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
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
Natural Sapphire & Diamond 14k White Gold Band/Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
Material: 14k White Gold Gemstones: Natural Diamond 0.35cttw Sapphire 1.70cttw Weight: 4.3 grams Size: 6.75 Timeless classic sapphire and diamond band set in 14k white gold. Can be ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.37 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning engagement ring featuring an impressive 2.37 carat emerald-cut diamond at the centre of the face. Flanking this bright white principle stone are two straight ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 9K Yellow Gold Signet Ring, Birmingham Circa 1990, Unisex
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage plain 9 karat yellow gold men's signet ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impressive vintage signe...
9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 18k Gold Dome Cocktail Ring, Italy, Circa 1990
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
A chunky pinky ring of dreams by Bulgari. Made in 1990s this 18k gold sculptural ring is both stylish and striking.
18k Gold
Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Pasadena, CA
This exquisite Natural Emerald and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring features a vivid oval shaped emerald at its center, beautifully surrounded by sparkling round diamonds. Handcrafted in...
18k Gold
Vintage 4.16Ct Yellow Ceylon Sapphire and Platinum Cocktail Ring Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1990's 4.16 carat yellow Ceylon sapphire and platinum ring; part of our collection of vintage sapphire rings. This stunning, fine and impress...
Sapphire, Platinum
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Band Mini Diamond Pavée" Ring 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Band Mini Diamond Pavée" ring was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax elements. The "O-Ring Band Mini Diamond Pavée" ring is part of a timeless...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Tiffany & Co. 1990'S Platinum Unisex Vintage Men's Wedding Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide curved band Flanked by fluted edges Stamped for platinum Fully signed for Tiffany & Co. Circa: 1990s Ring Size: 9 1/2 Measures north to south 6.0 mm and sits 2.0 m...
Platinum
Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring Size 6.5
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Diamond Platinum eternity band ring size 6.5. Set with numerous round diamonds this platinum eternity band is a size 6.5. The side walls are engraved on both sides Great to mix or...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 18k Gold Contessa Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant Cartier “Contessa” eternity band ring crafted in 18K yellow and white gold and set with diamonds. Sculpted with geometric sections and polished white‑gold accents between eac...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1990s Italian Artisanal Garnet Stone Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in yellow gold 18kt Large garnet oval stone Diamonds (0.10 ct approx) Floral decoration Italian craftsmanship Size 55 / 15 Total weight approx 20 grams Note: last pi...
Garnet, Yellow Gold
$10,277Sale Price|35% Off
Barry Kieselstein Cord Golden Citrine Diamond Platinum Ring
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in Southampton, PA
This 1999 Kieselstein-Cord platinum cocktail ring showcases approximately 2.5 carats of diamonds surrounding a radiant large golden citrine.
Citrine, Diamond, Platinum
Garrard & Co. Diamond Ring, English, 1995
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in London, GB
Garrard & Co. diamond ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond O to P colour, VS1 clarity, with a weight of 4.86 carats in an open back rubover setting, adorned further by tw...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Saskatoon, CA
Vintage 18K White Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring Hallmarked and tested 18K, not rhodium plated Weight: 6.5 grams Natural Tahitian Pearl: 12mm, minimal to moderate blemish...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Blue Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous women's ring from Van Cleef and Arpels made in 18k yellow gold and featuring a faceted 7.0mm round sapphire center stone in sparkling bright royal blue color. Completed by a...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Mauboussin 18k Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in Weston, MA
This Mauboussin bombé-form ring is an elegantly simple design that stands on its own or is easily stackable. The yellow gold ribbed dome is divided into three sections set with fine ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine 0.34 carat baguette cut diamond and 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our vintage jewelry/diamond jewelry collections. This vintage half eternity/multi-diamond ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Zolotos Yellow Gold and Gen set Swan Bird Ring
By Zolotos
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Zolotos 18k Yellow Gold Swan Bird ford Ring, the top measures 1 3/8 inches across, weighing 5,8 Grams, finely detailed with a brushed finish and having Ruby set Eyes. Fin...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Platinum Oval Sapphire Baguette & Round Diamond Cocktail Ring 7.63ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A striking estate cocktail ring crafted in platinum and centered by an impressive 5.53-carat natural oval-cut sapphire displaying a beautiful medium blue with subtle teal undertones....
