Art Deco Old Mine Diamonds Geometric Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
Weight: 6,7gr Circa: Art Deco, circa 1930 Metal: Platinum Stones: 4 Diamonds • Cut: Old mine • Total carat weight: 1.30ct approximately • Colour: H/I • Clarity: SI Condition: Goo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco 9 Karat Yellow Gold Sardonyx Signet Ring, Dainty
Located in NEWARK, GB
Approx measurements: UK / AU ring size J½ US ring size 5 MM / EU ring size 49.32 Ring face / stone approx 10mm length and 6.5mm width Weighs approx 1.60 gram Any questions or quer...
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.95ct French Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.0 grams Ring Size: J 1/2 (49.5) - Resizable Band Width: 1.5mm - 1mm Face Dimensions: 10.5mm x 10.5mm Centre Diamond Weight: 0.95ct Diamond Detai...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Sapphire and Citrine Good Luck Horseshoe Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 2.2 grams Band Width: 2mm Ring Size: J 1/2 (49.5) Sapphire Dimensions: 14 (1.2mm) Citrine Dimensions: 17 (1.2mm) Tested As: 18ct Gold Box: The Vin...
Citrine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$15,995
Art Deco Old Cushion Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 2.6 grams Ring Size: J (49) Band Width: 3mm - 1mm Face Dimensions: 23mm x 23mm Centre Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.95ct Diamond Details: Approx.
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$9,775
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.6 grams Ring Size: J 1/2 (49.5) Band Width: 3mm - 2mm Face Dimensions: 13mm x 11mm Sapphire Weight: Approx. 1.20ct Total Remaining Diamond Weigh...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 2.8 grams Ring Size: J (49) Sapphire Diameter: 1 (5mm), 2 (3.4mm), Diamonds: 2 (4.4mm) (Approx. 0.33 ct) Diamond Details: Colour: H-I, Clarity: V...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9 Karat Rose Gold Signet Ring, Initial M, Silver
Located in NEWARK, GB
Approx weight: 1.8 g. Ring face approx 8mm length UK/AU ring size J½ US ring size 5 EU / MM ring size 49.32 Any questions or queries please contact us.
9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 9 Karat Gold Signet Ring, Monogrammed
Located in NEWARK, GB
UK/AU ring size J US ring size 4⅝ EU / MM ring size 48.38 Any questions or queries please contact us.
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$16,405
Victorian Flat Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.7 grams Ring Size: J (49) Band Width: 4mm - 2mm Centre Stone Weight: Approx. 0.70ct (spreads well over 1.00ct) Side Stone Dimensions: 2 (2mm) Ma...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Renaissance Revival Natural Pearl Two Dogs Enamel Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Renaissance jewellery making was also revived in the 19th century by great masters like Giuliano and Castellani. Ring size J Accompanied by a certificate from the German Gemological...
Natural Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Antique Platinum J. R. Wood and Sons Engraved Wedding Band Ring - Size 6 1/2
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Platinum J. R. Wood and Sons Engraved Wedding Band Ring - Size 6 1/2.
Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Ring – 1.18 TCW Ring Size 8.25 IGI Certified
Located in Media, PA
Key Features: Era: Authentic Art Deco (1920s–1930s) Metal: Platinum Total Weight: 3.30 dwt Diamonds: 11 natural diamonds 3 Old European Cut: ~0.70 carats total 8 Round Brilliant Cut:...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco French Cut Diamond Ring, Platinum, 0.90 ct, Size 6.75
Located in Upland, CA
Details: Materials: Tests as platinum. Size: Loose 6.75 Width: 2.52 mm Rise: 1.92 mm Weight: 2.0 grams Era: Circa 1920s (approximate) Maker: Unknown Diamonds: Average Le...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top 1 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Size
Located in Cape May, NJ
Victorian 18k yellow gold silver top 1 carat natural ruby and diamond ring size 6.2 Era: Victorian Composition: 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Top Primary Stone: Natural Ruby Primary S...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Art Deco Platinum Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA - Size 6 1/4
Located in Great Neck, NY
The center holds a GIA certified Asscher cut diamond and is set in a gorgeous art deco mounting. The ring is in great condition. Item #R1447 Metal: Platinum Weight: 3.1 Grams Siz...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond and Ruby Ring. 0.20ct Diamond Filigree Elongated Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Ring Size: 7.25 US, Resizable Color: J Color Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Old European...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Diamond and Ruby Ring. 0.20ct Diamond Elongated Filigree Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Ring Size: 7.25 US, Resizable Color: J Color Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Old European...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Belais 18K White Gold Engraved Wedding Band Size 7
By Belais
