond  Ring 18 Karat White Gold, 1970s, Italy
6.5 Carat Amethyst And 1.5 Carat Diamond  Ring 18 Karat White Gold, 1970s, Italy

6.5 Carat Amethyst And 1.5 Carat Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold, 1970s, Italy

Located in New York, NY

6.5 Carat Amethyst and 1.5 Carat Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold, 1970s This ring has a 6.5 carat of high quality i mean finest Amethyst .

Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Chanel 18k gold amethyst ring with diamonds
Chanel 18k gold amethyst ring with diamonds

Chanel 18k gold amethyst ring with diamonds

By Chanel

Located in London, GB

This is a striking Chanel cushion cut amethyst ring from 1970s. Set in an asymetric 18k gold setting the amethyst is adorned with small round cut diamonds.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s 14k Gold Ring Multi Coloured Gemstone
1970s 14k Gold Ring Multi Coloured Gemstone

1970s 14k Gold Ring Multi Coloured Gemstone

Located in Toronto, ON

1970’s multi coloured Gemstone and 14K Gold Ring.

Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Blue Topaz

1970s VintageAmethyst and Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring And Pendant
1970s VintageAmethyst and Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring And Pendant

1970s VintageAmethyst and Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring And Pendant

Located in Miami, FL

Add multiple pieces to your jewelry wardrobe with this versatile, Amethyst and Diamond Pendant and Cocktail ring combination. Boasting the color and as a focus on the piece is a l...

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold

1970s Gilbert Albert 18 Karat Gold 11 Interchangeable Balls Cocktail Ring
1970s Gilbert Albert 18 Karat Gold 11 Interchangeable Balls Cocktail Ring

1970s Gilbert Albert 18 Karat Gold 11 Interchangeable Balls Cocktail Ring

By Gilbert Albert

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

This is a dynamic ring designed by Swiss jeweler Gilbert Albert in 1970s. It is crafted in 18K yellow gold and adorned with a diamond. There are 11 interchangeable semi precious gem ...

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amber, Amethyst, Carnelian, Hematite, Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Quartz, R...

John Rorvig Large Gold Free Form Ring
John Rorvig Large Gold Free Form Ring

John Rorvig Large Gold Free Form Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1970s 14K Yellow Gold and Amethyst Ring by Danish Jeweler - Artist John Rorvig, measuring 1.5 inch across the top and set with a natural Amethyst.

Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

Vintage 1970's 35ct Cushion Cut Amethyst Ring
Vintage 1970's 35ct Cushion Cut Amethyst Ring

Vintage 1970's 35ct Cushion Cut Amethyst Ring

Located in Boston, MA

Vintage 1970's 35ct Cushion Cut Amethyst Ring - The amethyst weighs approximately 35ct and measures 23 x 18mm.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold

1970s Floral Organic Amethyst Gold Ring
1970s Floral Organic Amethyst Gold Ring

1970s Floral Organic Amethyst Gold Ring

Located in Wallkill, NY

Stunning Handmade 14K gold Amethyst Stone Ring hugs the stone Organic Motif Ring is a size 6 and can be sized by a jeweler or by us Measures .75" x .75" Hallmarked ins...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Amethyst Peridot Gold Bypass Ring
1970s Amethyst Peridot Gold Bypass Ring

1970s Amethyst Peridot Gold Bypass Ring

Located in South Pasadena, CA

Amethyst and Peridot Bypass Ring Circa 1970 Captivating... This color combination of bright lime green with royal purple... Easy on the eye... Very neutral with other colors. Quo...

Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Peridot, 14k Gold

French Retro 1970s Amethyst Diamonds Ring
French Retro 1970s Amethyst Diamonds Ring

French Retro 1970s Amethyst Diamonds Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

This splendid retro ring presents an oval faceted amethyst closed- set and supported on both sides by 2 motifs each set with 3 brilliant-cut diamonds.

Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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1970s Amethyst Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 1970s amethyst ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and 14k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 267 vintage or 2 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect 1970s amethyst ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. A 1970s amethyst ring from David Webb, Chanel and Bulgari — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes mixed cut and round cut alternatives. Finding a 1970s amethyst ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 35 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a 1970s Amethyst Ring?

Prices for a 1970s amethyst ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $50 and can go as high as $49,129, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,219.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Amethyst in Jewelry Design

There are few gemstones in the world that are both affordable and worthy of a duchess’s attention. But then not many stones are as beautiful as amethyst. Indeed, vintage and antique amethyst jewelry has innumerable fans, and February’s birthstone has many unique attributes. For the romantics, there are several tales in Greek mythology that tell the story of Bacchus and Amethyste, a maiden that he pursues yet is rescued by Diane by turning her into a white stone. Bacchus, mourning his love, pours a glass of wine over the sculpture, dyeing her purple.

Amethyst has adorned many royal jewels. One of the most enviable jewelry collections of all time belonged to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. In 1947, the Duke gifted her with a Cartier amethyst and turquoise bib necklace. This special order piece was made with twisted 18-carat and 20-carat gold, platinum, brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, one heart-shaped faceted amethyst, 27 emerald-cut amethysts, one oval faceted amethyst, and turquoise cabochons. The Duchess was not the only Royal with a penchant for the purple gemstone. The tiara now owned by Queen Silvia of Sweden is set with amethysts that once belonged to the French Empress Josephine. A stunning 56-carat cushion-cut, square-shaped amethyst set in an 18-karat yellow gold necklace designed by Tiffany & Co. is now in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

The Smithsonian also has in its possession an even more rare example of fine amethyst: the 96-carat Morris Amethyst Brooch. The brooch features a deep, rich purple heart-shaped amethyst. The museum states that the piece was likely made during the Edwardian period (1901–15) “when platinum and diamonds were often used, and amethyst, a favorite stone of King Edward VII’s wife, Alexandra, was often included in jewelry of the era.”

Another amethyst necklace, with an even richer story, can be found in the Natural History Museum of London. Known as the Delhi Purple Sapphire (even though the stone is an amethyst), this stone was stolen from the Temple of Indra during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Anyone in possession of this stone is bound to have terrible luck, including its owner Edward Heron-Allen, who gifted the gemstone to the museum thinking that this would save him but ended up transferring the bad luck to the museum curators overseeing the stone.

Find a wide range of vintage and antique amethyst necklaces, bracelets and other fine jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.