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Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio Gold Ring
Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio Gold Ring

Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio Gold Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

A museum quality ancient Roman gold ring, circa 400 AD. This hollow ring is bezel-set with a

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Castellani Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio Gold Ring
Castellani Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio Gold Ring

Castellani Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio Gold Ring

By Castellani

Located in New York, NY

Castellani® has selected this Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio for the "Cleopatra" Ring Setting. The

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold, Gold

Castellani Ancient Banded Agate Peacock Intaglio Gold Ring
Castellani Ancient Banded Agate Peacock Intaglio Gold Ring

Castellani Ancient Banded Agate Peacock Intaglio Gold Ring

By Castellani

Located in New York, NY

A lovely Ancient Roman gem. The orange and white banded agate intaglio is over 2000 years old. In

Category

2010s American Etruscan Revival Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 18k Gold

Roman Jasper Intaglio set in Ancient Gold Ring
Roman Jasper Intaglio set in Ancient Gold Ring

Roman Jasper Intaglio set in Ancient Gold Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: 2nd century Dimensions: 9 x 13 mm Ring Size: 7 Weight: 8,30 gr The intaglio of the second

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Jasper, Gold, 22k Gold

Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring with Clasped Hands
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring with Clasped Hands

Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Ring with Clasped Hands

Located in Stamford, CT

oval shaped intaglio"dextrarum lunctio" on the carnelian. This translates to clasped hands. Each hand

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Band Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 22k Gold

Ancient Gold Amethyst Engraved Scorpion Ring Early Javanese Intaglio Ring
Ancient Gold Amethyst Engraved Scorpion Ring Early Javanese Intaglio Ring

Ancient Gold Amethyst Engraved Scorpion Ring Early Javanese Intaglio Ring

Located in London, GB

This scarce gold intaglio ring dates to the Indonesian Classical period, circa 8th–10th century

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 22k Gold

Ancient Roman intaglio ring, circa 1st-3rd century AD.
Ancient Roman intaglio ring, circa 1st-3rd century AD.

Ancient Roman intaglio ring, circa 1st-3rd century AD.

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman intaglio ring. Set with an oval black glass intaglio engraved with a profile of a

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Castellani Ancient 7th Century Carnelian Intaglio 18kt Gold Ring
Castellani Ancient 7th Century Carnelian Intaglio 18kt Gold Ring

Castellani Ancient 7th Century Carnelian Intaglio 18kt Gold Ring

By Castellani

Located in New York, NY

The 7th century Roman intaglio is set into the Castellani® Artemis designed ring. The intaglio is

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring, circa 150-250 AD.
Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring, circa 150-250 AD.

Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring, circa 150-250 AD.

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring. Set with an oval nicolo onyx intaglio depicting a

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Ancient Greek Gold Intaglio Ring Circa 4th Century BC
Ancient Greek Gold Intaglio Ring Circa 4th Century BC

Ancient Greek Gold Intaglio Ring Circa 4th Century BC

Located in Chicago, IL

A unique, museum quality ancient Greek gold ring, circa 4th century BC, likely a wedding ring. The

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Greek Classical Greek Signet Rings

Ancient Roman Gold Mens Signet Ring Conical Intaglio Ring Gem Carving
Ancient Roman Gold Mens Signet Ring Conical Intaglio Ring Gem Carving

Ancient Roman Gold Mens Signet Ring Conical Intaglio Ring Gem Carving

Located in London, GB

A superb ancient Roman agate intaglio ring. The high-karat gold signet ring is set with an engraved

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 22k Gold

EROS CROWNING ROOSTER Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio 18Kt Gold Ring
EROS CROWNING ROOSTER Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio 18Kt Gold Ring

EROS CROWNING ROOSTER Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio 18Kt Gold Ring

Located in Roma, IT

ancient gem is now set in a high-quality 18 kt gold ring, crafted to enhance the intaglio’s legibility and

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Diana Intaglio 2rd Century AD
Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Diana Intaglio 2rd Century AD

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Diana Intaglio 2rd Century AD

Located in Firenze, IT

Ancient carnelian intaglio of the goddess Diana holding a bow in her right hand an reaching for an

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold

Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio
Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio

Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: II century A.D Ring size: 8 Top size: 14 mm x 11 mm Weight: 6.8 gr This magical ring from

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Jasper, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Ancient 2nd Century AD Roman Dionysus Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring
Ancient 2nd Century AD Roman Dionysus Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring

Ancient 2nd Century AD Roman Dionysus Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman Dionysus intaglio ring. Set with an oval carnelian intaglio finely engraved with

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Unknown Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Yellow Gold, Gold

Large Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring c.1st Century AD
Large Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring c.1st Century AD

Large Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring c.1st Century AD

Located in Chicago, IL

Roman Empire, circa 1st century AD This large hollow gold ring features a carnelian intaglio set in

