C1800 Georgian 18K Early Fede Ring with Hand Over Heart
Located in Baltimore, MD
Our 18K rare fede ring has a delicately carved hand gently touching a heart with the symbolizing "I give you the gift of my heart".
18k Gold
Antique 18K Gold Victorian Carnelian Intaglio Seal Ring, 1868
Located in Napoli, IT
Stepping back into History An impressive antique Carnelian intaglio seal ring, bearing full British hallmarks for 1868 age and 18 ct gold The face set with a large oval piece of Carn...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
$1,684Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.05 ct. The diamond is has G color and vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.5 We can make any size. Please contact fo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Era 18K Yellow Gold Ring. Buckle Design Hand Engraving Collectable
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Material: 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry Type: Buckle Ring Style: Victorian Buckle Ring, Engraved Gold Band Country of Origin: English Jewelry Era: Victorian Era,...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Six Stone Engagement Ring. 1.10ct Ruby 1ct Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
The alternating gemstones create a balanced composition, with the diamonds offering antique brilliance against the rich color of the rubies. Handcrafted in 18k yellow gold circa 186...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$5,032Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian 18k Gold Tourmaline and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Austin, TX
It boasts a rich beautiful 6.5mm round tourmaline surrounded by beautiful, impressively clear antique cut diamonds (VS-SI / H-I - approx 3.25 ctw), presented in 18k gold. This ring i...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Coiled Snake Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Coiled Snake Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Halo Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 4.25 /2.55gr
Located in SE
Crown with Silver top on solid 18K band is 11 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm deep. Band hallmarked 18K, tested 18K.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Ring with 0.30ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Graded H-I color and SI clarity, the diamonds carry the warm, candlelit glow so characteristic of hand-cut antique stones, their soft brilliance full of old-world character. Crafted ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Cut Diamond Floral Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Cut Diamond Floral Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Heavy Italian Antique 18K Yellow Gold Garnet Ring, 4.00cts.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Other Important Details: The ring is a Size 4.5. The ring is stamped "18K", and has been tested to be 18K Yellow Gold.
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold Ring With Round Cabochon Garnet Circa 1890
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring with round cabochon garnet in yellow gold flat mount. Circa 1890's Size band : 10mm Finger size: 8 Weight: 3.53gr.
Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.80 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Graded G-H color and VS-SI clarity, the diamonds offer bright, lively brilliance despite their soft, historic character. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the ring carries a gram weight of...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.57 CTW Diamond 18K Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Fantastic 18K white gold filigree 1.37 carat old mine cut diamond ring from the 1920's!
Diamond, 18k Gold
Georgian 18k Gold Octagonal Miniature Ring, Circa 1790, France
Located in Firenze, IT
Octagonal miniature depicting a putto under a tree and near a brazer with the inscription in French "à l'amitié" that underlines the sentimental value of such gift. The frame is in ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Art Deco .46ct Emerald Ring Size 5
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold Art Deco ring featuring a genuine earth mined emerald.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Era Silver and Diamond Ring. 0.40ct Cushion Cut Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Center Dia...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
0.70ct Opal & Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
- Opal & diamond cluster engagement ring - 0.70ct opal 7.89x6.25x2.93 mm - Halo of old-mine-cut diamonds, totalling 0.35ct (G-H / SI1-SI2) - 18K yellow gold - Ring size: UK K1/2 / U...
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k Yellow Gold Oval Bezel Set Uncarved Hardstone Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Genuine Hardstone - Oval Cut - Bezel Set - Black Color - 11.6 x 10mm (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 3.48 Grams Ring Size: 4.0 ( fitted on finger, p...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1911 18k Yellow Gold Five-Stone Diamond Ring, 0.66ct, London
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The antique ring is hallmarked to the interior of the ring shank with the gold guarantee mark (crown), the 18k gold fineness mark(18), the London Assay Office hallmark (leopard's hea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring with 0.35 CTW in Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Period: Edwardian Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum (platinum on top) Stones: Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 7 (sizable) Ring Width: Approx. 0.80 inches (20.3 mm) Total...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 18K Gold .68ct Sapphire Ring Hand Engraved size 9.25
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold ring featuring a genuine blue sapphire weighing .68ct.
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18k solid gold engagement ring - Natural diamond & pearl - Edwardian
Located in Antwerp, BE
- Diamond is the birthstone of April - Diamond is the birthstone of June Ring weight : 2,2 gr Ringhead width : 0,85 cm Ring size : 6.5 US - 53 FR Diamond central : Old European c...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique and Vintage 3.22ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning unisex 2 carat diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The anterior surface of the ring is embellished with a stunning collet set antique (circa 19...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Neoclassical 18k Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring of Seneca
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: late 18th century Ring size: 11 Dimensions: 27 x 22 mm Weight: 26,4 gr The ring consists of a hard stone cameo, dated to the late 18th century, which is set in a coeval yell...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Pearl size, each, estimated: 2mm – 3mm Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.1ctw Gross weight: 4g Ring size: UK – K US – 5.25 EU – 50 mm Hallmarks: ‘18’ (18 karat gold), shield f...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.65ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, 1901 England
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique five stone diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, scalloped edged multi-claw / prong design displays five Old Euro...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Amethyst Solitaire Filigree Vintage Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A solitaire ring from the 1920s. Crafted in 18k white gold, this piece features a 6.00 carat marquise-cut amethyst as the primary stone.
Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold .44ct tw Diamond Filigree Ring size 3.75
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold filigree ring with platinum top and diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Engagement Ring in 18k Gold with 0.60 Cts Old mine Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
K color, I1 clarity. This classic Diamond solitaire ring in 18k gold is perfect for any special occasion, whether it be a proposal or a milestone anniversary.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Platinum Art Nouveau Ring with 0.35ct Old Mine Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
18k Gold, Platinum Weight 2.1g Art Nouveau Featuring Old Mine Diamond Approx. 0.35ct Measurements 0.75in x 0.65in Ring Size 6.75 Sizable
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 18k Gold Marcasite & Blue Glass Flower Cluster Ring, Circa 1860
Located in Altrincham, GB
These stones continue around the outside of the vivid blue centre, resting in fine silver settings and leading to the floral open worked gallery and 18k yellow gold band. Looks great...
Marcasite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,310Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handmade 18k gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.19 carat. The diamond is has H color s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 7.3 . We can make any size. Box is not in...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,264Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has F color and vvs clarity. Ring size is US 5 We can make any size. Box is not include...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco style diamond sapphire 18k yellow gold platinum target ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Concentric rings of diamond and sapphire radiate outward in the graphic, symmetrical composition the period is famous for, all set in a rich combination of 18k yellow gold and platin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Edwardian Era Diamond and Ruby Ring. Diamond Cluster Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1905 Material: Platinum and 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.5 Resizing: Can be resized to any finger size at no additional cost.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
$1,497Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.13 ct. The diamond is has H color and vvs clarity. Ring size is US 5 We can make any size. Box is not include...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,152Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.39 carat. The diamond is has H color and s2. Ring size is US 8.5 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 2.20 carat emerald ruby sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Surrounding this colorful trio are 14 old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, graded F color and SI clarity, their bright, antique sparkle framing the gemstones with...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18k Gold & Platinum Ring with Sapphires & Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
Presenting an elegant Art Deco Ring, expertly crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum overlay.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Band Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Diamond Ring, 1890s
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring, dated to the late 19th century, is made of 18-karat yellow gold and is characterised by the presence of a chrysoberyl cabochon, commonly known as the "cat's eye" due to the...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,152Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Center old cut diamond about 0.25 carat. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.15 carat. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1. Ring size is...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,556Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.5 grams. The center diamond about 0.50 carat. Totally is side diamond about 0.35 carat. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1-s2. Ring size...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Rose Cut Diamond Initial Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Rose Cut Diamond Initial Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,216Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.4 grams. Totally is main double old cut diamond 0.10 ct. Totally is side rose cut diamond 0.03 ct. The diamond is has generally H color and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Edwardian natural pearl diamond 18k yellow gold toi et moi ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Graded G-H color and VS clarity, the diamonds add delicate antique sparkle and refined contrast, beautifully enhancing the toi et moi design with period charm. Crafted in 18k yellow ...
Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Fancy brown diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Experience the enchanting allure of this Art Deco cluster ring, featuring a captivating fancy brown diamond set in an 18k white and yellow gold setting.
Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French 18k Gold Art Nouveau floral Ring – Three Stone Heirloom
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ring weight : 2,1 gr Ringhead width : 1 cm Ring size : 8 3/4 US - 59 FR Condition : Very Good - Antique Material : 18K yellow gold Hallmark : French horse head Condition : T...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
An 18k Gold French Ring with Pink Topaz and Diamond
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat gold ring with an oval-cut pink topaz in a closed setting with a border of rose cut diamonds and flowers with rose cut diamonds on the side, French assay mark and French ...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold
1.23 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Dimensions Height of setting 6.9mm/0.27" Ring Size UK Size K 1/2 USA Size 5 3/8 The ring size may be professionally adjusted in size on request to meet your personal requirements.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.50ct Diamond and Pearl Ring in 18k Gold and Platinum
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At the center rests a single pearl measuring approximately 4.34mm, its gentle, lustrous surface offering a graceful counterpoint to the diamonds' bright sparkle, a pairing beloved du...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
French 19th Century Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Details Origin: French work Period: 19th century Style: Antique floral ring, statement ring, cocktail ring Metal: 18K yellow gold with white metal diamond setting, 750 fine...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.50 carat total weight diamond 18k rose gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This antique Victorian ring dazzles with 22 old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.50 carats, set in a warm blend of 18k rose gold and silver.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ring with emeralds up to 3.50ct - 11.8 grams - 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
This has not been investigated for this specific object. ring is in good condition hallmark present, tested and guaranteed 18k gold 20211139OMB
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Edwardian 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Ring - VHK#968A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Pearl Ring - VHK#968A Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.73 grams ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Toi et Moi ring, natural diamonds and ruby - you & I engagement ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
It will be the perfect gift for the person you love most! - Head of ring sits approximately 3,5 mm off the finger. - The Ring shank is 1.5 mm wide. - The ring head is 7.5 mm wide....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Egyptian God Anubis Ankh Cross Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Ring Size: 13 (resizable) Total Weight: 21.8 Grams Stamped: "18K" Condition: Preowned, Excellent
18k Gold, White Gold
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$6,192Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Inspired Diamond & Sapphire Ring 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Art Deco inspired ring with a rose cut diamond and French cut sapphires. 1.18ct center rose cut diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 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 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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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.