Vintage 6.74 carat Australian opal diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring showcases a square cut Australian opal weighing a generous 6.74 carats, its broad face catching the light with vivid, ever-shifting color across its surface. Ten ro...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Majestic Baguette Diamond Perls Ring
Located in Berlin, BE
Imagine a breathtakingly beautiful piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and captivates with its aesthetic allure. This exquisite ring is crafted from 14-carat white gold, creating a...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Pomellato Arabesque Openwork 18K Gold Dome Ring
By Pomellato
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage Pomellato dome ring exemplifies the artistry of the house’s early Arabesque era. Hand-crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, the ring features intricate openwork motifs inspir...
18k Gold
Vintage French diamond 18k yellow gold dome ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A dome ring in 18k yellow gold is set with ninety-three round brilliant cut diamonds, a generous quantity of small stones that together weigh approximately 1.50 carats in H-I color a...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,092Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Italian Artisanal Aquamarine White Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in white gold 18kt Beautiful central aquamarine stone (4.20 cts) Diamonds 0.22 cts Italian craftsmanship Size 55 / 15 Worldwide fast shipping included in the price ! ...
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold
Keepsake 0.96ctw Tanzanite & Diamond Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Keepsake 14K gold ring featuring an approximately 0.50-carat marquise tanzanite measuring 9 × 4mm, complemented by ~0.46 carats of round and baguette diamonds. The flowing sp...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co Estate Somerset Ring 6 Sterling Silver 10 mm TIF1004
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Somerset Ring 6 Sterling Silver 10 mm TIF1004 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 DETAIL Design: Somerset Ring Size: 6 Height: 10 mm Weight: 11 Grams Metal:...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Estate Somerset Ring 8 Sterling Silver 10 mm TIF1005
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Somerset Ring 8 Sterling Silver 10 mm TIF1005 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 DETAIL Design: Somerset Ring Size: 8 Height: 10 mm Weight: 11 Grams Metal:...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Estate Somerset Ring 4.5 Sterling Silver 10 mm TIF1007
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Somerset Ring 4.5 Sterling Silver 10 mm TIF1007 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 DETAIL Design: Somerset Ring Size: 4.5 Height: 10 mm Weight: 11 Grams Me...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Estate Sterling Silver Ring Size 4.25, 5.2 Grams
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tiffany & Co Estate Sterling Silver Ring Size 4.25, 5.2 Grams TIF182 Please look at the video attached for this item. With the video, you can see the movement of the item and ap...
Sterling Silver
Cartier Menotte Rose Gold Diamond Rhodolite Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
An exceptional expression of Cartier’s bold design aesthetic, this Menotte band ring unites sculptural elegance with striking gemstone contrast. Crafted in luxurious 18k rose gold, t...
Diamond, Rhodolite, Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Handmade Ring
Located in Pasadena, CA
This stunning ring features a natural oval shaped emerald at its center, beautifully surrounded by natural diamonds, all set in 18K yellow gold mounting. The ring is approximately si...
$1,584Sale Price|20% Off
Classical Diamond Ring in 14kt White Gold 0.30ct 5 Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Diamond ring made in 14KT white gold. GRAM WEIGHT: 3.15gr METAL: 14KT white gold NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F (average) Clarity: VS (average) Carat: 0.30ct Siz...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gucci Estate Ring Size 5.5 Sterling Silver Height 8 mm
By Gucci
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Gucci Estate Ring Size 5.5 Sterling Silver Height 8 mm G28 This elegant Authentic Gucci ring is made of sterling silver and has a weight of 7.5 grams with an 8 mm Height. ...
Sterling Silver
$2,091Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Italian Artisanal Flower White Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in white gold 18kt (15.10 grams) Beautiful mix of colored stones Diamonds 0.33 cts Semiprecious stones 0.82 grams Italian craftsmanship Size 54 / 14 Comes with certif...
Diamond, White Gold
Diamond Ring 14k Gold 0.91 TCW 3.19 Grams Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diamond Ring Size 6.5 14k Gold 0.91 TCW 3.19 Grams Certified $5,950 215101 Nothing says, “I Love you” more than Diamonds and Pearls! This Diamond ring has been Certified, Inspected...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Ring - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
This dazzling ring is crafted in 18K white gold, showcasing an arrangement of 23 brilliant diamonds that capture light from every angle. The timeless elegance of white gold pairs bea...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1995 Cartier Pavé Diamond Eternity Ring, Size 52
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier pavé diamond eternity ring crafted in platinum, circa 1995.
The ring is composed of three rows of pavé-set round brilliant-cut diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Victoria Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co platinum marquis diamond Victoria ring. Approximately 0.32 carats total weight. Stamped on the inside of the shank 1997 Tiffany & Co., PT 950 Japan ( made for the Japane...
