$1,623Sale Price|25% Off
Antique 12k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. Totally is ruby 0.24 ct. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.00 Ct Natural Ruby 1.60 Ct Diamond 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Statement A Charming rectangular shaped classy Victorian period ring, 1890 ca Hand crafted as unique during the time of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped The lovely rectangular hea...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Fancy Knot Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1916
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Knot Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1916 Makers Mark W L Behold the exquisite 18ct yellow gold fancy knot ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby & Pearl Ring With Pretty Carved Shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Victorian Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1898 Gorgeous Victorian Ring.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ring with 2.18ct GIA Yellow Diamond and Calibrated Rubies
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Suitable as a statement ring or an antique engagement ring. Specifications • Metal: Platinum • Center Stone: 2.18ct yellow diamond, GIA certified • Surrounding Stones: Calibrated ru...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.60 Carats Round Cut Ruby & Diamond Antique Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique engagement ring, showcasing a GIA certified 1.60 carats round cut ruby, bezel-set in a platinum mounting.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Burmese Ruby & Emerald circa 1880s Signed Gold Antique Multi Band Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian hallmarked circa 1880s gold Antique Multi Band ring Burmese Ruby & Emerald 9 pieces of 4 mm natural round Burmese Rubies and 16 pieces of round 2.5 mm natural Emeralds weig...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold
Antique Victorian Gold 3.5ctw GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond Cushion Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 4.72 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring.)
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Silver, Early Victorian Moonstone, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Moonstone Ring 18ct Gold & Silver Circa 1865 Step back in time with this exquisite early Victorian ring, crafted with exceptional attention to detail.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco style 1.11 carat transitional cut diamond ruby platinum cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This modern Art Deco-inspired platinum cluster ring showcases a 1.11 carat transitional cut diamond framed by vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds for timeless sophistication.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring .95ct Original 1870's GIA 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from 1870's GIA Certified Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring .95ct 14K Yellow Gold Featuring a Genuine GAI Certified Lab Grown .75ct Oval Step Cut R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Halo Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning art deco ring is has three diamonds, vertically set and perfectly haloed by french cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1914 Halo Ring Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ruby and Diamonds Ring once created 111 years ago on the territory of The Grand Duchy of Finland - at that time a part of Russian Empire.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Shuttle Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum. Elegant antique ring, its mounting is of shuttle shape and decorated in the center on platinum, of rose- cut diamonds surrounded by synthe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1880's Victorian Ruby Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring 6.5 US 14K Solid Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
1880's Victorian Ruby Rosecut Diamond Entourage Ring 6.5 US 14K Solid Gold Message us for our best price.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Antique Silver Topped 10k Yellow Gold 1.75tcw Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring is crafted in silver topped 10k yellow gold and features vibrant rubies totaling approximately 1.75 carats accented by rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Heart Shaped Ring with Diamond, Sapphires and Rubies, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
Hallmarked in 1902, thia Victorian ring features a diamond, sapphire and ruby all set to centre.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum GIA Burma No Heat Square Ruby Stack Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Ring Width: 2.4mm (0.09") Ring Height: 2.2mm rise off the finger Condition: Antique Art Deco.
Ruby, Platinum
Art-Deco Untreated, Unheated 2.10 carats Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art-Deco Untreated, Unheated 2.10 carats Natural Ruby Vivid Red and Diamond Cluster Ring. The oval-cut ruby with exceptional clarity and vivid red color (Royal Red Color: deep carmi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique, Royal Gold Ring with Rose Cut Trillion Diamond, Rubies and Ornaments
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent, antique, royal gold ring with rose cut diamond, rubies and ornaments.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
French Art Deco 1920s Platinum Ruby and Diamond 5 Row Panel Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
This ring is set to the centre with lozenge shaped panel of rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Louisa 14k White Gold Ring With 1.90 Ct Natural Rubies (oval & Round)
Located in Greeneville, TN
Fiery passion meets timeless sophistication in the Louisa Ring by Mountain Song Jeweler. This stunning piece features a 1.90 carat blend of natural oval and round rubies, rich in red...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Antique Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Ruby and Pearl 5 Stone Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
My favourite thing about this Victorian 15K Gold Ruby and Pearl Ring, is the soft hue of the rubies.
