Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Bypass Engagement Ring Size J 4.75
Located in Camelford, GB
It could easily be polished to "as new" if required, though I am not a fan of vintage things looking new. SIZING INFORMATION UK Ring Size J US Ring Size 4.75 That equates to an inne...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$1,650
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Diamond Opal Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Gorgeous Art Deco c.1920s/30s 18 Carat Gold, Australian Opal and Diamond dress ring. Size J UK, 5 US can be sized. Opal 10mm x 7mm.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
18 Carat Gold and 0.70 Carat Old Cut Diamond Trilogy Engagement Stack Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
An 18ct Gold and Diamond three stone ring. SIZE ; J 1/2 UK, 5 US Designed with three natural old cut diamonds to total 0.70 carats approx.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Scarce Antique Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Flower Floral Cluster Ring Rare Design
Located in London, GB
UK ring size J, US size 4.75 The ring weighs 2 grams, the bezel measures 12mm x 10mm.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Javanese Gold Ring with Ruby Cabochon Java Indonesian Antique Solitaire
Located in London, GB
UK ring size J, US size 4.75 7.13g of high karat gold (19K/20K gold) Despite its impressive age, the ring is in wearable condition.
Ruby, Gold
Sold|$410
Victorian Gold Turquoise Pearl ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Lovely Victorian c.1893 15 Carat Rose Gold, split seed Pearl and Turquoise ring. English Origin. Size J 1/2 UK, 5 US.
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
Sold|$404
Victorian Gold Elephant hair ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Lovely Victorian c.1880 Raj era Gold and Elephant hair ring. Stackable. Size J UK, 5 US. Unmarked.
Gold
Sold|$2,800
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Serpent Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
STONES 0.65ct Old Mine Cut Diamond - approx. J-SI2 RING SIZE 5 US MEASUREMENTS Width at head: 10.4mm Width of band: 9.0mm WEIGHT 9.8g MARKS English hallmarks for 18k gold, Lo...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,095
Victorian Gold Lover’s Knot Coral Heart Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Modelled in 18ct yellow gold, with a fully chased band. Ring Size: US: 5, or UK: J 1/2.
Coral, 18k Gold
Victorian Sardonyx Diamond "EL" Monogram Gold Signet Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Ring Size: US: 5, or UK: J 1/2.
White Diamond, Onyx, 15k Gold
Sold|$1,294
Antique Diamond and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: Total 0.38ct Clarity: SI1 Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK T or US 9.5 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: Non...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Oval Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring in Gold
Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB
Shank and Setting Tests as 18 carat gold Emerald Weight: 1.00 carat Diamond Weight: 2.25 carats in total Clarity: SI-P1 Colour: H-I Size J This ring can be altered...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian Five-Stone Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
With a beautifully simplistic gallery and setting this ring is made from 18ct Yellow Gold. Centre Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: 1.00ct total Clarity: VS-SI Colour: I-J Rin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond Set Geometric Kite Shaped Ring in Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
It features a centre Diamond weighing 0.35ct with four other larger Diamonds at its North, East, South and West parts of this ring with a total Diamond weight of 1.50ct. Diamond De...
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Garnet and Diamond Ring Modeled in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
It has a truly wonderful gallery and shoulder design and is set in 18ct yellow gold! Ring Size: UK J 1/2 or US 5 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use D...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 0.78 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
STONES 0.78ct Old Mine Cut Diamond - J-SI1 RING SIZE 6.5 US MEASUREMENTS Head: 6.6 x 6.2mm Rise off finger: 5.6mm Width of band: 2.2mm Diamond: 5.1 x 5.4 x 4.0mm WEIGHT 3.0g M...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian Opal and Diamond Ring in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
It was hand crafted in the Edwardian era from 18ct Yellow Gold, and would be the perfect gift for a loved one, or even an engagement ring for that special someone. Diamond Details: ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.5ct Diamond Solitaire 18ct Engagement Ring with Diamond Shoulders
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Mine Cut Carat: 1.55ct Centre, 1.80ct total Clarity: VVS Colour: I/J Ring Size: UK Q or US 8 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear due to age and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late Victorian Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: approx 0.85ct total Clarity: SI1-SI2 Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK O or US 7.25 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Antique 1.40 Carat Diamond Solitaire 18 Carat Gold, Platinum Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: 1.40ct Clarity: SI2 Colour: I/J Ring Size: UK R 3/4 or US 9 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: None Date...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Opal and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
It was hand crafted in the Edwardian era from 18ct Yellow Gold, and would be the perfect gift for a loved one, or even an engagement ring for that special someone. Diamond Details: ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique, 18 Carat Gold, Platinum, Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Stamped '18ct' Approx ring size UK J / K
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Set Floral Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Embrace the charm and sophistication of a bygone era with this enchanting ring. Enquire for resize options. Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut, Rose Cut Carat: 0.10ct total Clarity: SI2...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Ring Size: UK J or US 4.75 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: None Date / Period: Late Victorian Marks: 18ct Weight: 3.9g Dimensions: Hea...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Gypsy Set Diamond Ring with Detailed Shoulders 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 0.35ct Clarity: VS Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK O or US 7.25 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: No...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Late Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: 1.80ct total Clarity: VS Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK L 1/2 or US 6 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: None ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Antique Five-Stone Diamond Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: Total 0.82ct Clarity: VS/SI Colour: I/J Ring Size: UK M 1/2 or US 6.5 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Old Cut Diamond Four Stone Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 0.40ct total Clarity: SI2-I1 Colour: H-J Ring Size: UK M 3/4 or US 6.5 Condition: Very Good, very little signs of previous use and newl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18ct White Gold 3.40ct Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