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Italian Artisanal Aquamarine White Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in white gold 18kt Beautiful central aquamarine stone (4.20 cts) Diamonds 0.22 cts Italian craftsmanship Size 55 / 15 Worldwide fast shipping included in the price ! ...
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold
Cartier Diamond Tri-Color Gold Large Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous domed ring from Cartier's Trinity collection is crafted in 18k yellow, white and rose gold and pave-set with F-G VVS1-VVS2 brilliant-cut round diamonds of an estimated ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.40 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold solitaire twist ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage GIA 3.83 carat sapphire diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage GIA 3.83 carat sapphire diamond platinum ring is an elegant and sophisticated statement piece showcasing the timeless beauty of a richly colored cabochon sapphire. Centered b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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-pe...
18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An Art-Deco ring, it is comprised of a Vivid Green Emerald-Cut 1.65 carat Emerald, with White Diamonds embellished around the Emerald as well as on the shank weighing 0.32 carat. T...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 1990's Platinum Vintage Slim Wedding Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a slightly rounded band ring Featuring a matte finish Stamped for platinum Fully signed for Tiffany & Co. Circa: 1990s Ring Size: 4 1/4 and sizable Measures north to ...
Platinum
Vintage Emerald Ring Invisible Setting Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic Vintage style & Vibrant invisible setting of square cut Emeralds Compliment the center Diamonds, which are Basel set tapper diamonds, Total Diamond weight 0.35 carat, GH...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Aquamarine Diamond Ring 6.25 Platinum 5.3 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Finely Faceted Quality Aquamarine and Diamond Ring size 6.25 and resizable set in fine Platinum 5.3 TCW Certified $4,950 018638 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co Estate Atlas Groove Ring Size 5 Silver 9 mm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Atlas Groove Ring Size 5 Silver 9 mm TIF635 This elegant Authentic Tiffany & Co Atlas Groove Ring is made of sterling silver TRUSTED SELLER SI...
Silver
Tiffany & Co Estate Atlas Groove Ring Size 6 Silver 9 mm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Atlas Groove Ring Size 6 Silver 9 mm TIF633 This elegant Authentic Tiffany & Co Atlas Groove Ring is made of sterling silver TRUSTED SELLER SI...
Silver
BULGARI Tubogas Serpenti Pink Tourmaline Yellow Gold 3-Row Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous Bvlgari Serpenti 3-row ring from the classic Tubogas collection features a slightly adjustable wrap design crafted in 18k yellow gold and accented with a pear-cut pink ...
Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Band Large Diamond Pavée" Ring 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Band Large Diamond Pavée" ring was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax elements. The "O'Ring Band Large Diamond Pavée" ring is part of a timele...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 5.12 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 5.12 carat (total) diamond and platinum solitaire ring; part of our antique engagement ring collections. This stunning, fine and impressive v...
Diamond, Platinum
14K Gold Ring with 0.3 Carat Diamonds Size 7 Resizable
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring is crafted in 14K gold. It features two rows of sparkling white round-cut diamonds. The diamonds are set in a sleek band design. Estimated total diamond weight is...
Diamond, 14k Gold
An 18k Gold Bulgari Ring with Pink Tourmaline
By Bulgari
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18k yellow gold band ring asymmetrically set with 2 oval faceted tourmalines (app. 1.44 ct), one light pink and one bright pink, with a ribbed shank, signed Bulgari, circa 1990s. ...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
1990's Diamond Platinum Unisex Wide Vintage Wedding Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide band with grooved detail flush set with round brilliant cut diamonds fully around Weighing approximately 0.30 carat total - H/I in color with SI1 clarity Completed...
Platinum
Art Deco Inspired Ruby and Diamond Shield Ring Platinum
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1990's. Estate Art Deco inspired shield ring featuring an intricate geometric layout centered around a large center diamond, encased in a vibrant halo of channel-set rubies and...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1990s 925 Silver Synthetic Ruby and Emerald Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This 1990s statement ring is so stunning and unique, you are never going to get enough wear out of this! Do not miss out on this simply exquisite 1990s cocktail ring made from silver...
Silver
$5,977Sale Price|21% Off
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Engagment Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This beautiful 14k yellow gold engagement ring features over 2 carats of natural diamonds! The center stone is a 0.57 carat marquise diamonds that is surround by a a series of baguet...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.45 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.45 carat diamond and platinum solitaire ring; part our diverse collection of diamond rings. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage diam...
Diamond, Platinum
Violet Pearls Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Modern ring in 18k yellow gold composed by oval gold detailes, gold spheres and violet pearls. (All detailes are mobile) Violet Pearls 2.70 g Total Weight 18.80 g R.F +RAEA RK.AOCO80...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Tri-Color Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Cartier diamond ring in 18K tri-color gold, featuring a sculptural twisted design with a diamond-set front. The ring combines yellow, white, and rose gold in a refined rounded form...