Pearl, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,470Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond And Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Ring size is US 7.8 Acid tested to be 8k real gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian circa 1869 Unheated Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring 18k Antique Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
No Heat Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring 18K Unique Yellow Gold Victorian 1869 Engraved 'Where I give my heart I live 19 Dec 1869 L.E J.' 3.7 gram 4 pieces of Old European Cut Diamonds H-...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. A charming round antique ring with openwork setting, set in platinum with rose-cut diamonds and in yellow gold with 6 rubies in closed sett...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Stamped, Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Boat Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 This exquisite Edwardian-era ring showcases a stunning boat-shaped design, crafted from 18ct gold and adorned with vibrant rubies ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,185Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby And Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is diamond 0.06 carat. Totally is ruby 1.13 carat. Ring size is US 7. We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow & White Gold, Edwardian Fancy Rectangular Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing a stunning 18ct gold Edwardian ring, featuring a central row of calibrated rubies set in yellow gold ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Navette Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This early Art Deco two-tone ring features a round transitional-cut diamond center stone weighing approximately 0.44 carats, F color and I1 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.23 Carat Ruby and 0.97 Carat Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique ruby and diamond ring has a fine and delicate shank, which is often the case with original antique rings.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 7.10 Carat Yellow Ceylon Sapphire, Ruby, 9k Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The impressive rubies display fine color and brilliance. The ring is an excellent gauge of gold and silver and is in excellent condition.
Ruby, Sapphire, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Ruby & Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 14ct Rose Gold, Victorian Style
Located in London, GB
This exquisite antique ruby and diamond five-stone ring in 14ct rose gold is a true treasure for lovers of historical jewellery.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Pear-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring, Circa 1880s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k yellow gold ring features a pear-cut ruby of approximately 0.40 carats, surrounded by 10 old European and single cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.65 carats, F...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Circa 1880s Cabochon Natural Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Antique Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Victorian Circa 1880s Cabochon Natural Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Antique Yellow Gold 5.1 gram 9.0 mm by 7.3 mm by 5.8 mm deep, Cabochon Cut natural Ruby, approximately 4.5 Carat 26 pie...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Estate Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Three Old European Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: Approximately 1 Carat Color/Clarity: I-J / VS1-2 Accent Stones:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Cloverleaf Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The ring is numbered 7797 on the inside. Weight of the rubies : 1.46 carat approximately.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The shoulders are heart shaped & set with little cabochon rubies. The face of the ring measures approx width 11.3mm & height 8.1mm UK Size O 1/2 US Size 7 1/4 Can be resized usin...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Ruby Diamond Rose White Gold Arrow Design Cocktail Ring circa 1930s
Located in Stamford, CT
1930s Retro arrow design rose gold ring with genuine square bright red Rubies and singe cut Diamonds in white gold. 5 round cut diamonds accented by 12 square shape red rubies. 5 r...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
French Belle Epoque ruby diamond 18k yellow gold and platinum cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting French Belle Epoque ring features a cushion cut ruby framed by rose cut diamonds and additional ruby accents.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ruby Square Ring Sz 7.25 Platinum Jewelry 1920s
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & ruby square ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Burmese 2.08 carat ruby diamond ring
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with a cushion shape step cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 2.08 carats, flan...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,053Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby There Stone Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
The diamond is has I color and Pique clarity. Ruby totally 0.25 carat. Ring size is US 7.5 We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Double Headed 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring Diamond and Ruby Unisex
Located in Wallkill, NY
Double Headed Snake Wedding 14K Ring with 4 bezel set diamonds in each head. Rubies make up the eyes of both snakes.