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
14k Yellow Gold Vintage Mariner Link Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1990s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.3 grams Head of ring measures 14m north to south Band Width: 1.2mm ...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stones 18 kt Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Cluster ring in 18k yellow gold with stones. Tot.Weight 4.40 gr Italian Size 17 French Size 57 Usa Size 8 R.F +UHAA RK.AGOU120 For any enquires, please contact the seller through th...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Pearl Diamond 18k Gold Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Bulgari pearl and diamond ring exemplifies the brand’s signature blend of luxury and Italian craftsmanship. At its center, the ring features a luminous white pearl, flanking t...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
18kt White Gold and Pavé Moving Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Italian-Made 18k White Gold Pavé Moving Ring is an extraordinary piece from the 1990s, embodying both elegance and playful sophistication. Set with 2.5 carats of sparkling pavé ...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage GIA 1.02 carat Burma ruby diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring centers on a GIA-certified round brilliant cut ruby weighing 1.02 carats. Hailing from Burma and gently heat-treated, the ruby glows with the vivid red that has mad...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring - VHK#1057
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Ring - VHK#1057 Item Details Year: 1990s Ring Size: 7 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Tested] Weight: 7.82 grams Diamond Details: .20ct...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.70 Carat Diamond and Platinum Crossover Cluster Ring Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.70 carat diamond and platinum crossover cluster ring; part of our diamond jewelry collection. This stunning 1990s vintage engagement ring h...
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Italian Artisanal Amethyst Stone White Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in white gold 750 (11,50 grams) Large faceted amethyst stone of 4,40 g Diamonds (0.26 cts) Italian craftsmanship Size 55 / 15 Comes with certificate of Moraglione It...
Amethyst, White Gold
Bvlgari White Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bvlgari white gold diamond band ring BVLGARI in tiny round-cut diamonds, 18 karat white gold; marked 750, 53, Made in Italy, 1697 AR Size: 6.25 US Total weight: 12.6 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Men’s 0.25 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and substantial men’s diamond ring in solid 14K gold, weighing an impressive 8.9 grams. The centerpiece is an approx. 0.25 carat round brilliant diamond, estimated at G color ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Abstract Opal Ring - VHK#27
Located in Hicksville, NY
18K Yellow Gold Abstract Opal Ring - VHK#27 Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Opal Details: Type: Abstrac...
Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co Estate Somerset Ring Size 8 Sterling Silver 10 mm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Estate Somerset Ring Size 8 Sterling Silver 10 mm TIF691 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 DETAIL Design: Somerset Ring Size: 8 Height: 10 mm Weight: 11 Grams Me...
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1990s Piaget Spinner Ring with Diamond
By Piaget
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with a Round Brilliant cut Diamond weighing approximately 0.13 carat. Signed by Piaget Circa 1994 Size 6 3/4
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1990s Chopard Happy Diamonds Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Chopard Circa 1990s Size 6
Diamond, 18k Gold
Stunning Vintage sapphire diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage platinum ring from the 1990s showcases a striking 1.18 carat emerald cut sapphire, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds for a timeless, elegant look. Center stone: Emer...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$36,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Venezia Platinum Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Bvlgari Venezia Platinum Round Diamond Engagement Ring Elegant platinum Bvlgari engagement ring featuring a brilliant round center diamond weighing 1.59 carats, graded H color and V...
Diamond, Platinum
$4,097Sale Price|20% Off
1990s Italian Artisanal Garnet Stone Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful ring in yellow gold 18kt Large garnet oval stone Diamonds (0.10 ct approx) Floral decoration Italian craftsmanship Size 55 / 15 Total weight approx 20 grams Note: last pi...
Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 2.09 Carat Diamond and Platinum Halo Ring Circa 1995
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.09 carat diamond and platinum halo style dress ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive diamond ha...
Diamond, Platinum
Oval Cut Rubellite & Diamond Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Cut Rubellite & Diamond Flower Ring 18K white gold ring with center oval rubellite approximately 1.04 ct surrounded by 12 brilliant diamonds approximately 1.20 ct Ring Size: ...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
An 18k Bi-Color Toi et Moi Ring with Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A 14k bi-color half-yellow and half-white gold 'Toi-et-Moi' ring featuring a brilliant-cut diamond at each end of the top of the ring (app. 1.5 carats total, G-J / SI-I). weight: 9....
