1990s Oval Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 6.15 carat oval cut aquamarine and 0.42 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and collections. This fi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,281Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.58 ct. The diamond is has F color and vvs clarity. Ring size is US 7.3 We can make any size. Box is not incul...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Two-Tone Gold Cocktail Ring with 0.80ct Champagne & White Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold ring set with champagne-colored and white brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.80 ct - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 8.7 mm...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,930Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.71 ct. The diamond is has E color and vs clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. The box is not inclu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.77 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1990s 1.77 carat aquamarine and 0.40 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marc Jacobs Pink and Black Poppy Flower Resin Fashion Ring size 5.5
By Marc Jacobs
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning dimensional fashion ring by Marc Jacobs has a floral-inspired flair. It is made of lightweight resin featuring a wide poppy flower with a black heart and brass stud acc...
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Sapphire Diamond Ring Size 6.5 14k W Gold 17.73 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Composite Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 6.5 14k W Gold 17.73 TCW Certified $3,590 217843 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry! Nothing says, “I Love you” more t...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
$1,360Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k White Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 6 We can make any size. The box is not...
Diamond, White Gold
Ring with jade and diamonds up to 1.00ct 18k gold 8.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold ring set with jade and a 1.00 ct taper-cut diamond - H/I - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 2.1 cm wide and 1.0 cm high....
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Vintage 4.43 carat sapphire diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage cocktail ring is a dramatic and beautifully composed statement of color and brilliance. At its center rests an impressive oval cut blue sapphire, prized for its rich sat...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Turquoise Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 Karat white gold ring with an essential design dialogues with the blue of the turquoise that gives it traits of serenity and calm, elegance and grace. The diamonds that surround i...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring in White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A showstopping statement of luxury and rarity, this exceptional ring features a vibrant green Colombian emerald, GIA certified and masterfully set in gleaming 14k white gold. The eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.15ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1998
Located in London, GB
This delightful cluster ring features hallmarks dating it to 1998 and centres around a lively green emerald. The 0.15 carat emerald is a round cut stone, rub over set within 18 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.50ct, Size 7.5
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with ruby and brilliant cut diamond. 1.50ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 - EU. 17.75(56) detailed description: top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide by 1.1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Enamel Striped Diamond Ring, 0.36ct, Size 5.75
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This striking 14K yellow gold ring features a bold black and white enamel striped design, perfectly blending modern style with classic elegance. Accenting the vibrant enamel stripes ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 90s Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.28 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set solitaire ring; part of our diverse diamond and estate jewelry collections. This fine and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Betony Vernon "Venus Ring" Small, Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The “Venus Ring Small” was designed by Betony Vernon in 1997 to be worn on the middle finger. This piece celebrates the feminine. It is an emblematic invitation to express your sensu...
Sterling Silver
Philippe Ferrandis Ring Maltese Gripoix Cross Poured Glass 1990s
By Philippe Ferrandis
Located in Wallkill, NY
Large Philippe Ferrandis Ring. Oval Gold Gilt Braided motif surrounding a gripoix poured glass center. A Top is a Maltese Cross set in gripoix. This is is a large ring. Measuring 1.8...
Gilt Metal
Art Deco Vintage Platinum Diamond, Ruby Plaque Ring, Old European Diamond
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking Art Deco style Vintage platinum plaque ring centred by a captivating Old European Cut diamond weighing approximately 0.57 carats, within an intricate geometric openwork de...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Contemporary Diamond and Yellow Gold Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine contemporary 0.20 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set, Art Nouveau style cocktail ring; part of our diverse contemporary jewellery collection. This f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1998 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Cordis Chevron Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed bombé band with chevron motif Deeply grooved across front Completed by high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Tiffany & Co. Circa: 1998...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.50 Carat Diamonds Wide Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.50 Carat Diamonds Wide Ring 18k White Gold. Beautiful ring featuring approx 152 round diamonds for a total carat weight of 1.50 The ring is made of 18k white gold and is a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.90 Carat Ceylon Yellow Sapphire and 0.28 Carat Diamond 10k White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.90 carat Oval Ceylon yellow sapphire and 0.28 carat diamond, 10 karat white gold dress / engagement ring; an addition to our sapphire jewelr...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Platinum Unisex Wide Wedding Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring features a deeply grooved mid-section with six round brilliant cut diamond flush set around. Weighing approximately 0.30 carat total - H/I in color with SI1 clarity. With h...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 10.10 Carat Burmese Sapphire 1 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 10.10 carat Burmese sapphire and 1 carat diamond, platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Emerald Heart Invisible Setting Ring & Diamond 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Impressive Emerald Heart invisible setting Ring with diamonds Total emerald 1.50 carat Total Diamonds 0.25 carat G-H-VS 18k Yellow Gold 8.0 grams Finger size 6 All stones are natural...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
An 18k Gold Bulgari Flower Ring with Tourmaline and Diamond
By Bulgari
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-karat gold flower ring set with 5 pear cut pink and red tourmalines (app. 8.5 crt.) and in the heart of the flower a brilliant cut diamond, and in the shank a leaf shaped decor...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Rubies and Diamonds, 18k
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Rubies and Diamonds made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The total weight of the ring is 14.30 grams. The ring size is US 6. The diamonds weigh appx. 0.9...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Aquamarine Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Fantastic 18K white gold band ring set with natural diamonds on the sides and an oval-cut aquamarine with an intense blue of Brazilian origin. The diamonds are carefully selected to ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage GIA 4.00 carat sapphire diamond 18k white gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage sapphire and diamond cluster ring is a beautiful 1990’s design, centered by a GIA-certified round brilliant cut sapphire weighing approximately 4.00 carats. With...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
La Nouvelle Bague 18 Karat White Gold Fiori Ring with Diamonds
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat white gold ring was designed by the world renowned Italian company La Nouvelle Bague. They are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, marrying the classic with the mo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Angela Cummings 2.50 Carat Peridot 18k Gold Cocktail Ring
By Angela Cummings
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Exemplifying an era of unabashed boldness, this Angela Cummings cocktail ring centers on a 2.50 carat oval, juicy-green peridot gemstone set sleekly in a polished 18k gold bezel. The...
