Art Deco Amethyst and Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A halo of twinkling old cut diamonds framed in platinum encircles the rich, beautiful 1.50 carat amethyst in its 18 carat yellow gold openwork setting at the centre of this classic 1...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Zorab Creation 20.63 Faceted Amethyst Lion-Heart Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Dubbed the lion-heart ring due to its brave and inimitable style, this bold and beautiful piece centers around the main 20.63 carats undulating Amethyst Quartz gem.
Amethyst, Yellow Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Palladium
19th Century Antique Georgian Amethyst 14K Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique Georgian oval amethyst 14K rose gold cocktail ring 19th Century Amethyst: Royal Purple, oval, facet cut, 16mm by 12mm by 7mm, approximately 7.10 TCW Royal purple amethys...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Arts and Crafts Amethyst and Sapphire Ring of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An elegant Arts and Crafts ring dating to 1910–1920, set with two pear-shaped amethysts accented by two blue sapphires, all nestled within a finely sculpted leaf-form mounting in 14 ...
Amethyst, Sapphire, 14k Gold
6.50 Carat Emerald Cut Amethyst Rose Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's 6.50 rectangle shape Amethyst center stone with a gold bead halo in a 18k rose gold setting. 1 12 x 10mm bright gem natural purple Amethyst, approx. total weight 6.50cts Siz...
Amethyst, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Edwardian amethyst cluster ring in platinum and 18 karats gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Edwardian amethyst cluster ring in platinum and 18 karats gold.
Amethyst, Gold, Platinum
Art Deco cabochon amethyst and diamond cluster ring, circa 1920.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco cabochon amethyst and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a natural round cabochon amethyst in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 12.00 carats, ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 2.70ct Amethyst Cabochon & Rose Cut Diamond Ring, 1840s
Located in OVIEDO, AS
AMETHYST CABOCHON AND ROSE CUT DIAMOND RING A lovely early Victorian ring set with a good deep color, bright purple cabochon shaped amethyst measuring approx. 2.70 carats (9.22X7.74...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Signed Antique Tiffany & Co. 14K Gold & Amethyst Snowflake Cluster Cocktail Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Fineness: Marked 14 for gold fineness. Ring Size: ca. 4 1/4 Gemstone Measurements: 1 amethyst: ca. 6.8 mm diameter 8 amethyst: ca. 3.9 mm Measurements: Height: ca. 17.1 mm Width: ...
Amethyst, 14k Gold
Edwardian 14k Rose Gold Amethyst and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Amethyst: 1.00ct, Natural, Round Band Width: 2.4mm Condition: Excellent
Amethyst, Diamond, Rose Gold
Victorian 11.40 carat amethyst diamond 18k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting Victorian amethyst and diamond cluster ring from the 1900’s is a beautiful antique jewel with rich color, romance, and old-world charm.
Diamond, Amethyst, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 11.07 Carat Octagon Single Cut Amethyst Cocktail Ring 9k
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 11.07 Carat Octagon Single Cut Amethyst Cocktail Ring 9k. The Amethyst measures 13.5mm X 14.5mm X 9.7mm for a total of 11.07 carat weight.
Amethyst, 9k Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Amethyst Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This Late Victorian-era ring features an oval-shaped amethyst center stone measuring approximately 9.7 x 10.11 mm held in a coronet-style setting with sculpted prongs.
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Amethyst Gold Ring Unisex Victorian Claw Set
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning center Amethyst Stone set in a 14K Gold Claw prong Ring. Approximately 1.03 carats.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 10K Gold Rectangular Cut Amethyst Solitaire Engraved Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring Width: 18mm (0.71") (top of the ring - north to south), 13.6mm (0.53") (east to west), 4.9mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height: 7.5mm rise off the finger Condition: Antique, Vic...