Located in Montgomery, AL
We always love the details in these vintage engraved bands! Ring Details Material: 18K White Gold Designer: Belais Era: Art Deco 1936 Engraved Inside: H.J.W. to J.E.M. 11-21-36 Weig...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Single Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 5
Located in Great Neck, NY
The top of the ring holds single cut diamonds and the inside of the band is engraved "J.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Halo Engagement Ring. 1.40ct Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring Yellow Gold VS2
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7 US, Resizable Color: J-K Color Clarity: VS2-SI1 Metal: Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Art Deco Shipping Information: This...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Tiffany & Co 22 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Size 8 #19905
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique Tiffany & Co 22 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Size 8 This stunning band by amazing designer Tiffany & Co was meticulously crafted from 22K yellow gold and is engraved with ...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Tiffany & Co 22 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Size 8 #19245
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique Tiffany & Co 22 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Size 8 This stunning band by amazing designer Tiffany & Co was meticulously crafted from 22K yellow gold and is engraved with ...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The diamond is VS quality and the color is J,K. Ring size 7 and can be re-sized.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Arbutus Blossom Engraved Wedding Band - Size 7 1/2
Located in Great Neck, NY
Item #R1762 Metal: Platinum Weight: 1.8 Grams Size: 7 1/2 Measurements: Top of the ring measures 2.20 mm wide and band measures 2.20 mm wide.
Platinum
Victorian Seed Pearl 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering four seed pearls Within a smaller seed pearl frame The ring is engraved "E.J.J 1879" Ring Size: 5 3/4 & Sizable The top of the ring measures 16.0 mm wide and the ring sits ...
Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Wedding Band - Size 6 1/4
Located in Great Neck, NY
Item #R1710 Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Weight: .6 Grams Size: 6 1/4 Diamonds: Approximately .02 ct Color: J Clarity: SI2 Measurements: Top of the ring measures 2.85 mm wide and ba...
Yellow Gold
Antique Emerald Sapphire Pearl Gold Ring Birmingham, 1862
Located in Toronto, ON
Good clear hallmarks on interior for Birmingham 1862 makers mark J*A. Ring size: 7.5. Total Item Weight: 1.72 grams
Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold
Sold|$3,400
Jade and 14 Karat Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Size - 49/J Ring weight - 7.67 grams This ring is accompanied by a laboratory report confirming that the jade is natural jadeite and is free from treatments.
Jade, Gold, 14k Gold
1920s Pearl 1.02 Carat Emerald Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Colour Green Cut Oval mixed Content 1.02 carats Dimensions Length of setting 6.49mm/0.25" Width of setting 1.89cm/0.74" Height of setting 3.43mm/0.13" Pearls 3.5mm...
Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Turquoise Diamond Halo 18ct Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
ERA Victorian, 1837-1901 HALLMARKS 18ct RING SIZE UK - J 1/2 US - 5 MEASUREMENTS Height - 1.0cm / 0.3" Width - 0.9cm / 0.36" Weight - 3.31g CONDITION The ring is in excellent ant...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
1920s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of diamond engagement rings. Diamond Quality Color G Clarity VS2 Cut Old European Content 0....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Circa 1920 1.76 Ct Diamond White Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Colour J Clarity SI2 Cut Old European Content 0.52 carat Dimensions 5.20mm x 4.38mm x 3.23mm Supporting Diamonds Colour (aver...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian 2.30 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color J Clarity VS 1 Cut Old European round Content 2.30 carats Dimensions 7.71mm x 8.05mm x 5.25mm Dimensions Height of setting 5.5mm / 0.2" Ring Size UK Size J US...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow & White Gold, Diamond & Pearl Posy Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Marked - '18K' for gold purity Ring size - 49/J Total diamond weight - 1.80 carats Total weight of piece - 5.71 grams
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow & White Gold, Diamond & Pearl Posy Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Marked - '18K' for gold purity Ring size - 49/J Total diamond weight - 1.80 carats Total weight of piece - 5.71 grams
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s 1.49 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Colour I Clarity SI2 Cut Old European round Content 0.97 carat Dimensions 6.65mm x 5.59mm x 3.72mm Supporting Diamonds Colour (average...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Belle Époque Platinum Diamonds Bombe Dome Fashion Wedding Ring