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Minerva Intaglio, 3rd-4th Century AD
Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Minerva Intaglio, 3rd-4th Century AD

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Minerva Intaglio, 3rd-4th Century AD

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman gold ring with Minerva intaglio. Set to centre with an oval hardstone intaglio in a

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Materials

Gold

White Gold Carnelian Art Deco Ancient Warrior Men's Ring 10k Intaglio Vintage
White Gold Carnelian Art Deco Ancient Warrior Men's Ring 10k Intaglio Vintage

White Gold Carnelian Art Deco Ancient Warrior Men's Ring 10k Intaglio Vintage

Located in Greensboro, NC

: 10k White Gold Stone Information Carnelian Cut: Intaglio Style: Solitaire Bracelet Style: 45793

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 10k Gold, White Gold

DEXTRARUM IUNCTIO Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring 1st-2nd Cent. AD 22 Kt Gold Ring
DEXTRARUM IUNCTIO Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring 1st-2nd Cent. AD 22 Kt Gold Ring

DEXTRARUM IUNCTIO Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring 1st-2nd Cent. AD 22 Kt Gold Ring

Located in Roma, IT

This Roman intaglio depicts one of the most emblematic gestures of Roman art: the dextrarum iunctio

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 22k Gold

Castellani Ancient 3rd to 7th Century Carnelian Lion Intaglio 18kt Gold Ring
Castellani Ancient 3rd to 7th Century Carnelian Lion Intaglio 18kt Gold Ring

Castellani Ancient 3rd to 7th Century Carnelian Lion Intaglio 18kt Gold Ring

By Castellani

Located in New York, NY

This Ancient intaglio is from the 3rd to 7th Century from the Sasanian Empire (224-651 CE, also

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman Black Agate Intaglio Cocidius Mounted In Gold Ring 3ND Century AD
Ancient Roman Black Agate Intaglio Cocidius Mounted In Gold Ring 3ND Century AD

Ancient Roman Black Agate Intaglio Cocidius Mounted In Gold Ring 3ND Century AD

Located in Firenze, IT

A Roman black agate intaglio showing Cocidius in a gold ring made of elaborate filigreed wires on a

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 22k Gold

Ancient Roman Apollo and Salus Intaglio Ring, circa 3rd-4th Century AD
Ancient Roman Apollo and Salus Intaglio Ring, circa 3rd-4th Century AD

Ancient Roman Apollo and Salus Intaglio Ring, circa 3rd-4th Century AD

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman Apollo and Salus intaglio ring. Set with an oval cornelian intaglio intricately

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Unknown Signet Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Intaglio of a Peacock c. 200 AD
Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Intaglio of a Peacock c. 200 AD

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Intaglio of a Peacock c. 200 AD

Located in Chicago, IL

Ancient World by Jeffrey Spier and Jack Ogden). Set into the bezel is a finely engraved garnet intaglio

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Materials

Garnet, Gold, Silver

Ancient Roman Kneeling Athlete intaglio, 1st-2nd century AD.
Ancient Roman Kneeling Athlete intaglio, 1st-2nd century AD.

Ancient Roman Kneeling Athlete intaglio, 1st-2nd century AD.

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman Kneeling Athlete intaglio. Set to centre with an oval garnet intaglio in a closed

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Ancient Roman Gold Banded Agate Intaglio Ring Of A Sea Hare And Shell
Ancient Roman Gold Banded Agate Intaglio Ring Of A Sea Hare And Shell

Ancient Roman Gold Banded Agate Intaglio Ring Of A Sea Hare And Shell

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: 3rd century Ring size: 7 Weight: 4 gr The Roman intaglio of the Third century is made of

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 22k Gold

Ancient Roman Silenus Nicolo Intaglio Ringstone circa 1st-2nd century AD
Ancient Roman Silenus Nicolo Intaglio Ringstone circa 1st-2nd century AD

Ancient Roman Silenus Nicolo Intaglio Ringstone circa 1st-2nd century AD

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: I-II century A.D. Top size: 9 mm Ring size: 8 1/4 Weight: 12.61 gr The ring is

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold

Rare Ancient Roman Silver Legionary Ring c. 300 AD
Rare Ancient Roman Silver Legionary Ring c. 300 AD

Rare Ancient Roman Silver Legionary Ring c. 300 AD

Located in Chicago, IL

ancient iron ring is in the collection of the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (UK). The intaglio features an

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Engagement Rings

Materials

Jasper, Silver

Ancient Roman Antique Intaglio Ring
Ancient Roman Antique Intaglio Ring

Ancient Roman Antique Intaglio Ring

Located in Austin, TX

Ancient Roman carved agate intaglio ring depicting an ant. The shank is in a stir-up shaped, common

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier More Rings

Materials

Gold

Ancient Carnelian Intaglio Yellow Gold Ring
Ancient Carnelian Intaglio Yellow Gold Ring