Diamond, 18k Gold
James Avery 925 Sterling Silver Tresse (braided) Band Ring Size 9 JA13
Located in Brooklyn, NY
James Avery 925 Sterling Silver Tresse (braided) Band Ring Size 9 JA13 The James Avery 925 Sterling Silver Tresse Band Ring in size 9 is an estate piece signed by the brand. This...
Sterling Silver
$3,638Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Italian Artisanal Amethyst Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in yellow gold 18kt (12 grams) Large faceted amethyst stone, leaf style Italian craftsmanship Size 56 / 16 Worldwide fast shipping included in the price ! Your ques...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990s Gold Square Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold featuring Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.70 carat. Circa 1990s Size 6 1/4, resizable
Diamond, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Company Paloma Picasso Fiori Sterling Hand Hammered Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990 Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Company "Fiori" collection Sterling Silver Ring, the top of the ring measures 1/2 x 1/2 inch, both the top of the ring and the sides have a ha...
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Authentic Estate Atlas Ring Size 5 Silver 11 mm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Atlas Ring Size 5 Silver 11 mm TIF382 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 DETAILS Ring Size: 5 Height: 11 mm Weight: 9.6 Grams Metal: Sterling Silver We tr...
Silver
$6,240Sale Price|20% Off
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Peridot Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Peridot Ring 18K Yellow Gold This Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas ring is made in 18K yellow gold and features the iconic coiled silhouette that has become one of...
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stephen Dweck Sterling silver Bronze Ring 1990s
By Stephen Dweck
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another Fantisitc Stephen Dweck Bronze wash over Sterling Ring. This is New old stock never Worn as is most of our jewelry. Lovely Green Stone. Been in storage this whole time. Measu...
Sterling Silver, Bronze
White Gold, Diamond and Citrine Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat White Gold Ring Featuring An Oval Cut 2.25 Carat Citrine Accented By 16 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Of SI Clarity & H Color Totaling 0.80 Carats. Finger Size 8.5; Purchase ...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
James Avery Sterling Silver Running Horse Dangle Charm Ring Size 7 JA17
Located in Brooklyn, NY
James Avery Sterling Silver Running Horse Dangle Charm Ring Size 7 JA17 James Avery Sterling Silver Running Horse Dangle Charm Ring Size 7. Newly polished and looks wonderful. ...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Cartier 1991 18K Yellow and White Gold Crossover Ring
By Cartier
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A beautiful vintage Cartier ring dating 1991, crafted in 18-karat yellow and white gold. The ring features a sculptural crossover design with smooth, rounded, interwoven gold bands ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Black Opal Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1990's. Lovely black opal ring surrounded by sparkling diamonds set in a split shank band. The opal shows primarily blue and green color play. In good condition. Size: Approx....
Diamond, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Rose Gold Monologo Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
A vintage Blvgari rose gold Monologo ring, circa 1990. Designed as a wide gently curved 18 karat rose gold band, bearing the Bvlgari name in capital letters around the ring. Finish...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$176Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Atlas Ring, Circa 1995, Size 6.5-7
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Port Hope, ON
This is the sterling silver Atlas ring which is an iconic Tiffany & CO. Design. It is a highly recognizable designer piece featuring a graphic motif of Roman numerals. It was ins...
James Avery Sterling Silver Faith Hope & Love Ring - Sz 5 - 5.25 JA16
Located in Brooklyn, NY
James Avery Sterling Silver Faith Hope & Love Ring - Sz 5 - 5.25 JA16 James Avery Sterling Faith Hope & Love Ring. Stamped Avery Ster. Approx. Size 5.0 - 5.25Approx. 7.1 Total G...
Sterling Silver
Signed DIVA Vintage Sparkle-Finish 14K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage 14K gold cocktail ring, signed DIVA 585, showcases a luxurious sparkle-finish surface created through fine diamond-cut texturing. The entire face glitters with a “gold s...
14k Gold
14k pink gold ring with turquoise - 11.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold ring set with turquoise - ring size US. 8.5 - EU. 18.5 (58) detailed description: the top of the ring is 2.3 cm wide by 1.1 cm high ring size US 8.5 - EU. 18.5 (58),...
Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Saskatoon, CA
Vintage 14K White Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Cocktail Ring Stamped and tested 14K white gold (not rhodium plated) Weight: 14.3 grams Measurements: US Size 9.5, top measures 14mm...
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold
Vintage 1993 Cartier Mimi Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier Mimi ruby and diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold.
The ring is composed of an oval cabochon ruby, bezel-set to the centre of a bombe-style band, pa...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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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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.