Located in London, GB
Circa: Edwardian, circa 1910 Weight: 5,5gr Metal: Platinum Stones: 1 Diamond • Cut: Old mine • Carat: 0.35ct approximately • Colour: J • Clarity: Si Others: 42 Rose cut and o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Fantastic Antique Diamond Ring With Old Euro Center Diamond
Located in Media, PA
Color is Near Colorless From H-J Ring Size 5.5 Weight in Grams 2.95
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1910s 1.57 Carat Diamond and Rose Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Diamond One Color H Clarity VVS2 Cut Old European Round Content 0.74 carat Dimensions 5.84mm x 5.81mm x 3.43mm Diamond Two Color I Clarity VVS1 Cut Old European Roun...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1912 1.63 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color G Clarity SI2 Cut Old European Content 0.48 carat Dimensions 5.08mm x 4.10mm x 2.80mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades) G/H Clarity (...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8 Carat Emerald and 3.25 Carat Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Color Green Cut Octagonal Content 8.00 carats Dimensions 11.50mm x 10.90mm x 8.50mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Marquis...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1910s 0.15 Carat Diamond and Pearl, 18 Carat Yellow Gold 'Buckle' Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) I Clarity (average grades) P2 Cut Dutch Content (total) 0.15 carat Dimensions Length of setting 8.60mm/0.33" Width of setting 1.80...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond (Approx. 0.9-Carats) Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
We are happy to assist in making this extraordinary piece yours. Ring Size: 8 US, Resizable Color: J-K Color Overall Clarity: VS1-VS2 Overall Metal: Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold Ston...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.35ct Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive antique black opal ring in the UK. Opal Quality Colour Black Cut Cabochon Content 1.35 carats ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.75Ct Diamond & 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum Set Twist Ring - Antique Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Dimensions Length of setting 1.05cm/0.41" Width of setting 1.72cm/0.67" Height of setting 5.05mm/0.19" Ring Size UK Size J 1/2 USA Size 5 The ring size may be profes...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold 5 Stone Amethyst, Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Amethyst weight, estimated: 0.05ct Total ruby weight, estimated: 0.07ctw Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.03ctw Gross weight: 2.2g Ring size: UK – J US – 4.75 EU – 48.75 mm ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.20 Carat Burmese Sapphire 0.56 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning cushion cut Burmese sapphire ring. Sapphire Quality Origin Myanmar (Burma) Color Blue Cut Cushio...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
An Italic Banded Agate intaglio set in a 14k gold ring. Lion.
Located in London, GB
Specifications Intaglio: 10 × 13 mm Stone: Banded agate Intaglio period: Italic, 2nd century BCE Mount: 14K gold, 19th century Ring size: US 5 / UK J½ Gross weight: 6.40 g Resi...
Agate, 14k Gold
Antique 1.33 Ct Basaltic Sapphire and 0.88 Ct Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine trilogy sapphire ring from the 1920s. Sapphire Quality Origin Basaltic Colour Blue Cut Cushion Conte...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Bezel Set 0.73ctw Old Cut Diamond
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Principal diamond weight, estimated: 0.27ctw Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.73ctw Gross weight: 1.9g Ring size: UK – J US – 4.75 EU – 48.75 mm Hallmarks: none, stamped ‘18CT’...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$1,025
18 Carat Gold Onyx Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The band is made out of 18ct gold. Ring size: J 1/2 or 5
Onyx, 18k Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Modelled in 18ct gold. Ring Size: J 1/2 or 5 Band Width: 6mm Weight: 3.1g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Art Deco Sapphire Platinum Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sparkling sapphire and platinum eternity band. Ring size: J or 4 3/4
Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Bloodstone Griffin and 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The stone is deep green and has a griffin engraved into it. Ring Size: J or 4 3/4 Stone dimensions: 9x7.5mm Weight: 2.8g
Gold
Antique Amethyst and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: J 1/2 or 5 Stone Dimensions: 14 x 10mm Weight: 2.7g
Amethyst, Gold
Art Deco Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamond total is 9pts. Ring Size: J or 4 3/4 Height Off finger: 2.5mm Setting Width: 5mm Weight: 1.5g
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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.
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.