Ancient Carnelian Intaglio Yellow Gold Ring

Located in Pleasant Hill, CA

Featuring one carved carnelian intaglio, 12.5 X 11.0 mm, depicting a Boar, and the word/name Zuccci

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Unknown Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio in 18k Gold Chevalière Ring
Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio in 18k Gold Chevalière Ring

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Garnet Intaglio in 18k Gold Chevalière Ring

Located in New York, NY

Victoria Strigini (b. 1991) A contemporary 18k yellow gold ring, featuring a 2nd- 3rd century AD

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman White Agate Intaglio in a Later Gold Ring Mount
Ancient Roman White Agate Intaglio in a Later Gold Ring Mount

Ancient Roman White Agate Intaglio in a Later Gold Ring Mount

Located in London, GB

his short cloak flowing behind him as he springs. The Intaglio is set within a broad bezel to plain

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Intaglio Marriage Ring, in 18k Gold and Jasper
Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Intaglio Marriage Ring, in 18k Gold and Jasper

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Intaglio Marriage Ring, in 18k Gold and Jasper

Located in New York, NY

engagement ring by Victoria Strigini, in 18k yellow gold with a high-shine finish, featuring a Roman intaglio

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Wedding Rings

Materials

Jasper, 18k Gold

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio in 18k Gold Oeuf au Plat Ring
Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio in 18k Gold Oeuf au Plat Ring

Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Agate Intaglio in 18k Gold Oeuf au Plat Ring

Located in New York, NY

Victoria Strigini (b. 1991) An elegant contemporary 18k yellow gold ring, featuring a 2nd- 3rd

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Classical Roman Solitaire Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Ancient Carnelian Intaglio of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory
Ancient Carnelian Intaglio of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory

Ancient Carnelian Intaglio of Nike, the Greek Goddess of Victory

Located in London, GB

Set in an 18k Gold Ring, the Carnelian of a pleasant deep orange colour, the helmeted Nike is

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Small Ancient Roman Amethyst Intaglio of the God Mercury in a Later Gold Ring
Small Ancient Roman Amethyst Intaglio of the God Mercury in a Later Gold Ring

Small Ancient Roman Amethyst Intaglio of the God Mercury in a Later Gold Ring

Located in London, GB

crouching goat. Mercury's upper torso has a fine polish and the ancient stone is in good condition. Finger

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring
Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring

Ancient Roman Carnelian Intaglio Gold Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

An ancient Roman carnelian intaglio ringstone, circa 1st-2nd century AD, is mounted in a modern

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Gold

Ancient Carnelian Intaglio Jewish Men's Ring
Ancient Carnelian Intaglio Jewish Men's Ring

Ancient Carnelian Intaglio Jewish Men's Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Ancient carnelian intaglio depicting Hanukkah setting in high carat gold in Etruscan Revival

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Etruscan Revival Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ancient Roman Ring with Jasper Intaglio
Ancient Roman Ring with Jasper Intaglio

Ancient Roman Ring with Jasper Intaglio

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

jasper intaglio set into this ring depicts a left facing lion which is accentuated with a resplendent

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Jasper, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring of Helios
Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring of Helios

Ancient Roman Intaglio Ring of Helios

Located in Stamford, CT

A remarkable and original ancient Roman ring c. 3rd or 4th century A.D. is set with a heliotrope

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Band Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Neptune Intaglio
Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Neptune Intaglio

Ancient Roman Gold Ring with Neptune Intaglio

Located in Firenze, IT

Rare Ancient Roman gold ring with decorated shoulder and intaglio stone with god Neptune standing

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 22k Gold

Ancient Intaglio Agate Diamond Silver Gold Ring

Ancient Intaglio Agate Diamond Silver Gold Ring

Located in Greenwich, CT

intaglio agate ring is all about positive romantic connections. The magical white rimmed mocha colored

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier More Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Michael Kneebone Ancient Persian Intaglio Carnelian Textured Ring
Michael Kneebone Ancient Persian Intaglio Carnelian Textured Ring

Michael Kneebone Ancient Persian Intaglio Carnelian Textured Ring

By Michael Kneebone

Located in Austin, TX

A carnelian intaglio from ancient Persia is featured in this 18k yellow gold ring. The carved

Category

2010s American Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman First Century AD Amethyst Intaglio Ring
Ancient Roman First Century AD Amethyst Intaglio Ring

Ancient Roman First Century AD Amethyst Intaglio Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

An ancient amethyst intaglio representing three sacrifice tools: knife, jug and ladle I Century AD

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Museum Quality Ancient Roman Jupiter Intaglio Signet Ring
Museum Quality Ancient Roman Jupiter Intaglio Signet Ring

