Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This delicate little ring features a central ruby and two on the end, interspersed with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Gold Rose Cut Garnet Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian navette ring crafted in 14K gold. The piece features rose cut garnets and ruby.
Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
0.40ct Old cut diamonds and oval-shaped old cut rubies alternate in quintessential Edwardian era fashion to comprise this beautiful and colourful five stone ruby and diamond ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 18kt Gold & Platinum Ring with Diamond & Synthetic Ruby
Located in Aventura, FL
This elegant Art Deco navette ring is crafted in 18kt yellow gold with a platinum top and features a vivid synthetic ruby at the center.
White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique inspired diamond ruby 18k gold toi et moi ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting antique-inspired toi et moi ring is a timeless expression of love and balance, thoughtfully designed to celebrate the union of two distinct yet harmonious gemstones.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Platinum Ruby & Diamond Art Deco Plaque / Tank Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Tank Ring Platinum Circa 1920’s Fabulous Art Deco Design Plaque/Tank Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 0.60ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian era, this unique target style ring features a stunning display of old cut diamonds and baguette cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 Step into the elegance of the Victorian era with this stunning marquise-shaped ring, beautifully crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.32ct Pink Ruby & 0.36ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 15k Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive ruby and diamond ring is antique Victorian. The ring is fine quality set with a pink ruby and very well color graded, old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Ruby Pearl Sapphire and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.0 grams Size: M 1/2 (53) Face Dimensions: 18mm x 8.5mm Ruby: Approx. 0.15 carats Sapphire: Approx. 0.15 carats Pearl: 5.5mm x 5.5mm x 3.2mm Test...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby and Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique Victorian ring showcases a round red ruby measuring approximately 0.25 carats, accented north and south by two seed pearls.
Pearl, Ruby, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold and Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Victorian Ruby & Diamond Ring, Circa 1890 A romantic jewel from the late Victorian era, this antique ring showcases a vivid natural ruby, elegantly set in rich 14k gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Victorian Ruby Diamond Five Stone English 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty antique Victorian period ring is 1890 ca. English origin – bearing hallmarks Traditional Victorian half hoop mount, beautiful hand carved details exalting the fabul...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Boat Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring Beautiful Boat Shaped Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1894 UK Size Q & US Size 8 1/2 Can be resized for a small additional fee All of our items are e...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian era, this hand made ring is made up of two rubies and three diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A 0.20 carat ruby is set on each end of the ring, and are separated from the emerald by four old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mauboussin Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, French, circa 1929
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Mauboussin Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set to centre with a rectangular step cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 0.91...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 1.35ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A rare and stunningly beautiful piece, this target ring dates to the Edwardian period. At its centre sits a 1.35 carat old cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Victorian Antique 22 Karat Sapphire Ruby Double Snake Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
Stunning antique victorian double snake serpent ring. 2 yellow gold snakes entwined together with ruby and sapphire gem set heads.
Ruby, Sapphire, 22k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Ruby Platinum and Gold Plaque Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco platinum and 14 karat ring with diamonds and rubies. The ring is designed in a classic platinum-on-gold plaque motif, with the 3 larger diamonds architecturally framed by...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Platinum Snake Ring with 0.10 Carat Ruby, Early 20th Century Design
Located in Sewickley, PA
Crafted in platinum, the ring has a substantial yet refined presence, offering durability and timeless elegance.
Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 2.30ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 2.30 carat old cushion cut diamond is enveloped in a ring of rubies in this beautiful Edwardian target ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant ruby proudly stands out in this platinum trilogy ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Duchess Ring 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamonds and Rubies
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Specifications Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Duchess Period: Late 19th – Early 20th Century Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰) Gemstones: Rose-cut diamonds Natural rubies To...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Carat Iberian Cluster ring with Diamonds and Cabochon Ruby
Located in Baltimore, MD
Late 18th century ruby and diamond cluster ring from the Iberian peninsula, with breathtaking cabochon ruby set to a gold octofoil mount set with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This delightful Edwardian cluster ring features a vibrant 0.40 carat old cut ruby, at it’s centre.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: O or 7 1/4 Band Width: 7.5mm
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Georgian Turquoise, Ruby and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
At the centre is a 4pt ruby. The ring is modelled out of 18ct gold and has beautiful ornate shoulders.
