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20 Carat Aquamarine Ring

20 Carat Princess Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14K White Gold 20.16 Carat Princess Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring Crafted in 14K white
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Retro Deep Blue 20 Carat Cushion Aquamarine Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This cocktail ring features the most amazing aquamarine you've ever seen. The large, 20.75 carat
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

20 Carat Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, and 18K Rose Gold Ring, c. 1950
Located in New York, NY
A 20-carat round-cut aquamarine surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds and sapphires, ornamented with
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Retro Gold 20 Carat Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring Circa 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A magnificent 18K White Gold Aquamarine and Diamond Ring. The centerstone is an approximately 20
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold

Vintage 20 Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine and RBC Diamond Gold Retro Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Cut Aquamarine, weighing approx. 20 Carat. Both sides of ring Hand set with Round Brilliant Cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

20 carat Aquamarine Diamonds 18K Gold Made in Italy Grounding Bold Cocktail Ring
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
20 carat Aquamarine Diamonds 18K Gold Made in Italy Grounding Bold Cocktail Ring. Sonoro Pendant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Recent Sales

20 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Shoulders Ring
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
Large aquamarine ring approximately 20cts with triangular diamond shoulders in yellow and white
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Retro 20 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
This aquamarine and diamond ring has a perfect balance of the cool slate blue Aquamarine and white
Category

Vintage 1950s British Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

20 Carat Bright Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This original Ben Moses Jewelry Design ring is made with a remarkably bright 20 Carat Aquamarine
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold

Romantic 20 Carat Heart Shape Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Gleaming 14kt. yellow gold handmade aquamarine and diamond ring. The center is set with a fine
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold

Solitaire Aquamarine 20 Carat Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Geneva, CH
mesmerizing 20-carat light blue emerald-cut aquamarine, capturing the essence of the ocean's depth and allure
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, White Gold

20 Carat Sri Lankan Blue Aquamarine Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By D and A Style
Located in Singapore, SG
Cocktail ring - about 20 carat aquamarine, white gold and diamonds. This ring is one of a kind
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Armenian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Ye...

Aquamarine 20 carats and Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
a step-cut aquamarine weighing 21.7 cts, within a brilliant-cut diamond shoulder, mounted in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Retro 20 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
handmade wave design. The ring is set with a stunning 20 carat Aquamarine of perfect cut and great quality
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

1960s GIA 20 carats Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds on a platinum mounting. Aquamarine is reported to be approx. 20 carats. From Natural Beryl
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold with a 20-Carat Natural Aquamarine.
Located in PARIS, FR
aquamarine weighing approximately 20 carats (16 x 13 x 8 mm). Detailed Characteristics: Weight: 7.9 g Size
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Stambolian 20-Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Stambolian
Located in Towson, MD
One 18 karat white gold (stamped 18K) ring by Stambolian, set with one 20. carat oval aquamarine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

20 Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine & Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
aquamarine weighs approximately 20 carats and the 6 round brilliant cut diamond accents weigh approximately
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold 20 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage Art Deco style rectangle cocktail ring made in 1990s. The piece is crafted in 18K
Category

Late 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

20ct Aquamarine Diamond Ring Vintage Large Oval Cocktail Jewelry 18k White Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage estimated 20 carat aquamarine & diamond cocktail ring (circa 1960s to 1970s
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

20 Carat Aquamarine
Located in Las Vegas, NV
• 20 Carat Aquamarine No enhancement • Rose Gold Setting • Circa 1900
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Rose Gold

20 Carat Aquamarine, Diamond and 14K Gold Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
This dazzling 1964 14K White Gold, Diamond and Aquamarine Ring features a 20 carat emerald cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany & Co. Retro 1940s 20 Carat Aquamarine gold cocktail Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Litchfield, CT
jewel features a dazzling 20.15 carat aquamarine. Large gemstone rings were the rage in the forties and
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold

1940s 20 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Details: Cut: Step Emerald Cut Color: Santa Maria Carat: 20 carats Type: Aquamarine Diamond Details
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

20 Carat Natural Emerald Cut Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Gold, Estate
Located in New York, NY
20 Carat Natural Emerald Cut Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Gold, Estate Size of the ring 6.5 A
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Art Deco Certified 20 Carat Santa Maria Aquamarine Diamond Sapphire Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Art Deco ring set in the center with a stunning Aquamarine, Santa Maria origin, weighing 19,50
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

20ct Aquamarine Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage estimated 20 carat aquamarine cocktail ring (circa 1950s to 1960s) crafted in 14
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1950s 20 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Platinum ring, set with an approximately 20 carat aquamarine, surrounded with 030ctw in diamonds
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Midcentury 20 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Platinum mid century cocktail ring, set with a 20.16ct aquamarine, surrounded with 0.37ctw in
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Sterle Paris 20 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ruby Gold Ring
By Pierre Sterlé
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Exquisite vintage Sterle Paris ring, set in 18k yellow gold, featuring an approx. 20 carat
Category

Late 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 1920s Platinum Ring 1:20 Carat Aquamarine Art Deco Stepped Shoulders
Located in Preston, Lancashire
This Art Deco platinum features a round cut 1.20 carats aquamarine, secured with four V corners is
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

20 Carat Rectangular Deep Blue Aquamarine 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Paris, FR
An important rectangular acquamarine 18K white gold Cocktail Ring. Weight of the aquamarine
Category

Late 20th Century French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

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Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Amazing 18 Karat white gold cocktail ring. Handmade by our craftsmen and assembled with Australian opal and diamonds. Diamonds weight 0.80 karat Opal weight 6.96 karat Ring total we...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich purple silk halter dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It is fitted through the bodice with a stunning intricately detailed ruffle trimmed plunge halter neckli...
Category

