Victorian Marquise-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
A marquise-shaped bezel centring a lush red ruby, and studded with 0.64ct old cut diamonds of varying sizes is the centerpiece of this Victorian era ruby and diamond cluster ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian ruby five stone ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Victorian ruby five stone ring. Horizontally set with a graduated row of five cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced rubies in open back claw settings with an approximate combined ...
Yellow Gold
Victorian Certified Natural Unheated Ruby Diamond Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This Beautiful Authentic Victorian 18k gold 'Vous et Moi' ring is set in the center with one Certified vivid Natural unheated Ruby, 1.53 ct., and one Sparkling Old mine cut diamond w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique AGL certified Burmese (Mogok) Unheated Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique, Unique AGL certified Burmese (Mogok) Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring Untreated, unheated (No clarity enhancement/ No heat enhancement) Burmese 0.94 carats Ruby (Mogo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Emerald Fede Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique 19th Century Victorian Fede ring featuring a trio of a ruby, diamond and an emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian Three-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming antique ruby and diamond ring dating back to the Edwardian period.
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring Hallmarked Birmingham 1911
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1911 A lovely ring set with alternating, natural rubies & diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
NEW Natural Precious Ruby and Emerald Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Warren, NJ
This stunning 14k solid yellow gold ring features a natural precious ruby and emerald set in a bezel setting.
Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Certified Natural Unheated Ruby Diamond Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This Beautiful Authentic Victorian 18k gold 'Vous et Moi' ring is set in the center with one Certified vivid Natural unheated burmese ruby, 0.65 ct., and one Sparkling Old mine cut d...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Snake Ring of Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond in 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Antique 18K Gold Double Serpent Ring with Ruby, Emerald & Diamond – Circa 1900 This striking antique ring, crafted around 1900, features a dramatic double-serpent design, coilin...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Edwardian Ruby Diamond Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The shoulders of the ring are gracefully adorned with additional rubies, enhancing its luxurious appeal and ensuring a striking visual impact from every angle.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 Exquisite in design, this 18ct yellow gold Edwardian ring showcases a stunning marquise-shaped centrepiece featuring a natural ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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
Two-Color Gold, 7 Carat Ruby and Diamond Bombé Ring
Located in New York, NY
18 kt. yellow & white gold, 75 square-cut rubies ap. 7.00 cts., 22 round & single-cut diamonds ap. .95 ct., ap. 9.4 dwts. Size 6. Rubies: medium deep raspberry, well-matched Colo...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Antique Old European Style Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique ring presents a captivating design centered around a stunning 1.24-carat oval ruby set in luxurious 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Belle Epoque Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring w Openwork Band
Located in Baltimore, MD
All of this open-work masterfully ensconces the ring in light and air. The top portion of the ring connects to a wide and slightly ribbed gold band.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby, Diamond, Gold and Platinum Plaque Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
A ruby and diamond early Art Deco plaque ring, with five principle old-cut diamonds, set horizontally, in platinum rub over settings, with a surround of calibré rubies, in a rectangu...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 This Victorian marquise-shaped ring is a true beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Oval Burma Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.0 Grams Ring Size: 10 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 oval red ruby Ruby Measurements: ~6.24 mm x 5.06 mm x...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian 14 Karat Gold 0.75 Carat Ruby Diamond Openwork Cocktail Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Edwardian openwork cocktail ring crafted in 14K gold. Circa 1910. The piece features: - 2 rubies, round cut, TW 0.75ct, slpR 7/4, SI - 3 diamonds, round brilliant cut, T...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby and Old Cut Diamonds Antique 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
The centerpiece of the ring is adorned with three stunning synthetic rubies, cut in a rectangular cushion shape.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Ruby, Diamond And 18 Karat Gold Navette Cluster Ring, Chester 1901
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond and gold navette shaped cluster ring, with a cushion shaped faceted ruby, in the centre of two oval rubies, surrounded by fourteen old-cut diamonds, in a cl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Gold Enamel Swallow Ring with Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This ring has sharp points on the wings so be careful but a dynamic ring you will never see again.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 18k Gold Ruby & Diamond 5-Stone Crossover Ring, Circa, 1890
Located in Altrincham, GB
A charming bezel set Art Nouveau 5-stone ring, set with old cut diamonds and juicy red rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Ruby & Seed Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The ring features fabulous gold work around the stones & into the ruby set shoulders.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Victorian Yellow Gold 1.25ctw Oval Ruby & Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 3.40 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.61 Carat Star Ruby Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Star Ruby and diamond 1920's Art Deco engagement ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Oval Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Oval Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring. This incredible Edwardian Old Mine Diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18ct Mid Victorian Heart Locket Lover's Ring with Rubies, Emeralds, and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Mid Victorian 18ct gold Rubies, emeralds and rose-cut diamonds Heart-shaped glazed locket compartment Weight: 2.8 grams Ring size: J
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
French 20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : Feminine and original, this antique ruby diamond ring would make a lovely engagement ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold, Victorian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This Victorian acrostic ring features Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, and Emerald gemstones, each claw set and mounted on a yellow gold setting.
