2a Golconda If Diamond
2010s American Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Hong Kong Modern Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Ruby
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Late 20th Century French Modern Engagement Rings
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Blue Diamond
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Ruby
Vintage 1940s Hong Kong Contemporary Figurines and Sculptures
Jade, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Paraiba, Tourmaline, Multi-gemstone, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s Swiss Wrist Watches
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1910s Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond
1990s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
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20th Century American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum
2010s Australian Modern Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s Italian Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
20th Century American Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings
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 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.
- Does Golconda have diamonds?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Golconda has diamonds. The region in India was the source for many famous diamonds, such as the blue Hope, the white Koh-i-Noor, the pink Daria-i-Noor and the Dresden green. On 1stDibs, you can find a range of diamond jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The best way to tell a Golconda diamond is to have it evaluated by a licensed appraiser who specializes in gemstone jewelry. While the color and cut of a diamond may assist with identification, it is usually not possible to determine the origin of one with the naked eye alone. Shop a range of diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023Yes, the Koh-i-Noor diamond is from Golconda, India. Other famous diamonds that originated from the region include the Hope Diamond, the Dresden Green, the Nassak Diamond and the Idol's Eye. Find a collection of diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021A 2 carat oval diamond is approximately 10.23mm × 6.82mm × 4.16mm in size. These diamonds usually have an approximate face-up area of 57.21 mm². Find a variety of diamonds on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Whether two-carat diamond studs are too big is a matter of personal preference. At this size, each earring will be one carat. If you opt for the classic round brilliant cut, the studs will typically measure around 6.5 millimeters in diameter, which is a little more than half the size of a dime. Find a wide range of diamond stud earrings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The difference between Type I and Type II diamonds is their composition. Type I diamonds contain nitrogen-based impurities, while Type II diamonds do not feature these types of impurities. You'll find a large collection of diamond gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023How big a 2-carat diamond with a princess cut is varies from piece to piece. However, the average size is 7 millimeters by 7 millimeters. The measurement is around 9/32 inches, so a 2-carat princess-cut diamond will be just a little over a quarter-inch in size. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of princess-cut diamond jewelry.
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