Victorian 15 Carat Gold Pearl Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A superb antique Victorian five-stone ring set with stunning graduated pearls.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Diamond Engagement Ring, 1.56 Carat Total Weight, Estate Art Deco, circa 1930s
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
Glowing with the warmth of vintage 14 karat white gold, this Art Deco ring proudly displays 3 old European cut diamonds in a horizontal cartouche, accented by gracefully angled leave...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful antique Victorian five-stone ring set with three pearls and two rose cut diamonds in star settings.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Modern Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite five-stone ring set with beautiful princess cut diamonds and a step cut emerald. The central emerald measures 15pts and the diamond total is 40pts. Ring Size: N or 6 3...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian English Carved Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Made of 18 karat yellow gold, this ring builds on the classic three stone style and continues further around the finger, wearing like an eternity band from the top, yet with comforta...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Antique Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Foliate Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five graduate cushion cut sapphires weighing approximately 1.08 carat total Transparent medium blue in color and set with belcher-style prongs Every other prong is stylize...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal Cabochon Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five oval-shaped opal cabochons, each measuring 3.0 x 4.5 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color - prong set in rows Accented by rows of prong set o...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Five-Stone Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Ring, 1906
Located in London, GB
This antique ring features 3 royal blue sapphires accompanied by two old cut diamonds all mounted in a classic original Edwardian 18 carat yellow gold setting. English Hallmarks - 19...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Five Stone Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The ring's delicate five-stone setting whispers of vintage glamour, while the polished yellow gold band adds a touch of modern sophistication.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Five-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring 1.06 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An elegant 18k white gold five stone diamond dress ring. The ring is composed of five beautiful graduating old cut diamonds, totalling 1.06ct, colour G-H predominantly VS1 clarity. T...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Classic five stone 18ct gold ring holding shimmering cushion cut diamonds. Total diamond weight approx 90pts. Ring Size: R 1/2 or 8 3/4
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Opal 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The style if this five stone ring has an almost Indian feel to it. The bright yellow 9ct gold next to the pale shimmering opals is absolutely stunning. The edges of the band has tiny...
Opal, Gold
Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening old mine cut diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple open work setting modelled in 18ct gold. The diamond total approx 1carat and are G/H colour VS1. Ring Size: ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
1900s Antique 2.01 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 2.01 carat diamond and 15 karat yellow gold, platinum set five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and im...
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Five-Stone Platinum Ring Ruby, Sapphire Diamond 3.07 Carat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Five stone ring consists of 3 oval shape Diamonds, one oval shaped Ruby and one oval shaped Sapphire.
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The pearls in this five stone ring have a stunning sheen to them and to add that little sparkle there are eight rose cut Diamond points in between the stones. The size of the stones ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous chunky gold ring holds five bright sparkling diamonds. The centre Diamond measures 60pts and the diamonds either side go down in size to 45pts and the smallest stones a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Opal and 9 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this five stone band are absolutely magical. They have a gorgeous strong blue hue with flecks of purple, green an so many other colours. The stones are encased in crimpe...
Opal, 9k Gold
Endearing 0.78 Carat Diamond Platinum Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set to front by five square step cut diamonds - split and V prongs Weighing in total approximately 0.78 carat with H/I color and VS clarity Completed by faceted cathedral shoulders...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Pearl and 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The setting on this ring is s ornate and packed with pretty detail. Sat between the scroll and claw detail are five sweet pearls which slightly graduate in size starting with the lar...
Pearl, Gold
Victorian Turquoise and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The pop of the turquoise stones next to the glossy 18ct yellow gold is gorgeous. The stones are set in simple claw settings. Ring Size: K or 4 3/4 Band Width: 8mm Weight: 3.81g
Turquoise, Gold
Contemporary 1.53 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Yellow Gold Ring, circa 2000
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.53 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone, platinum set, half eternity ring; part of our contemporary diamond jewelry collection This fine contemp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Antique 1.28 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.28 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impressive Victor...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1930s 2.47 carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.47 carat diamond and 18 carat yellow gold, platinum set five stone dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry coll...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.39 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.39 carat natural blue sapphire and 0.72 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Antique 1.23 Carat Diamond and Platinum Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1.23 carat diamond and platinum five stone dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet pearl five stone is dainty and a classic style. In between the pearls sit pairs of rose cut diamond points. This ring is modelled in 18carat gold. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Diamonds in this five stone ring are so bright and sparkly and total approx 25pts. The rubies that site either side of the central, slightly larger diamond, are a bright red colo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this 18carat gold ring are five diamonds. The central diamond measures 60pts and the smallest diamonds measure 20pts each. Diamond total of this ring is 1.9carats. Ring Size...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Pink Tourmaline and 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunner holds five deep pink tourmaline that are beautifully cut and catch the light just right to get that sparkle. They are set almost flush within the 15ct gold band. Ring ...