Ruby, Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
Infinity love ruby and diamond ring in 18k gold, natural pearls
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique infinity ruby diamond ring in 18 karat gold. The infinity motif (a horizontal figure 8) is set with seven natural round rubies, six rose-cut diamonds, and two fine pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Marquise Red Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring Solid 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.3 Grams Ring Size: 7 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 2 marquise red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.25 carats Diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three rubies totalling 50pts and four diamonds totalling 8pts.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Antique 18K Toi et Moi ring, natural diamonds and ruby - you & I engagement ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
It is an incredibly romantic meaning of the joining of two souls in love. This ring is crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. This stunning 'toi et moi' -ring is set with an antique old mi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Gold GIA Buttercup Ruby Solitaire w/ Enamel Detailed Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Cushion Cut - Buttercup Prong Set - Fine Rich Red Color - 100% Natural - No Heat - 4.25 x 4.02 x 1.74mm (exact) ** See Certification Details ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 19K Yellow Gold and Silver Opal and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 6.8 grams Stone: Opal 0.35ct, Ruby 0.36TCW, Diamonds. Measurements: 18.7 X 16.4 X 7.9 mm Ring Size: 7.25 Hallmark: 19k Metal: 19k yellow gold/ Silver top (87%) Internal ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby
$28,800Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2 Carat No Heat Burma Ruby Art Deco Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This no heat ruby engagement ring is quite the beauty and one of the rarer treasures in our collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
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
Victorian Gold & Silver GIA Old Mine Burma Ruby & Diamond Target Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Silver Top Weight: 6.86 Grams Ring Size: 3.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring.)
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold
Late 19th century 2.05 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Antique 18Kt rose Gold and silver Ruby and Diamond ring. The cluster style ring is centered with an approximately 2.05 carats stunning oval ruby, Thailand origin, accented by an halo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
15ct Yellow Gold, Birmingham Hallmarked 1890, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 15ct Yellow Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1890 Makers Mark J R & S This 15ct gold ring is a true beauty and features rows of alternating natural rubies and diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine Antique Large Yellod Gold Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 14k Yellow Gold Navette Ring, measuring 1 1/4 inches in length and 3/8 inch wide, set with Nice Clean White Old Mine cut Diamonds totaling approximately 1.75 Carats and Ve...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold French Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920’s Fabulous French Art Deco Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Burmese ruby and diamond cross over ring, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Burmese ruby and diamond cross over ring. Set with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.70 c...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby with Diamonds Band Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This is an exquisite example of a vintage ruby diamond band. It is crafted in yellow gold and the center features 5 baguette blood red rubies of the finest quality accented with 6 ro...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring, Hallmarked Chester 1918
Located in Brighton, GB
Hallmarked in Chester in 1918, it carries a rich history and charm that only vintage pieces possess. The ring features a captivating design, set with alternating natural rubies and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian old European cut diamond ruby 18k yellow gold platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The interplay of shimmering white diamonds and vivid red rubies gives the ring a regal yet intimate presence on the hand.
Blue Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau 1910 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with Diamonds & Ruby
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite Art Nouveau ring is finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered by one round-cut gem-quality natural red ruby with approximately 0.15 carat total weight, beautifull...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique ruby and diamond ring in yellow gold, comprising of 3 round cut rubies and 2 old cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Hallmarked Birmingham 1886. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 6.5mm Weight: 3g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and silver. Delightful antique ring, it is decorated on its top with 5 oval rubies in fall surmounted on both sides of a line of 2x7 rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
The contrast between the rich red of the ruby and the bright white of the diamonds creates a captivating visual harmony before the ring is made complete by a slim smooth band.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This antique five-stone ring, stamped 18ct gold and dated circa 1900, features three rich rubies and two diamonds in a c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.35ct Sapphire and Ruby Double Heart Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting Victorian double heart crowned ring features a romantic design of two entwined hearts with two beautiful gemstones at their centres, a 0.35 carat ruby and a 0.35 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
18ct Gold Edwardian, Acrostic ADORE Ring: Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Emerald
Located in Brighton, GB
This fabulous Edwardian acrostic ring features enchanting amethyst, dazzling diamond, opulent opal, ravishing ruby, and exquisite emerald gemstones, each meticulously set and mounted...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k 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.
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.