Antique 1890s Cabochon Cut Ruby and Opal Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive cabochon cut ruby and opal ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique fancy Ring solid 18K Rose Gold 25 Rubies Diamonds US 4.75 /3 gr
Located in SE
Old Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold with plain band. Round Crown Ø 12 mm x 3 mm deep with slightly convex surface is decorated with 25 pave set natural Rubies and Diamonds, all stones of...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weigh...
Victorian 3.62 CTW Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of alternating old mine cut diamonds and cushion cut rubies Old mine cut diamonds weigh approximately 2.12 carats total O/P color with VS2 to SI1 clarity - set with talon ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Pink Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Bee Fly Ring French Antique Insect Bug Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique French Belle Epoque Bee or Fly Insect Ring set with a very fine Ruby, Pink Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Spinel Ruby And Rose Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial russian era 1889/1900.c ring centered with 3 natural spinel rubies blood color flanked with rose cut diamonds ring was made in moscow between 1889/1900.c tsarist era...
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Sapphire and Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold ring centered with 3 large stones Old mine cut diamond H colour white vs clearity and old cut navy blue sapphire colour and old cut ruby stone with estimate total we...
Pigeon's blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's Blood Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Gold Three Stone Ring with Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 1870
Located in Napoli, IT
. – H/VVS) flanked by 1 oval cut natural Ruby of .50 Ct on one side and 1 oval Navy Blue Sapphire of approx .55 Ct Band is 10 mm. at widest – weighs 10.1 grams The weighty ring is de...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Suzy Levian 14K Yellow Gold Pear-Cut Ruby and White Diamond Vintage Look Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This spectacular ring from the Suzy Levian collection features 14k gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.90 CTW No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Antique Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut ruby weighing 1.12 carats - transparent medium purplish red in color Natural Burmese in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Prong set and f...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ring 0.2 ct Diamond 0.2ct Ruby solid 14K Rose Gold Silver Ø US5.25/1.6gr
Located in SE
A Ring from ca. 1920s - 1930s with the band in solid 14K Rose Gold decorated with old European cut Diamond Ø 3.5 mm / ca.0.2 ct /color G,H/SI in Silver bezel and old cut Ruby in Rose...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.31ct Ruby and Pearl Trilogy Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A ruby and pearl ring in gold, comprising one round cut ruby and two pearls, set to a band of 18 karat yellow gold.
Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in Yellow and White Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Step into the elegance of yesteryear with this captivating vintage ring. Expertly crafted from yellow and white 18K gold (750‰), this piece features a striking synthetic ruby of appr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 1.02ct Unheated Ruby & 1.20cttw Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920 - Platinum Art Deco 1.02ct Unheated Ruby & 1.20cttw Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#558 Ring Details: Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.3 g Gem S...
Art Deco Ruby-Toned 14k Gold Plated Carved Detail Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Make a statement with this exquisite Art Deco Ruby-Toned 14k Gold Plated Carved Detail Cocktail Ring.
Victorian diamond ruby emerald sapphire 18k yellow gold silver Navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k yellow gold and silver ring shimmers with rose cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, capturing antique elegance with vibrant color.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco 3 Carat Diamond and Ruby Tablet or Plaque Ring in Platinum, Circa 1925
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The step-cut, channel-set rubies are probably flame-fusion synthetics, as this ring dates from the heyday of synthesized rubies and sapphires, when even the finest jewelers were rely...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond and No Heat Ruby Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond and No Heat Ruby Three Stone Ring. This incredible Edwardian three stone ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Synthetic Ruby 0.12 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring 1913
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive diamond and ruby cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Victorian Synthetic Ruby and 0.62 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Center Stone Details: .15ct total weight, Ruby, Red Color, Natural. Band Width: 1.75mm Condition: Excellent
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22ct Gold Birmingham Hallmarked 1920s Ruby & Diamond Star Set 3 Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The ring boasts a unique design with a centre diamond and a natural ruby on either side, all of which are star-set into the yellow gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold
Victorian 2.59 CTW Ruby Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Antique Clustered Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a row of round cut rubies weighing approximately 1.11 carats total Transparent medium purplish red in color - prong set with halo surround Comprised of prong set old mine...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,760Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Inspired 14k Yellow Gold Marquise Ruby & Baguette Diamond Wedding Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 14k Yellow gold Marquise Ruby and Baguette Cut Diamond Wedding Ring . Specifications: Metal: 14K White Gold Center Stone: 5 Marquise Cut Rubies 3.30 cts.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
The rubies are natural, with a vibrant red colour. All the stones are claw set and the ring is hand made.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 14ct Gold 1920’s, Sapphire, Ruby & Emerald Three Leaf Clover Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Clover Ring 14ct Gold Tested Circa 1920’s Pretty, antique three leaf clover ring.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum 1.02ct Unheated Ruby & 1.20cttw Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.3 g Gem Stone Details: Type: Ruby - Natural, Unheated Shape: Antique Cushion Color: Red Size: 1.14ct Diamond Details: Shape: Antique Cu...