Amethyst, 10k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst & Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Size: 10 Weight: 10.80 Grams Width: Approximately 23.18mm tapering to 1.50mm Diameter: 19.82mm 18K yellow gold polished diamond and a...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst Solitaire Engraved Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst Solitaire Engraved Engagement Ring. This gorgeous Victorian amethyst solitaire engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14kt Gold Amethyst & Seed Pearl Ring, Size 6
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Exquisite Victorian-era ring features a beautifully faceted, central large highly faceted amethyst set in an ornate prong setting with small seed pearl on two sides .
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold
3.20 Carat Oval Amethyst Victorian Textured Flower Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage Victorian Amethyst 18k rose and green gold flower textured Ring.
Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Amethyst Gold Ring 19th Century Claw Set
Located in Wallkill, NY
The ring is a size 7.5 and can be sized by your jeweler or by us.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage English Victorian 5 Carat Emerald Cut Amethyst Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely Detailed Victorian English Emerald Cut Amethyst Gold Solitaire Cocktail Ring. Centering a Hand set securely nestled 5 Carat Emerald Cut Amethyst Gemstone.
Amethyst, Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Amethyst Solitaire Filigree Vintage Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
The amethyst displays a rich purple hue. The band is adorned with intricate engraved detailing, enhancing the ring's distinctive design.
Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold
Zorab Creation Amethyst, Citrine and Peridot Graceful Butterfly Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
This exquisite ring is crafted in 18K from a colorful plethora of gems including 3.65 Carat Amethyst Quartz, 2.41 Carat Citrine Quartz and 2.60 Carat emerald green Peridot.
Amethyst, Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Yellow Gold Amethyst Pearl & Rose Cut Diamond Mourning Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking Victorian mourning ring crafted in yellow gold, rich with symbolism and antique character.
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
5.00 Carat Oval Bright Purple Amethyst Filigree Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Oval purple Amethyst set in a Filigree pierced 14k white gold 12 prong setting. circa 1930's 1 oval bright purple Amethyst, approx. total weight 5.00cts, VS Size 6 and sizable 3.9 g...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Amethyst and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Cut Amethyst and Diamond Engagement Ring. This beautiful Art Deco amethyst and diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum.
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 15k Yellow Gold and Georgian Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 15k Yellow Gold and Georgian Amethyst and Diamond Ring c.1830-80
Amethyst, Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$639Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian 9K Gold Amethyst Bezel Ring with Curved Shoulders, England
Located in Honolulu, HI
[DETAILS] • Origin: England • Era: Edwardian (circa 1910s) • Style: Edwardian Minimalist / English Romantic • Material: 9K Yellow Gold (375 Hallmark) • Main Stone: Faceted Oval-cut A...
Amethyst, 9k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Enamel Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Enamel Cocktail Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco amethyst and enamel cocktail ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,255Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Victorian 9K Gold Amethyst and Seed Pearl Cluster Ring, England
Located in Honolulu, HI
A quintessential example of late-Victorian romanticism, this elegant cluster ring is masterfully crafted in 9K gold. At its center sits a faceted oval-cut amethyst, displaying a deli...
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold
Art Nouveau 7.25 carat amethyst 14k yellow gold enamel cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Art Nouveau cocktail ring is a beautifully distinctive jewel from the 1910’s, centered by a cabochon cut amethyst weighing approximately 7.25 carats.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Amethyst Cameo Ring of 14k and 18k Gold, Circa 1860
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An exceptional antique ring centered with a finely carved amethyst cameo, depicting the face of a woman framed by a delicate halo of rose cut diamonds and half pearls, all set in 18 ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Amethyst & Old Mine Cut Diamond Illusion Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We were so thrilled when we acquired this unique vintage gem!! Ring Details Material: 14K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Engraved Inside Shank: M.L.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique circa 1900s Quartz & Amethyst studded Fancy Cocktail Ring in Silver
Located in Bangkok, TH
The Quartz is cut into a round-shape and is surrounded with beautiful, intricate design to represent the vintage craftmanship. Two round amethyst stones are also studded onto this ri...