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.01 carat green sapphire diamond 14k two tone gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A refined vintage ring centered around a captivating 2.01 carat oval cut green sapphire, whose uncommon hue gives the piece a distinctive and elegant character. The sapphire’s rich g...
Diamond, Green Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1.70Ct Ruby and 1.14Ct Diamond, Platinum Cocktail Ring Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat ruby, 1.14 carat diamond and platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage cocktail rings. This fine and impre...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
David Webb Amethyst Green Enamel Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
The color combination is dramatic and the size is impressive, which is why this ring could only be by David Webb. The ring has been owned by both an American and an Italian collecto...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Lenti ring with square cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold 11.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
Lenti - 18k yellow gold ring set with square-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide. Ri...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 0.87 Carat Center Round Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.87 Carat Center Round Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Gold. The diamond is an earth mined natural stone and is J/I1 color and clarity. The ring is a size 7.5 and weights 1.6g T...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1.53 Carat Ruby and 1.03 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.53 carat ruby and 1.03 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our vintage jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$19,120Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Estate 35 Carat+ Tanzanite and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Estate Tanzanite and Diamond Ring 33-35 Carat Deep Blue Tanzanite Approx 2.50 Carat Natural Diamonds VS-SI Clarity Exuding timeless elegance and rare beauty, this exquisi...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
Vintage Half Eternity Diamond Band 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Half Eternity Diamond Band 18k White Gold Ring. The ring features approx 0.60 carat of diamonds and are of H/VS quality. The ring is made of 18k white gold and weights 9.5 gr...
Diamond, White Gold
Estate Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This timeless Estate ring has been skilfully hand made of solid 18 KT gold, white & yellow – marked with Italian assay and maker number Charming octagonal crown with the Emerald ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Crossover Band Ring - VHK#326A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Crossover Band Ring - VHK#326A Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Two Tone Diamond "R" Ring, Size 6 3/4
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This striking initial “R” ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow and white gold, blending warm and cool tones for a bold yet elegant contrast. The centerpiece features a sculpted “R” in ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gucci Vintage Iconic Logo Heart Love Sterling Silver Trademark Charm 5 Ring
By Gucci
Located in Wokingham, England
Gucci Vintage Iconic Logo Trademark Heart Lover Pendant Band Charm Ring, Sterling Silver, Size 10 Very good condition. Light scratches or colour loss, barely noticeable. 100% Genuin...
Sterling Silver
An 18 Carat White Gold Band Ring with Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat white gold band ring with five oblique bands pavé set with diamonds, like a cord is wrapped around the ring, marked with French gold mark and master mark. weight: 4.22 g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.80 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 4.80 carat blue sapphire and 0.15 carat diamond, yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry collections. This fine and impressive ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,325Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Snake Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 6.6 grams. Total...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$312Sale Price|20% Off
David Yurman Onyx Infinity Ring Size 7, 11 mm Sterling Silver Estate
By David Yurman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic David Yurman Onyx Infinity Ring Size 7, 11 mm Sterling Silver Estate DY680 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS! FREE...
Onyx, Sterling Silver
$2,501Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Peridot Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 We Cover All U.S. Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Peridot Decorated Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 9.1 grams....
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold
$2,737Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Platinum Ring with 1.5ct Oval Orange Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite Platinum 1.5-Carat Oval-Cut Orange Sapphire Vintage Ring, a true masterpiece of luxury and elegance. This stunning ring is designed to captivate and enchant...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Gassan Diamond & Cobalt Blue Enamel Cluster Ring 18k Gold - Amsterdam
Located in Orlando, FL
Vintage Gassan 18K Gold Diamond & Cobalt Blue Enamel Cluster Ring, Netherlands Diamonds: 10 round brilliant cut diamonds, approx. 1.60 carats total weight, E/F color, VVS clarity Ac...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1.10ct Round Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This radiant vintage engagement ring is a beautiful expression of classic elegance with a refined 1990s sensibility. At its center rests a captivating round brilliant cut diamond wei...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18K Gold Enamel Cocktail Ring with Diamonds, Size 6
By David Webb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This David Webb ring is very unusual, and I purchased this out of the United Kingdom. I have had a lot of David Webb jewelry and many rings by David Webb what is unusual about this r...
Diamond, Enamel
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Pure Alhambra Grey Mother-of-Pearl Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the iconic Pure Alhambra collection features a 2 lucky clover design crafted in 18k white gold and set with iridescent gray mother-of-pearl....
18k Gold, White Gold
18KT White Gold and Blue Topaz Band Ring
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
Modern band ring crafted in 18 karat white gold. The band features 3 square emerald cut blue topaz stones set in 18 karat yellow gold wide bezels. The band measures 14mm in width and...
Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Swarovski Square Large Crystals Nirvana Cocktail Chunky Ring, Size N, 55, White
By Swarovski
Located in Wokingham, England
Swarovski Square Large Crystals Nirvana Cocktail Chunky Ring, Size N, 55, White Silver Tone In excellent condition. With original box and tag. 100% Genuine. Size: N, 55, diameter 1...
Silver Plate
Carl F. Bucherer 18k White Gold Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1990
By Carl F. Bucherer
Located in The Hague, ZH
Carl Bucherer - 18k white gold ring set with opal and brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.50 ct - F/G VS/SI - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description: The top of the ring is...
Diamond, Opal, 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 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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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
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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.