Platinum
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.53 Carat Ruby Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Estate(1890s) Birmingham England Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Old Mine Cut Natural Ruby Carat Weight: Approximately 0.53 Carats Accent Stones: Two Old M...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Old Mine Diamond Flush Set Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Old Mine Diamond Flush Set Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k Ruby & Tourmaline Gypsy Ring Yellow Gold Etched Men's US Size 11
Located in Greer, SC
Gorgeous antique etched ring featuring ruby and tourmaline, great for collectors of early 1900's finely crafted jewelry.
Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Double Heart Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
The ring is in great condition with the ruby and sapphire having slight abrasions.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Ruby, and Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Ruby, and Old Mine Diamond Ring Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Opal...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Diamond and Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful vintage five-stone ring from the Art Deco period, circa 1920. The central ruby measures 20 points and is flanked by two beautiful 5 points diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1892 British Three Stones Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold / Ø US6 / 2gr
Located in SE
Late Victorian period ring made in Great Britain. Hollow band about 5 mm at widest in solid 18K Yellow Gold and 3 pave set stones : 2 old diamond cut Diamonds( Ø 2.5 mm/0.08ct eac...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
C1920 Colorful Harem Ring w Paste Sapphires, Paste Diamonds and Paste Rubies
Located in Baltimore, MD
This 14k gold Art Deco harem ring is made up of five 14k gold bands held together in a half-hoop that connects the bands and has "diamond", "ruby", and "sapphire" paste stones set in...
14k Gold
French Art Deco 1930 Cocktail Ring In Sterling Silver With Synthetic Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring made in France by Maurice Chardeaux. Beautiful cocktail ring, created in Paris France during the art deco period, back in the 1930.
Crystal, Spinel, Silver, Sterling Silver
3.52 Carat Antique Cushion Unheated Burma Ruby and Diamond 3-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Boston, MA
This red cushion cut cut ruby is custom set in an antique one-of-kind diamond and platinum ring, consisting of 1 "pigeon blood red" cushion cut ruby of Burmese origin with no indicat...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Russian Sapphire Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian 14k gold ring in naviet style centered with natural sapphire rubies and old mine cut diamonds ring head diameter 2.8cm hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard r...
1920s Art Deco 1.00 Carat Total Weight Ruby Platinum Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 1.9 grams Color Stone Details: Type: Natural Ruby Shape: French Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 carat, total weight *1 ruby has ...
Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring, 1911
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring features 3 round rubies accompanied by two old cut diamonds all mounted in a classic original Edwardian 18 carat yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Square Cut Ruby Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
There are square cut rubies going around the entire ring and the sides of the ring are plain.
Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 0.4 ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6US/ 2.7 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold band with braided shoulders holding old diamond cut natural Rose Red Ruby and 2 old diamond cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Square Cut Ruby Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
The ring features natural square cut rubies going around the entire band.
Ruby, Platinum
1918 Antique 3 stones Ring Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø US 8.75 / 3.1gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Three - stones Ring hand - made in 1918. In finest used condition after 106 years of existence :) Band with plain shoulders in solid 18ct Yellow Gold crown featuring plati...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$3,760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Diamond Pink Ruby Wedding Band. Diamond Eternity Band Platinum Links
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 US, Not Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Calibre Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite and rare Art Deco band showcases the timeless elegance...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Band Width: 6mm Weight: 3.1g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Vintage Fine Quality Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Los Gatos, CA
This exquisite Vintage Fine Quality Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring Set is crafted in 18 kt white gold and features a striking contrast between the rubies and diamonds for a remarkab...
18k Gold
Art Deco Carved Ruby Leaf Diamond Floral Platinum Eternity Band
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This stunning Art Deco platinum ring features 3 rubies with leaf carvings prong set between diamond vines.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ring Moi et Toi 14k Gold Sz 7 Synthetic Ruby
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco era diamond & synthetic ruby 'moi et toi' ring crafted in 14k yellow gold (circa 1920s to 1930s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic band is modelled in 18carat gold. The central diamond measures 4pts and the rubies also measure 4pts each. Hallmarked Birmingham 1915. Size: K or 5 1/4 Width: 6mm Wei...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Exceptional 3.11ct Burmese Ruby with Half Moon cut diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Ideal for collectors and those seeking a truly unique piece, this gemstone is not just a jewel but a statement of timeless beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship. Whether set in a rin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic band is modelled in 18carat gold and the Ruby which is set within the band. The diamonds measure approx 10pts and the ruby measures 30pts. Size: N 1/2 or 7 Width: 6.5...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
1.24CT Natural Oval Ruby Platinum Art Deco Setting with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
For those who adore vintage, this art deco cocktail ring is an absolute must-have. The natural oval ruby is truly a work of art, complemented by emerald cut diamonds on either side, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Natural Ruby Square Cut Eternity Band - Size 6
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring features natural square cut rubies going around the entire ring in a channel setting.
Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 8 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 8ct gold band has a ruby, emerald and sapphire set within it with diamonds in between.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Flip Band. Carre Cut Sapphire and Ruby two rows Diamond 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Gemstones: Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds Gemstone Cuts: Carré Cut Sapphire and Ruby Jewelry Type: Flip Band Ring Style: Victorian Flip Ring, Eternity Band, Half E...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k 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.
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.
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