Amethyst, Quartz, Silver
Antique Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Silver Amethyst Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 10K Yellow Gold Silver Amethyst Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. This beautiful Victorian amethyst and rose cut diamond halo engagement ring is crafted in 10...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco Platinum 3.0ctw Amethyst & Old European Mine Cut Diamond Milgrain Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid Platinum Weight: 6 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (fitted on finger, we can custom size this ring. please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Width: 21.4mm...
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 18K Gold Amethyst & Pearl Ring Emerald Cut - c.1900
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this enchanting antique Edwardian 18ct gold amethyst & seed pearl ring made c.1900. The ring presents a fabulous central natural amethyst which has been wo...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
1890s Victorian Diamond and Amethyst 9 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: Approximately 6.5 Metal Type: 9 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 1.9 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2185638837 Shape: O...
Amethyst, White Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 14.84ct Amethyst and Seed Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold and elegant Victorian ring centering on an impressive oval cabochon amethyst weighing approximately 14.84 carats.
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Trio 18 Karat Yellow Gold Amethyst and Diamond Ring GIA Certified
By Trio
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Trio 18 Karat White Gold Amethyst and Diamond Ring Size 7.75 GAI Certified- This stunning ring features one oval cabochon amethyst (17 mm x 15 mm) and 129 round brilliant cut diamon...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This Victorian acrostic ring features Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, and Emerald gemstones, each claw set and mounted on a yellow gold setting.
Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Arts & Crafts Yellow Gold Unique Cut Amethyst Solitaire Leaf Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Amethyst - Unique Rectangular Octagonal Cut - Bezel Set - Purple Color - 20.6x16.4mm (approx.)
Amethyst, Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold Edwardian, Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald
Located in Brighton, GB
This fabulous Edwardian acrostic ring features enchanting amethyst, dazzling diamond, opulent opal, ravishing ruby, and exquisite emerald gemstones, each meticulously set and mounted...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Beautiful Antique Large and Impressive Amethyst Pearl and Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
Absolutely beautiful antique impressive size amethyst pearl and 14kt yellow gold ring centrally set with one large oval shaped faceted deep vibrant purple amethyst measuring approxim...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arts and Crafts Multi-Stone Ring of Amethyst Peridot Tourmaline & Moonstone
Located in Baltimore, MD
The center amethyst sits high off the finger (see photos). Our ring is large, dramatic, and bold.
Amethyst, Moonstone, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold
Amethyst Memorial Ring for the Right Honourable George Grenville (British Prime
Located in London, GB
Amethyst memorial ring for the Right Honourable George Grenville (British Prime Minister, 1763-1765).
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Oval Amethyst w/ Pearl Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 10.84 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (fitted on finger, we can custom size this ring. please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Wi...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
ARTHUR M. ANDERSON - Amethyst & 10K Gold Ring - United States - 20th Century
Located in Chatham, CA
ANDERSON - Art Deco Amethyst and 10K yellow gold ring - classic style - featuring one prong set purple Amethyst (oval faceted - approx. 3.01 carats - 8 mm.
Amethyst, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zorab Creation, the Jezebel Marquis Amethyst and Blue Topaz Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Set for a queen in 18-karat gold, this statement ring speaks of elite fashion, mischief, and magical allure.
Amethyst, Blue Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, Zircon, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Amethyst Solitaire Filigree Ring in Two Tone 14 Karat Gold
Located in Boston, MA
An Art Deco period Amethyst filigree solitaire ring. Centered by a rich vivid purple amethyst of 6.00 Carats.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Signed Art Deco 18k Gold & Amethyst Filigree Ring with Lovebirds
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Marks: A partial conjoined BB mark and a partial 18k to the interior of the ring. Ring Size: ca. 5 3/4 Maker: Baskin Bros. of New York, New York Measurements: Height: ca. 17mm Wid...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Onyx Engraved Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Onyx Engraved Cocktail Ring. This incredible Art Deco amethyst and onyx ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1880 Acrostic rings became popular throughout the Victorian period.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Amethyst & Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Carved Open Work Navette Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
The rings' focal point is an arrangement of 3 horizontally set rich purple amethysts, with the central amethyst slightly larger than the two flanking stones, all expertly set in open...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Art Deco 22.5 Carat Amethyst, Diamond 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine, large Art Deco period Amethyst and Diamond ring in a beautifully detailed 18K white gold setting.