Pearl, Turquoise, Ruby, Gold
Vintage 1920s Platinum Stamped, Diamond & Ruby Buckle Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Buckle Style Cocktail Ring Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This exquisite platinum buckle-style cocktail ring is adorned with natural Baguette-cut, Emerald cut, Old European...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Sparkling pink rubies and white diamonds make up this five stone ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18K Gold, Ruby and Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
This late Victorian 18K gold double snake ring, set with a diamond and a ruby, was created in England in 1892.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Edwardian Untreated Ruby Diamond 18 KT/Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This breathtaking Edwardian ring is 1900/09 circa Elegantly designed as a flat crown panel, hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold with Platinum top French origin, hallmarked Set on one si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This ruby and diamond five stone is beautifully made and show cases top quality stones.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian old cut diamond ruby 9k rose gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in warm 9k rose gold during the early 1900s, the ring embodies the sentimentality and intricate beauty of the Victorian era.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco, c.1920s cluster ring, which features 0.50 carats worth of gorgeous rubies, which compliment 1.36 carat total weight of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 1.05 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This cocktail ring is fine quality set with impressive natural rubies and a very high color graded old cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Natural Unenhanced Marquise Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Antique marquise ruby and diamond ring. Vertically set to the centre with two round old cut diamonds in slightly raised open back rubover millegrain platinum settings, with a combine...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Art Nouveau ring, it is formed of 2 patterns in the shape of leaf carried out in green gold which surround a central round ruby set with claws, 2 antique brilliant- cut diamonds are ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three Diamonds and two Rubies. The three diamonds total 30pts and the rubies total 30pts.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Edwardian 0.50 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: H, Clarity: VS Total Ruby Weight: Approx. 0.60ct Total Remaining Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.30ct Marked: French 18ct Assay Mark (faded) Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage ruby and diamond ring 14Kt gold year is unknown
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The ring is made with 0.40 carats of diamonds and rubies approximately, size 8 and can be re-sized.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
C1800 18K Giardinetti "Garden" Ring of Diamonds, Emeralds and Rubies
Located in Baltimore, MD
Rare and wonderful Georgian giardinetti ring, Italian for "little garden", is artfully set in silver with colored stones and 18K gold of diamonds, emeralds and rubies in a garden mo...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, hallmarked 1906
Located in London, GB
With hallmarks dating to 1906, this wonderful ring features a central ruby flanked by sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1890s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 grams Ruby Details: .30ct, Pinkish-Red Ruby, VS Clean, Natural ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Halo Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 4.25 /2.55gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ring from ca. late 19th early 20th cent. with Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm/ ca. 0.45ct and 10 old diamond cut Ø 1.5 mm / 0.015 ct each = Rock Crystal / White Quartz, White Spine...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Circa 1900 GIA-Certified 1.12ct Ruby Diamond Ring, 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An exceptional antique ring (circa 1900), centered with a GIA-certified natural, untreated ruby weighing 1.12 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Square Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1920’s Fabulous, Art Deco ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Four-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are four rubies totalling 80pts and six rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
1910s 0.45Ct Ruby 0.60Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.45 carat ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of our antique ruby jewellery collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
French Napoleon III Natural Pearl Ruby Diamond Duchess Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This gorgeous ‘Duchess’ antique ring is claw set with 2 rubies separated by a small bezel set rose- cut diamond with a natural baroque pearl above.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Antique Gold Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring, 18K Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Early 20th Century 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Approx. 1.00ct Diamonds — Size P/Q UK, 7.75 US size appx.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian 15ct Yellow Gold Ruby and Seed Pearl Ring, 1890s
Located in Portland, England
A beautiful late Victorian ring crafted in warm 15ct yellow gold, featuring a distinctive panel design set with alternating rubies and seed pearls.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Victorian Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Three Stone Ring, Hallmarked 1905
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Chester 1905 An Edwardian 18ct yellow gold three stone ring, hallmarked Chester, 1905, set with a central old cut diamond in a star burst setti...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Natural Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby to centre in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 3.41 carats, flan...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 5.2 grams Ring Size: R (59) - Resizable Band Width: 3mm - 2mm Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.24ct Ruby Details: Origin: Burma (Myanmar), Treatment: None T...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Shape Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Marquise shape ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set centrally with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1....
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1918
Located in Brighton, GB
Set with alternating, rubies & diamonds. Face of the ring measures approximate height 6mm & width 16mm Band width at back approximately 2mm Weight 2.4g UK Size O 1/2 US...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Band Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring Stamped 18ct Gold Circa 1910 Five-stone ring set with three round-cut rubies and two diamonds in alternating sequence.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Garnet, Ruby & Pearl Ring of 12ct Gold, Circa 1860-1880
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A dramatic antique ring (circa 1860-1880), centered with a large, deeply saturated red garnet carbuncle of commanding presence.
Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, 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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