Synthetic Ruby and 0.78 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby (Synthetic) Quality Color Red Cut Step Dimensions 8mm x 5mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Eight-cut Content (total) 0.78 carat Dime...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.95Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Style Engagement Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Colour G Clarity VS2 Cut Old European Content 0.79 carat Dimensions 5.95mm (length) x 5.90mm (width) x 3.52mm (depth) Supporting Diamonds Colour (ave...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Synthetic Ruby and 0.78 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1907
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old European / Dutch Content (total) 0.78 carat Dimensions Length of setting 1.52cm/0.59' Width of setting 1...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Natural Pearl and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
• Pearl diameter: 6mm • Top of ring diameter: 11.4mm • Height from finger: 6mm • Ring size: UK O½ / US 7¼ (easily resizable) • Weight: 3.2 grams
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.30 Carat Black Opal and 18k Yellow Gold Cameo Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning Victorian opal ring. Opal Quality: Color: Black Cut: Carved Content: 2.30 carats Dimensions: Le...
Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2 Carat Colombian Emerald & 2.2 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Emerald Quality Color Colombian green Cut Octagonal Content 2 carats Dimensions 9.7mm x 6.3mm x 5mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI1 Cut Old Eur...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.2ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond 4 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Total diamond weight, estimated: 1.2ctw Principal diamond weight, estimated: 0.53ct and 0.44ct respectively Gross weight: 5.4g Ring size: UK – O US – 7 ¼ EU – 55 mm Hallmarks: ‘...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Diamond & Blue & White Enamel Polo Cap Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Principal diamond weight, estimated: 0.16ct Total diamond, estimated: 0.2ctw Gross weight: 6.34g Ring size: UK – O US – 7.25 EU – 55 mm Hallmarks: none, tests as 18 karat gold,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Russian Lodka Ring solid 56 /14K Gold Diamonds Ø6.5US /3.2gr
Located in SE
Size of the ring : Ø 6.5 US / Ø 16.92 mm, can be sized for additional payment.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver 0.85ctw Old Cut Diamond Double Row Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.85ctw Gross weight: 3.5g Ring size, approximately: UK – O.5 US – 7 ½ EU – 55.5 mm Hallmarks: stamped ‘18’, tests as 18 karat gold (some areas ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Gold 0.63tgw Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
The band measures 2.4mm wide at the back. The ring rises 3.2mm off the finger. Total sapphire weight, estimated: 0.45ctw Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.18ctw Ring size: UK –...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold 0.78tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Total ruby weight, estimated: 0.18ctw Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.6ctw Gross weight: 2.8g Ring size: UK – O US – 7.25 EU – 55 mm Hallmarks: none, stamped ‘585’ (14 karat g...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1925 Men Lord Ring 0.5ct Diamond 0.8ctw Sapphires solid 18K Gold ØUS10 / 8.3 gr
Located in SE
Size: Ø 10 US / 19.84 mm. Can be sized for additional payment.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique 1920s 18K Yellow Gold 0.25tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Principal diamond weight, estimated: 0.11ct Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.12ctw Total ruby weight, estimated: 0.13ctw Gross weight: 2.8g Ring size: UK – O US – 7.25 EU – 5...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.47 Carat Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Dimensions Width across setting 1.53cm/0.6" Height of setting 5.6mm/0.22" Ring Size UK Size O 1/2 USA Size 7 1/4 This ring may be professionally adjusted in size on request to meet ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s 1.26 Carat and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Diamond One Color H Clarity SI2 Cut Old European round Content 0.44 carat Dimensions 4.99mm x 4.95mm x 2.71mm Diamond Two Color G Clarity VS2 Cut Old European round ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 18KT Gold Ceylon Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions Ring Size: – UK: O – EU: 55 – US: 7.25 Weight: 3.92 grams Specifications Metal: 18KT Yellow Gold Period/Era: Victorian Centre Stone: Natural Sapphire Origin (Sapphire): C...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
0.96 Carat Pink Sapphire and 0.80 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Pink Cut Round Faceted Content 0.96 carat Dimensions 6.09mm (length) x 5.90mm (width) x 3.86mm (depth) Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color H Clarity SI1...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 4.76 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine antique three stone diamond ring in yellow gold. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond One Color J Clarity...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Gold and Platinum 0.55ctw Old Cut Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Principal diamond weight, estimated: 0.26ct Total diamond weight, estimated: 0.55ctw Gross weight: 2.5g Ring size: UK – O US – 7.25 EU – 55 mm Hallmarks: stamped “PLAT. 18CT” ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 1.28 Ct Oval Cut Burmese Pink Sapphire and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Origin Myanmar (Burma) Color Pink Cut Oval Content 1.28 carats Dimensions 7.30mm x 5.57mm x 3.47mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades)...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Unisex Emerald and Diamond Band in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of stunning antique rings/estate jewelry. Emerald Quality Origin Colombia Cut Octagonal Cont...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian Diamond Twin Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Finger size O This ring is in very good condition. A gorgeous and romantic late Victorian ring.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Finger size O This ring is in very good condition, signs of wear consistent with the age of the piece.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Finger size O This ring is in very good condition. This elegant three stone ring comes from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, Jewellers by Royal Appointment to His Majesty King ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A sweet daisy cluster set with diamonds totalling approx 25pts and the stones are set in platinum. The rest of the ring is modelled in 18carat gold. Ring Size: O 1/2 or 7 1/2 Clus...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Eternity Bypass Engagement Ring Size O 1/2 7
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 O 1/2 US Ring Size 7.5 That equates to an i...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Britannia Silver Turquoise Signet Ring Size O 1/2 7.5 950 Purity Edward
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 O 1/2 US Ring Size 7.50 That equates to an ...