Early 2000s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

17 Carat Blue Sapphire Oval Cabochon Gold Full Cut Round Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
17 Carat Blue Sapphire Oval Cab ring ( 17,5 mm x 13 mm ) set with 3,3 grams of 14 kt white gold. 12 round full cut diamonds of 0,05 ct. each = 0,6 ct total diamonds weight Ring Shan...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold

Platinum 18.36 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with the captivating Platinum 18.36 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring. • Stunning 18.36-carat aquamarine center stone • Sparkling round diamonds (0.18 ca...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

AJD Magnificent Natural Rare HUGE Blue 11 Carat Aquamarine Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
This gorgeous natural 11 Carat intense blue Aquamarine is 16mm x 13.5mm set in an 18K yellow gold and sterling silver ring size 7 sizable. This comes from one of the most famous mi...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

14k White Gold 6 Carat Trilliant Aquamarine & Diamond Cut White Topaz Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
What a beautiful ring! The cut of this stone is just spectacular! The ring is a size 6.25. It is a beautiful fancy trillion cut stone and is 6 carats. It a very high quality ston...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, Topaz, White Gold, 14k Gold

18 Carat White Gold and Aquamarine Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat white gold solitaire ring set with a step cut aquamarine in flawless condition and quality (circa 14 carat), France, marked with a French aigle and half a illegible Frenc...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 10.60 Carat Aquamarine Yellow Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This is a gorgeous one of a kind vintage aquamarine ring! The center is a GIA Certified aquamarine sitting on a swirly yellow gold precious ring. Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Meta...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Yellow Gold

1954 Christian Dior Haute Couture 'Lily of the Valley' Satin Evening Dress Suit
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two piece suit consisting of a jacket and mid length skirt of butter black satin trimmed with a velvet and jet fringe. The fitted jacket is constructed on princess lines with raglan ...
Category

1950s Dress and Coat Ensembles

Diamond Platinum Tiara
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent tiara fit for a queen, impressively crafted with over 40 carats of high quality brilliant-cut round diamonds mounted in platinum.
Category

Vintage 1950s American More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five bright glistening diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple open work setting modelled in 18ct gold. The diamonds total 30pts. Ring Size: K or 5 1/4 Face Width: 4mm Height Of...
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 2.00 Carat Vivid Pink Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From The Museum Vault At Emilio Jewelry Located on New York's Fifth Avenue, A true collection piece. Sits in the center a magnificent elongated oval. Gia certified as a natural vivid...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Pink Diamond, Platinum

Rectangular Cut Aquamarine and Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 5 Elegant and captivating, behold this exquisite aquamarine and diamond cocktail ring crafted in polished platinum. A true embodiment of luxury, this remarkable piece is ...
Category

20th Century Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Blue Topaz Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: platinum Blue Topaz: 1 emerald cut = 35.40ct Ring Size: 6.5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests) Dimensions: ring top measur...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Topaz, Platinum

Vintage Cartier Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Single Stone Ring, Circa 1960
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage Cartier aquamarine 18 karat yellow gold single stone ring, circa 1960 This ring is set with an impressive emerald cut aquamarine of 8.77 carats approximately in a half bez...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls 850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr
Located in SE
Early XX cent. beautiful arrangement of 14 oval cut of natural Amethyst stones and 21 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Hallmarks on C-lock part 850, un...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Silver, Gold

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20 Carat Aquamarine Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 20 carat aquamarine ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold. You can easily find a 234 antique edition and 33 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect 20 carat aquamarine ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a 20 carat aquamarine ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Tiffany & Co., Eva Soussana and H. Stern are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an emerald cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and round cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 20 carat aquamarine ring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 20 Carat Aquamarine Ring?

On average, a 20 carat aquamarine ring at 1stDibs sells for $4,955, while they’re typically $350 on the low end and $44,950 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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 Aquamarine in Jewelry Design

Perhaps the one gemstone that best embodies the glimmering blue of the ocean is aquamarine, not just in name but also in color. Aqua marina (Latin for water and sea), March’s birthstone, is often crystal clear and blue. Often affordable in price, vintage and antique aquamarine jewelry belongs in everyone’s jewelry box.

Aquamarine is a precious gemstone from the mineral beryl family. Its cousin is the emerald. Like other beryl varieties, aquamarines are rated 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that they are soft enough for jewelers to cut to their client’s specs but also durable enough for daily wear.

On land or sea, aquamarines feature prominently in many folk tales, including one about mermaids gifting aquamarine to sailors to protect them during sea voyages. Worn around sailors’ necks as an amulet, it kept them from getting seasick and, most importantly, from shipwrecks. Considered a symbol of courage by some, aquamarine amulets were also favored by Egyptian and Hebrew warriors during battle.

Aquamarine has also made appearances on some of the grandest of great dames. The Brazilian government gifted Eleanor Roosevelt with a 1,847-carat aquamarine in 1935 and Queen Elizabeth II received a sizable aquamarine upon her 1953 coronation; this stone is now the focal point of her aquamarine tiara. And renowned Tiffany & Co. designer Jean Schlumberger made a diamond Bow setting for a 148.5-carat aquamarine, which was originally exhibited at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition, now in the collection of the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago.

On 1stDibs, find a range of vintage and antique aquamarine jewelry that includes unique aquamarine rings, necklaces and other accessories.

Finding the Right Cocktail-rings for You

A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.

Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.

Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.

Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.

During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.

So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic

Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.

These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.