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$16,049Sale Price|20% Off
10kt. pink gold men's large-sized intaglio ring with amethyst featuring Helios
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique 19th-century 10kt. pink gold men's large-sized intaglio ring with a carved amethyst, featuring the God Helios.
Amethyst, Gold, 10k Gold
Antique Art Deco 18k Yellow & White Gold Large Amethyst Open Work Milgrain Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 18K Yellow Gold - 18K White Gold Weight: 10.53 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 ( fitted on finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Width: 18.57mm (0.73...
Amethyst, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Lavender Amethyst & Pearl Filigree Ring 14K White Gold K / 5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Circa 1920s to 30s, this magnificent antique Art Deco ring features a 4.5 carat large oval faceted, natural amethyst with dreamy lavender colour, surrounded by a strand of lovely, wi...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique Vinaigrette Perfume Ring Amethyst Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Ø 8US/ 5.55gr
Located in SE
Old German ca. 19th cent first half Renaissance styled Vinaigrette or Perfume Ring decorated with natural Amethyst and Diamonds featuring a hinged pierced lid that opens to house a ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Georgian 1771 22K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Amethyst Hairwork Urn Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian amethyst, enamel, hairwork, and yellow gold ring, comprising nine cushion shaped amethysts, glazed hairwork panel, and black enamel, in 22 karat and 18 karat yellow gold.
Amethyst, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
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.
There are few gemstones in the world that are both affordable and worthy of a duchess’s attention. But then not many stones are as beautiful as amethyst. Indeed, vintage and antique amethyst jewelry has innumerable fans, and February’s birthstone has many unique attributes. For the romantics, there are several tales in Greek mythology that tell the story of Bacchus and Amethyste, a maiden that he pursues yet is rescued by Diane by turning her into a white stone. Bacchus, mourning his love, pours a glass of wine over the sculpture, dyeing her purple.
Amethyst has adorned many royal jewels. One of the most enviable jewelry collections of all time belonged to Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. In 1947, the Duke gifted her with a Cartier amethyst and turquoise bib necklace. This special order piece was made with twisted 18-carat and 20-carat gold, platinum, brilliant- and baguette-cut diamonds, one heart-shaped faceted amethyst, 27 emerald-cut amethysts, one oval faceted amethyst, and turquoise cabochons. The Duchess was not the only Royal with a penchant for the purple gemstone. The tiara now owned by Queen Silvia of Sweden is set with amethysts that once belonged to the French Empress Josephine. A stunning 56-carat cushion-cut, square-shaped amethyst set in an 18-karat yellow gold necklace designed by Tiffany & Co. is now in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
The Smithsonian also has in its possession an even more rare example of fine amethyst: the 96-carat Morris Amethyst Brooch. The brooch features a deep, rich purple heart-shaped amethyst. The museum states that the piece was likely made during the Edwardian period (1901–15) “when platinum and diamonds were often used, and amethyst, a favorite stone of King Edward VII’s wife, Alexandra, was often included in jewelry of the era.”
Another amethyst necklace, with an even richer story, can be found in the Natural History Museum of London. Known as the Delhi Purple Sapphire (even though the stone is an amethyst), this stone was stolen from the Temple of Indra during the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Anyone in possession of this stone is bound to have terrible luck, including its owner Edward Heron-Allen, who gifted the gemstone to the museum thinking that this would save him but ended up transferring the bad luck to the museum curators overseeing the stone.
Find a wide range of vintage and antique amethyst necklaces, bracelets and other fine 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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