Turquoise, Silver
Antique 15ct Gold Ruby Diamond Gypsy Boat Ring Size O 7.25 625 Chester 1910
Located in Camelford, GB
For your consideration I have this amazing: 15CT GOLD ANTIQUE RUBY AND DIAMOND GYPSY BOAT RING DETAILS Material: 15ct 625/000 Rose/Yellow Gold This ring has a thick and sturdy sha...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Unavailable|$1,287
Victorian Yellow Sapphire Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
Size O UK, 7.5 US. Height of the face 8mm. Weight 4.0gr.
Yellow Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$10,271
Art Deco Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum
Located in Oxted, Surrey
Approximate total Diamond weight : 2.50ct Colour : H Grade : VS Ring Size : O 1/2 Total Weight : 6.4g
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,350
Engraved 18 Carat Art Deco Wedding Band, circa 1920s
Located in Sydney CBD, AU
Lovely Engraved Art Deco White gold wedding band, Circa 1920's 18ct White gold Art Deco engraved rounded profile wedding band or stacking band, Circa 1920's. Total ring weight = 2....
White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring 750 950 Size O 1/2
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 O 1/2 US Ring Size 7.50 That equates to an ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Platinum and 18 Carat Yellow Gold 3 Ruby 2 Diamond Band Eternity Ring
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
As well there are 2 round brilliant cut diamonds, very bright, illusion set over Platinum, colour G/H, clarity SI-1-SI2. Ring Size O/P but could carefully be re-sized. Total Ruby wei...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,444
William IV 18ct Gold and Enamel Mourning Ring, 1837
Located in Glasgow, GB
Engraving: - 'Owen Rees, Esq Ob 5 Sep 1837, Aet 67.'. Measurement: - UK ring size O (leading edge). US ring size 7 1/2 (leading edge).
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Unavailable|$13,147
One of a Kind Victorian Gold Silver Diamond Crowned Heart Love Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
Ideal for both everyday wear and special occasions, it exudes timeless elegance. The ring, sized O 1/2 UK, 7.25 US, features a face height of 13mm and approximately 0.75 Carat in dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Antique Victorian Era Milgrained Watchtower Mizpah Ring 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Hallmarks W.W. - makers mark for unknown maker crown - British gold standard 18 - 18ct gold Leopard's head - London Assay Office lower case "d" in truncated square - 1899 Ring Size...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Huge Cameo Signet Ring 375 Purity Heavy Shell 6.7g Size O 7.25
Located in Camelford, GB
On offer is this gorgeous 9CT HUGE GOLD ANTIQUE CARVED SHELL CAMEO SIGNET RING DETAILS Material: 9ct 375/000 Yellow Gold This ring has a very thick and sturdy shank hence ideal if ...
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Huge Cameo Signet Ring 375 Purity Heavy Shell 6.7g Size O 7.25
Located in Camelford, GB
On offer is this gorgeous 9CT HUGE GOLD ANTIQUE CARVED SHELL CAMEO SIGNET RING DETAILS Material: 9ct 375/000 Yellow Gold This ring has a very thick and sturdy shank hence ideal if ...
Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco Diamond Panel Ring 18 Karat Gold Platinum Setting, Antique Rings
Located in Preston, Lancashire
Ring size: UK size O US size 7.5 Setting: Head measures 10 x 8 mm, rising 3.5 mm off the finger Metal: 18-carat yellow gold & Platinum Weight: 2.2 grams Date/Period: Art Deco circa...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,184
Colorful Cocktail Ring 585 Gold Amethyst
Located in rijssen, NL
Stamped on the inside with 585 for the gold content. Ring size: 57/18 mm Diameter Ø ring head 19.11 mm Wide ring band at the back 2.6 mm Weight approx 9.43 grams Amethyst diameter ...
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$8,289
14K Yellow Gold Ring with Antique Greek Coin
Located in Berlin, DE
Product Details at a Glance: Condition: Used, exceptionally good condition Product type: Ring Fineness: 14-carat yellow gold Coin material: Silver (Greek-Hellenistic minting) Co...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$945
Antique Georgian Gold and Coral Half Eternity Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
Lovely Georgian c.1800 Gold and Coral half eternity ring. English origin. Size O UK, 7.5 US. Height of the face 6mm.
Coral, Yellow Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$5,802
Art Deco 18K White Gold Ring with Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
Product Details General: Condition: Pre-owned – good condition, minor signs of wear (see photos) Product type: Ring Brand: Unbranded Ring size: 57 (Ø 18.1 mm) Weight: 5.45 g Co...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$10,500
Jacobean Gold, Sapphire and Emerald Cluster Ring - 1620 AD
Located in London, GB
Thames and Hudson: London. Ring size: US – 7, UK – O.
Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 24k Gold
Unavailable|$3,903
Antique Amethyst and Diamond Ring in Platinum, English circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Measures 18mm in width of stone x approximately 10 carat in weight of stone. Ring size: (UK) O. Antique piece (over 100 years old).
Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,506
Stylish Mid Century Italian 18k Yellow Gold Oval Vintage Blue Topaz Ring
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Finger size: O. Wide plain, tapering hollowed shank. No hallmarks, stamped 'Italy 750' 18kt gold This rare antique pocket watch from the 1840s showcases exceptional craftsmanship and...
Antique 1.58 ct old mine cut diamond cluster ring, Austro-Hungaria circa 1880
Located in Magdeburg, DE
- One old mine cut diamond in the center, around 0.53 ct (O/ VS2) - Seven smaller old mine cut diamonds, around 1.05 ct total (H-O/ VS2-I2) - 580/ 14k solid yellow gold - Ring ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$267
René Mittler 1920s Blue Rhinestone and Cut Steel Vintage Ring
Located in Wigan, GB
Currently, the ring is set at a UK size O. The ring is unsigned, but was sourced during a buying trip to Paris from a René Mittler collection.
Base Metal
Victorian Heart Shaped Turquoise Seed Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring 18ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Perfect for those who cherish the beauty and craftsmanship of bygone eras, this ring is a timeless addition to any collection. Ring Size: UK O 1/2 or US 7.35 Condition: Very good co...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,590
Antique 18 Carat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
The Diamond grade ranges from I-L with clarity an excellent SI1. Ring size is 'O and half" but could be re-sized.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victoria Strigini: Ancient Roman Intaglio Marriage Ring, in 18k Gold and Jasper
Located in New York, NY
Approximate Measurements: H4mm above finger, W16mm at top, 2mm thick band. Ring Size: US 7 ½ / UK O. Can be re-sized. Victoria Strigini is a French-born, London-based jewelry desi...
Jasper, 18k Gold
Charles Lyster and Son 1900s Silver and Marcasite Floral Design Vintage Ring
Located in Wigan, GB
The ring is a UK size 'O'. A Short History... The use of marcasite in jewellery dates from the late 1700s.
Marcasite, Silver
Art Deco Diamond Cocktail Ring Square Setting Old Cuts 18 Karat Gold Platinum
Located in Preston, Lancashire
Ring size: UK size N/O US size 7.75 Setting measures 11 x 11 mm with a 5 mm height off the finger DIAMONDS: Quality diamonds that are well-matched 9 X old cuts of 0.08cts each - ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.42 Ct Natural Burma Ruby, Art Nouveau Inspired Ruby and 1.35 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in București, B
Material: 18k solid white gold Ring is available in size 55/O/7.5 but can be resized.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$10,682
Edwardian Ruby 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: O or 7
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Renaissance Revival Gold, Enamel and Ruby Ring, Mid-Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
The cabochon ruby, in an elaborate neo-Renaissance gold mount, decorated in enamel diverse motifs, ring size O-P, length 13mm, width 9mm
Ruby, Gold, 18k 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.
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.