Reasonable offers will always be considered. RING SIZE – UK J½ / US 5 / EU 49 Complimentary re-sizing is available if required MEASUREMENT – 17mm Diameter AQUAMARINE – 3.40ct f...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1920's Diamond Solitaire Ring with Diamond Shoulders in 18ct Yellow Gold & Plat
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cushion Cut Carat: 0.65ct centre, 0.73ct total Clarity: I1 Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK K or US 5.25 Condition: Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and u...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Late Victorian Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring Modelled in 18ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
A truly charming antique ring! Emerald Details; Carat: 0.65ct total Cut: Emerald Cut Diamond Details; Cut: Old Mine Cut Carat: 0.83ct total Clarity: SI1-SI2 Colour: J Ring Size: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.62ct Sapphire and 1.02ct Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct Yellow and White
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Sapphire Details: Cut: Oval Cut Carat: 1.62ct total Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 1.11ct total Clarity: VS2 Colour: H-J Ring Size: UK M 1/2 or US 6.35 Condition: Ve...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Boat Shaped Ring, circa 1900
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
Reasonable offers will always be considered. RING SIZE - UK J / US 5 MEASUREMENT – 17mm across the width of the band.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Old Cushion Cut Diamond Belcher set Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cushion Cut Carat: 0.45ct Clarity: SI1 Colour: J Ring Size: UK Q 3/4 or US 8.5 Condition: Very good, signs of wear due to age and use, left in original con...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Five-Stone 1.85 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Enquire for more ring resizing options. Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: 1.85ct total Clarity: VS2-I2 Colour: J-M Ring Size: UK P 1/4 or US 7.75 Condition: Good, slightest sig...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Ring with 0.70 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Ruby Details: Carat: 0.70ct Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: 0.85ct total Clarity: VS-SI Colour: I-K Ring Size: UK J 1/2 or US 5 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear ...
Diamond, Ruby
Edwardian 18ct Gold Opal and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
All reasonable offers will be considered. RING SIZE - UK J / USA 4¾ / EU 48 3/8 Complimentary sizing is available on this piece.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring in 18ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Round Cut Carat: 0.28ct total Clarity: SI2 - I2 Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK P 1/2 or US 8 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defec...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond Three-Stone Gypsy Set 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: 0.85ct total Clarity: VS Colour: I/J Ring Size: UK R 1/2 or US 8.75 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Foiled Back Paste Three-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Ring Size: UK J 1/2 or US 5 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: None Date / Period: Georgian Weight: 2.9g Dimensions: Head Height; 7mm.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau 18ct Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Circa 1905
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
Reasonable offers will always be considered. RING SIZE – UK J½ / US 5 / EU 49 Complimentary re-sizing is available on the piece.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18ct Gold Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, Circa 1909
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
Reasonable offers will always be considered. RING SIZE – UK J / US 4¾ / EU 48⅜ Resizing is available upon request.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late Victorian Diamond Three Stone Gypsy Set Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 0.85ct total Clarity: SI2-I1 Colour: J-K Ring Size: UK W or US 11 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Three Stone Diamond Ring with Swirl Gallery in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 0.58ct total Clarity: SI2-I1 Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK Q 1/2 or US 8.30 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heavy Quality Antique Diamond Three Stone Gypsy Set Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: 0.91ct total Clarity: VS1 Colour: H-J Ring Size: UK V 1/2 or US 10.75 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Emerald Details: Cut: Emerald Cut Carat: 1.19ct Diamond Details: Cut: Old Mine Cut Carat: 0.56ct total Clarity: SI1 Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK I 3/4 or US 4.65 Condition: Great, s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1930s 1.48 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Ring Set in 18 Carat Gold and Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Beautiful and sparkly, this ring would make a fantastic gift. Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 1.48ct Clarity: SI Colour: I/J Ring Size: UK N or US 6.65 Condition: Ver...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Antique French 18K Gold Bloodstone Intaglio Signet Seal Pinky Ring Victorian
Located in London, GB
It is the March birthstone, historically known as the ‘stone of courage’, worn by warriors in battle for protection and to stop bleeding wounds. UK ring size J / US size 4.75, 7.15g...
18k Gold
Sold|$404
Victorian Gold Elephant Hair Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Lovely Victorian c.1880 Raj era Gold and Elephant hair ring. Stackable. Size J UK, 5 US. Unmarked. Width 2mm.
Gold
Sold|$1,595
Georgian Garnet Locket Memorial Gold Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
William Langhorne (1721-1772) was the elder brother of English poet John Langhorne - the two notably published a translation of 'Plutarch's Lives...from the original Greek, with Note...
Garnet, 15k Gold
Ancient Roman Victoria Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Ring Size: US: 4.75, or UK: J.
Agate, 22k Gold
Edwardian Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: European Cut Carat: 1.15ct total Clarity: VS/SI Colour: J/K Ring Size: UK L 1/2 or US 6 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defec...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
The aquamarine in the centre is in a rub over collar setting and has a surround of rose cut diamonds with slightly larger diamonds at the far top, bottom, left and right, giving it i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond Set Serpent Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cushion Cut Carat: Central Stone 0.35ct, Total 0.38ct Clarity: SI1 Colour: J Ring Size: UK T or US 9.5 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Ring Set with Alternating Rubies and Diamonds, 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Set in the Late Victorian period, c1896, it is perfect for everyday wear! Ring Size: UK J 1/2 or US 5 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: Non...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gypsy Set Diamond Ring with Detailed Shoulders in 18 Carat Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 0.35ct Clarity: V Colour: I-J Ring Size: UK O or US 7.25 Condition: Very good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use Defects: Non...
Diamond, Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Centre Diamond Details: Cut: Old Cut Carat: 0.70ct total Clarity: VS/SI Colour: J/K Ring Size: UK M 1/2 or US 6.5 Condition: Very Good, slightest signs of wear due to age and use...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.