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring GIA. This incredible engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Scroll Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Target Ring 18ct White Gold Circa 1920’s Fabulous, Art Deco target ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1920s Art Deco Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
In the center, an oval ruby is set in a bezel. On either side of the head, the ring is made of gold wires that meet and a shield motif set with a small rose-cut diamond.
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Diamond Platinum Dome Cluster Cocktail Ring, Circa 1920's
Located in London, GB
This intricate ruby and diamond cluster ring features an oval shaped ruby in a rub-over, open back setting weighing approximately 1.50 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian French 3.45 carat total weight diamond and ruby 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stunning Victorian French ring features five sparkling old European cut diamonds and richly hued oval cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Gold & Platinum AGL Burma No Heat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ Platinum Top Weight: 3.58 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring - Please contact us priory to purchase for sizing ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.66 Carat Art Deco Ruby White Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco cushion cut Ruby and white diamond engagement ring. Cushion cut bezel set 1.66ct ruby mounted in a platinum setting with two baguette cut side diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous three-stone ring taken from the Victorian period. At the centre of the face we find an oval faceted ruby of Burmese origin.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds gorgeous sparkling diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 6.00 Carat Star Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Star Ruby weighing approximately 6.00 carats, accented by a halo of Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.00 carats...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 24.88 Carat Star Ruby Diamond White Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco Cabochon Star Ruby and diamond cocktail ring. GIA certified natural star Ruby accented with round and baguette diamonds in a 14k white setting.
Ruby, Diamond, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The rubies are beautifully secured in warm yellow gold, while the base of the ring features a smooth 18ct yellow gold band, ensuring comfort and style.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.04 Carat Oval Ruby Diamond Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ruby and diamond Art Deco halo engagement ring. From the early 1900's exquisite piece features a vibrant 1.04ct oval ruby mounted in a three tiered platinum mounting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 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.
This deep red gem is the color of heat and passion — vintage and antique ruby jewelry is perfect for those born in the middle of summer.
Rubies are one of the few gemstones that can give diamonds a run for their money. Just consider the Van Cleef & Arpels “scarf” necklace the Duke of Windsor presented to the Duchess on her 40th birthday, in 1936 — set with diamonds and dripping with rubies, a testament to the deep-red gemstone’s power — or the slippers encrusted with 4,600 rubies that Harry Winston made to commemorate The Wizard of Oz’s golden anniversary. July babies have permission to adorn themselves with this beautiful red stone even when it’s not their birthday.
Rubies are considered precious stones — along with diamonds, sapphires and emeralds — and have a hardness of 9.0 on the Mohs Scale, surpassed only by Moissanite and diamonds. They are composed of corundum, a colorless mineral that is also the basic material of sapphires. In the July birthstone, the red of the gemstone — and the various hues seen in sapphires — are produced by the presence of trace elements. In the case of a ruby, this element is chromium. Rubies range in color from vermilion to a violet red. They are also pleochroic, which means that a stone’s hue can vary depending on the direction of viewing. The most sought-after color is pigeon’s blood: pure red with a hint of blue.
Rubies that are hosted in dolomite marble are the most prized: Because the marble is low in iron, so are the rubies, resulting in a more intense color. Rubies found in basalt, which has a higher iron content, are generally darker and less intense.
When shopping for antique and vintage ruby jewelry, remember that the 4Cs of selecting the perfect diamond — color, clarity, cut and carat — also apply to rubies.
According to the Gemological Institute of America, the color of the July birthstone should be a vibrant to slightly purplish red, and the stone should be clear and inclusion-free. Accordingly, the cut should show off its color and clarity. As for the last criterion, fine rubies more than a carat in weight are rare. Often, large rubies are more expensive than diamonds of comparable weights.
Find a collection of ruby necklaces, ruby rings and other accessories 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.