Tourmaline, Gold
Antique 1.99 Carat Diamond and Platinum Five Stone Ring, circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1.99 carat diamond and platinum five stone dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Thus victorian beauty is modelled out of 18carat gold and has five rose cut diamonds set within it. The central stone measures 5.1x4.2mm and the stones are slightly graduated to the ...
Diamond, Gold
1950s Midcentury 0.70 Carat Diamond Platinum Five-Stone Band Stacking Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fishtail style band set to front with five round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.70 carat total, G/H color with VVS clarity Completed by chevron shoulders with a ve...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Five-Stone Diamond Ruby Anniversary Eternity Ring 2.20 Carat 18 Karat White
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and ruby anniversary ring hand crafted in 18K white gold. Amazing high end quality. Stunning diamond ruby eternity band crafted in 18K white gold with high end touches and fi...
Platinum Old Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring Early 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed as a graduated row centred by an old European-cut centre diamond with estimated weight 0.50 carats, estimated remaining diamond weight 1.10 carats, mounted in platinum Weig...
Diamond, Platinum
1.08 Carat Five-Stone Diamond Wedding Engagement 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A very ELEGANT and CLASSY 5 Stone Diamond ring in 18K Yellow gold. You'll love its color, the way it catches the light with lots of fire, its beautiful creation of pure symmetry. Fir...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Emerald Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bright Victorian emerald and Old Mine cut diamond half hoop five stone ring dating to about 1880. The ring centers on an Old Mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.15 carats tha...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.00 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Wedding Band 14k White Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 4 1/2 - 4 3/4. Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Clarity: SI2 - I1 Color: H - I Cut: Round Brilliant Total C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1910s 1.31 Carat Diamond and 18 k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine antique 1.31 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set five stone dress ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery collections.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Inspired Diamond Platinum Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco Inspired Diamond Platinum Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old European cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.55 carat, graded near-colorless, I1 clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
Five-Stone Diamond Anniversary Ring, 14 Karat White Gold Round Cut .80 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Watch your wife’s eyes light up with sheer joy when you give her this gorgeous anniversary ring! Fashioned in a meaningful five-stone design, this band showcases five white diamonds ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1950's Mid-Century 0.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Five Stone Fishtail Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring centers five prong set round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.50 carat - G/H in color with VS clarity Accented by angular knife's edge shoulders With pier...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning five stone diamond has so much sparkle which is complimented by the bright yellow glossy gold. The stones total approx 40pts. The shoulders hold open work detail and th...
Diamond, Gold
Old Cut Diamond Platinum Five-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stylish, modern and featuring antique diamonds. This gorgeous band can't get any better! Extremely comfortable and perfect for everyday wear, this band would make a wonderful wedding...
Diamond, Platinum
Five-Stone Diamond Wedding Band, 10 Karat Gold Men's Ring Round Cut 1.00 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Guaranteed 10k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds - Clarity: I1 Color: F - G Cut: Round Total Carats: 1.00ctw Face Height (north to south): 3/8...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Garnet Five-Stone Ring – 1980s
Located in New York, NY
The prongs are in excellent condition, and the shank shows minor wear but remains structurally sound. Ring Specifications: Era: Vintage, 1980s Brand: Unsigned Collection: Vintage Ha...
Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Five-Stone Carved Shank Engagement Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
The shank has a wonderful hand engraving and is all in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.45 Total Colour: F Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Emerald and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1896
Located in London, GB
Introducing a truly exceptional antique five-stone ring, dating to 1896, that showcases the enduring beauty of emeralds and diamonds, set in warm 18 carat yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Ruby Diamond Five Stone Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Estate Ruby Diamond five stone yellow gold band ring. The Estate Ruby Diamond Five Stone Yellow Gold Band Ring represents a harmonious blend of aesthetics and craftsmanship, embodyi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 1.00 CTW Diamond Platinum Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring features five round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing in total approximately 1.00 carat - F to G color with VS clarity Set via shared prongs with a deeply scalloped profile...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 0.92 CTW Diamond Platinum Five Stone Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 0.60 carat - H color with SI1 clarity Prong set and flanked by additional round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approxi...
Diamond, Platinum
HM 1895 Chester 18K Five Stone cushion cut diamond Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Because this 18K Five Stone cushion cut diamond ring is hallmarked, 1895 Chester, you are guaranteed its authenticity.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Carré cut ruby and diamond platinum five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage platinum five-stone ring showcases three carré cut rubies totaling 1.32 carats and two carré cut diamonds of H color and VS clarity, weighing .46 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Late Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old European and eight rose cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.85 carat, graded near-...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Wedding Band - 14k Round .20ctw Five-Stone Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $30 or Down 1 size for $20 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring three old mine cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.50 carat, graded I color, I1 clarity.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.15Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.15 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold five stone ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 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 diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
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.