Diamond, 14k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Moonstone Cabochon Ring, Modern Design, Netherlands
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with moonstone - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) detailed description: the top of the ring is approximately 9.0 mm wide by 1.1 cm high weight 12.0 grams ...
Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K 2-Tone Gold Pave Diamond Domed Ring
Located in Boston, MA
14K 2-Tone Gold Pave Diamond Domed Ring A bold, bombé-style dome ring from the 1990s, offered in new old stock condition — never worn, with the crisp pave work and full-height dome ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Two Tone Gold Concave Band Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Ring with Polished Concave Design. Tapered Width From 12.5mm to 7mm. Finger Size 6.5; Purchase Includes One Sizing Service Prior to Shipping, Upon Requ...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
40.72 Carat Aquamarine and 1.82 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine, and impressive 40.72 carat aquamarine and 1.82 carat diamond platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage jewelry and estate jewelry. This stu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
18k White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.8 grams Band Width: 2.4mm Condition: Excellent
18 Karat Three-Color Gold Bands Ring - Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Description: This elegant ring is crafted from 18 karat gold, featuring three distinct colors in separate bands. The interplay of yellow, white, and rose gold creates a harmonious an...
18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Eternity Ring 18k Gold - 1990s
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
A classic expression of everlasting love and elegance, this vintage eternity ring (circa 1990) is crafted in solid 18k gold. The band features a continuous, shimmering pattern altern...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Ruby Emerald Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring Sz 6
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This rare Cartier ring features an elegant openwork wide band design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with round red rubies and green emeralds. Made in France circa 1990s. Measurem...
Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI Alveare Yellow & White Two-Tone Gold Coil Ring Size 52
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Bvlgari ring from the Alveare collection features a coiled design composed of geometric links crafted in 18k white and yellow gold. This ring has a slightly adjustable ...
White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA certified Brazilian Paraiba tourmaline and diamond cluster ring in platinum featuring 0.48 carats of greenish blue Paraiba tourmalines with 0.18 carats of baguette diamonds. Size...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Tiffany & Company Cut Out Cross Sterling Silver Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Tiffany & Company .925 Sterling Silver Cut Out Cross Band Ring, measuring 5/16 inch wide and is a finger size 6.
Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co Platinum Band Ring Size 5, 3 mm Height Estate
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Authentic Tiffany & Co Platinum Band Ring Size 5, 3 mm Height Estate TIF924 TRUSTED SELLER SINCE 2002 PLEASE SEE OUR HUNDREDS OF POSITIVE FEEDBACKS FROM OUR CLIENTS!! FREE SHI...
Platinum
14k Rubellite Diamond Halo Engagement and Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.5 Metal Type: 14k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .90ct, total weight Cut: Round and Baguette Color: G-H Clarity: SI
10k Honora Vintage Red Stone Floral Design Ring - VHK#59
By Honora
Located in Hicksville, NY
10k Honora Vintage Red Stone Floral Design Ring - VHK#59 Item Details: Year: 1990s Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: 10k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.6 grams Stone Deta...
Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Ring and Earrings Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A classic wide band with a matching pair of gorgeous earrings from Van Cleef and Arpels! This jewelry set is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a basket-weave motif pave-set wit...
Diamond, 18k Gold
An 18k Gold Cartier Band Ring Pavé Set with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat yellow gold band ring, half pavé set with 69 brilliant-cut diamonds (app. 1.33 carats, D-F, VS) in descending order of size across five rows, signed and numbered: Cartier...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Amethyst Ring 6.5 14k W Gold 1.72 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Natural Finely Faceted Quality Amethyst Ring 6.5 14k W Gold 1.72 TCW Certified $1,950 221287 This is a Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry Nothing says, “I Love you” more...
Amethyst, Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pavé Band Ring, 1.24 Carats
Located in ANTIBES, FR
A vintage band ring in 18k yellow gold, its rectangular top fully paved with diamonds set in white gold, totaling approximately 1.24 carats. Bold and luminous, it combines the warmth...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Mappin & Webb Trinity Ring Size J (49)
By Mappin & Webb
Located in London, GB
Here we have a bi-colour band trinity ring crafted by Mappin & Webb. The design features three interlocking bands, each made from a two types of gold in 18ct yellow and white. The ba...
Gold, 18k 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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