Museum Quality Ancient Roman Jupiter Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman Jupiter intaglio signet ring. Set with an oval cabochon garnet intaglio, engraved

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings

Materials

Garnet, Yellow Gold

Ancient Roman Amethyst Intaglio Magical Gryllos Gold Ring
Ancient Roman Amethyst Intaglio Magical Gryllos Gold Ring

Ancient Roman Amethyst Intaglio Magical Gryllos Gold Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

, with a grotesque personality is known as “gryllos” and this detail can suggest that the intaglio is

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold

Classical Intaglio High Karat Ring in the Ancient Style
Classical Intaglio High Karat Ring in the Ancient Style

Classical Intaglio High Karat Ring in the Ancient Style

Located in Litchfield, CT

Circa 1960s, 22k, intaglio ancient Roman 200CE to 400CE. This ancient-styled high-karat gold ring

Category

Vintage 1960s Signet Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ancient Roman Gold Finger Ring Intaglio, 1st Century AD
Ancient Roman Gold Finger Ring Intaglio, 1st Century AD

Ancient Roman Gold Finger Ring Intaglio, 1st Century AD

Located in Aspen, CO

intaglio. Overall, this ancient Roman intaglio ring is in fine condition.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 22k Gold

Ancient Roman Intaglio Set In An 18th Century Ring
Ancient Roman Intaglio Set In An 18th Century Ring

Ancient Roman Intaglio Set In An 18th Century Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Unsual 18th century ring set with an octagonal cut jasper, to the centre a ancient Roman republican

Category

Antique Late 18th Century French Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Jasper, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Ancient Roman Nicolo Intaglio Ring Circa 2nd Century AD
Ancient Roman Nicolo Intaglio Ring Circa 2nd Century AD

Ancient Roman Nicolo Intaglio Ring Circa 2nd Century AD

Located in Firenze, IT

Silver and gold ring, adorned with Roman intaglio depicting putto in profile. Ring size: 7 Weight

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ancient Roman Sassanian Lapis Intaglio Ring, circa 600 AD
Ancient Roman Sassanian Lapis Intaglio Ring, circa 600 AD

Ancient Roman Sassanian Lapis Intaglio Ring, circa 600 AD

Located in Stamford, CT

The beaded shank and face of this magnificent Roman Sassanian ring c. 600 AD, is set in high carat

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 22k Gold

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Ancient Intaglio Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact ancient intaglio ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and 22k Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Making the right choice when shopping for an ancient intaglio ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating an ancient intaglio ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Bulgari and Michael Kneebone are consistently popular. An ancient intaglio ring of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Agate, from our inventory of 5, is particularly popular. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes portrait cut and round cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for an ancient intaglio ring, you’ll find that many are available today for men, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and women.

How Much is a Ancient Intaglio Ring?

Prices for an ancient intaglio ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,250 and can go as high as $75,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $6,950.

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.

Finding the Right Signet-rings for You

Traditionally considered a ring for men, a vintage signet ring is a popular gift today for anyone who desires an expressive, timeless piece of jewelry that can feature all manner of engraved motifs, gemstones, specific symbols or monograms.

Whether it's an antique gold signet ring, diamond signet ring or some other classic iteration, signet rings get their name from signus, which means “sign” in Latin.

These rings, which may historically be referred to as “seal rings,” date back thousands of years and were used as a form of signature. Whatever may have been engraved on the ring — a married couple’s initials, a family crest — identified ownership for the purposes of authenticating documents and more when impressed on soft wax. During the Middle Ages, signet rings were symbols of power and prestige and common accessories for nobility. Later, during the 19th century, precious and semiprecious stones such as rubies and diamonds were added to gold signet rings as they took on a more ornate appearance than they had previously. 

In recent years, fashion has been primarily about individuality, and nothing is more personal than a jewel bearing a name or monogram. That is the reason jewelers have revived traditional signet rings, custom-engraving their designs with customers’ preferred words or symbols. Those who prefer the thrill of the hunt have a range of vintage letter charms and pendants to sift through.

And it isn't all about men's signet rings anymore, either — the accessory is for everyone. Princess Diana wore a signet ring that was a gift from Charles before their wedding, and we all know that the royals are top-tier fashion influencers, especially when it comes to rings.

Find vintage diamond signet rings, onyx signet rings and other types of rings on 1stDibs.

Questions About Ancient Intaglio Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    An intaglio ring has a gem with a recessed image on it. Intaglio rings were used in ancient Rome as signet rings, where one could use hot wax to transfer their specific ring’s impression to another surface. Shop a collection of expertly vetted jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Roman intaglio ring is a signet ring with an image carved into stone. Today the ring is worn as an accessory. In ancient Rome, intaglio rings were worn by prominent businessmen and politicians and even used as impressions on signatures of hot wax. Browse a wide range of Roman intaglio rings from reputable sellers on 1stDibs.