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Antique Skull Ring

Post-Medieval enamel skull ring, circa 17th century.
Post-Medieval enamel skull ring, circa 17th century.

Post-Medieval enamel skull ring, circa 17th century.

Located in London, GB

Post-Medieval enamel skull ring. A gold ring composed of a flat circular plaque featuring a black

Category

17th Century Medieval Antique Skull Ring

Antique Gold Skull and Crossbone Men's Ring
Antique Gold Skull and Crossbone Men's Ring

Antique Gold Skull and Crossbone Men's Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Of skull and crossbones design, the gold mouth between bifurcated shoulders. Size : 8 1/2 Weight

Category

1890s Italian Victorian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Gold

19th Century Vanitas Memento Mori Skull on Diamond Gold Oversize Ring
19th Century Vanitas Memento Mori Skull on Diamond Gold Oversize Ring

19th Century Vanitas Memento Mori Skull on Diamond Gold Oversize Ring

Located in Geneva, CH

The skull is antique circa 19th Century incredibly enameled on gold. The eyes are diamond rose cut

Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Gothic Revival Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pendant Silver And Agate Skull Italy 19th Century
Pendant Silver And Agate Skull Italy 19th Century

Pendant Silver And Agate Skull Italy 19th Century

Located in Firenze, IT

hook is attached to the top of the skull, from which hangs a ring made of the same material, designed

Category

Mid-19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Agate, Silver

Pendant Silver And Coral Skull Italy 18th Century
Pendant Silver And Coral Skull Italy 18th Century

Pendant Silver And Coral Skull Italy 18th Century

Located in Firenze, IT

hook is attached to the top of the skull, from which hangs a ring made of the same material, designed

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Coral, Silver

Pendant Memento Mori Red Corallum Rubrum  Italy 18th Century
Pendant Memento Mori Red Corallum Rubrum  Italy 18th Century

Pendant Memento Mori Red Corallum Rubrum Italy 18th Century

Located in Firenze, IT

hook is attached to the top of the skull, from which hangs a ring made of the same material, designed

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Silver

Corallium Rubrum Memento Mori Italy 18th Century
Corallium Rubrum Memento Mori Italy 18th Century

Corallium Rubrum Memento Mori Italy 18th Century

Located in Firenze, IT

hook is attached to the top of the skull, from which hangs a ring made of the same material, designed

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Silver

Framed Antique Tibetan Thangka of Yamantaka with Consort
Framed Antique Tibetan Thangka of Yamantaka with Consort

Framed Antique Tibetan Thangka of Yamantaka with Consort

Located in Atlanta, GA

Saraswati. They are decorated with rings of skulls, and further elaborately surrounded by a halo of flames

Category

19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Textile

Recent Sales

Georgian Mourning and Memento Mori Ring
Georgian Mourning and Memento Mori Ring

Georgian Mourning and Memento Mori Ring

Located in New York, NY

Georgian mourning & memento mori ring featuring a skull under square faceted rock crystal in silver

Category

1730s Georgian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Crystal, 18k Gold, Silver

Harlequin Skull Ring, a Zorab Creation
Harlequin Skull Ring, a Zorab Creation

Harlequin Skull Ring, a Zorab Creation

By Zorab Creation

Located in San Diego, CA

all the rage for women and men in ready-to-wear and accessories. The Harlequin Skull ring, a Zorab

Category

15th Century and Earlier Gothic Revival Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Brown Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Palladium

Georgian memorial skull ring, circa 1777.
Georgian memorial skull ring, circa 1777.

Georgian memorial skull ring, circa 1777.

Located in London, GB

Georgian memorial skull ring. A gold D-shape shank, engraved to the exterior with a stylised skull

Category

1770s British Georgian Antique Skull Ring

Silver Gilt and Enamel Late Renaissance Skull Ring
Silver Gilt and Enamel Late Renaissance Skull Ring

Silver Gilt and Enamel Late Renaissance Skull Ring

Located in Baltimore, MD

Late renaissance Memento Mori skull ring. "Memento Mori" jewelry translates to "remember thou must

Category

17th Century Swiss Renaissance Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Silver

Post Medieval gold skull ring, circa 1676.
Post Medieval gold skull ring, circa 1676.

Post Medieval gold skull ring, circa 1676.

Located in London, GB

Post Medieval gold skull ring. A smoothly conforming D-shape band engraved to the exterior with a

Category

1670s Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique Memento Mori Skull ring
Antique Memento Mori Skull ring

Antique Memento Mori Skull ring

Located in Firenze, IT

The ivory skull with rose cut diamond eyes mounted on a snake shape setting in 18Kt gold and old

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Imperial Russian Diamond Skull Ring
Antique Imperial Russian Diamond Skull Ring

Antique Imperial Russian Diamond Skull Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Made in Moscow during World War I, circa 1914 The ring is said to be given by the Russian

Category

20th Century Russian Edwardian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond

Victorian Skull and Snake Motif Ring
Victorian Skull and Snake Motif Ring

Victorian Skull and Snake Motif Ring

Located in Aspen, CO

Antique ring in 18K with platinum skulls which have rose cut diamond eyes. The intertwined snakes

Category

19th Century Unknown High Victorian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Platinum

Silver and Garnet Eyes Devil Skull Men's Ring
Silver and Garnet Eyes Devil Skull Men's Ring

Silver and Garnet Eyes Devil Skull Men's Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

Silver Devil Magical Skull with cross and star david on the top, garnet eyes Size : 8 1/4 Weight

Category

Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Garnet, Silver

Georgian 22 Karat Gold Memento Mori Skull Unisex Band Ring
Georgian 22 Karat Gold Memento Mori Skull Unisex Band Ring

Georgian 22 Karat Gold Memento Mori Skull Unisex Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Half-round style band centering a highly detailed engraved skull Inscribed on the inside with

Category

1710s Georgian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

22k Gold

Early Georgian Skull and Crossbones Stuart Crystal Mourning Ring c.1740
Early Georgian Skull and Crossbones Stuart Crystal Mourning Ring c.1740

Early Georgian Skull and Crossbones Stuart Crystal Mourning Ring c.1740

Located in London, GB

memento mori skull and crossbones motif. This ring is steeped with history and is a remarkable example of

Category

Mid-18th Century English Georgian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Crystal, 22k Gold

Framed Antique Tibetan Buddhist Thangka
Framed Antique Tibetan Buddhist Thangka

Framed Antique Tibetan Buddhist Thangka

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H 44.5 in W 34.5 in D 3 in

Framed Antique Tibetan Buddhist Thangka

Located in Atlanta, GA

with rings of skulls, and further elaborately surrounded by a halo of flames and other deities and

Category

19th Century Tibetan Tibetan Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Textile, Acrylic

Antique Lapis Gold Platinum Skull Ring
Antique Lapis Gold Platinum Skull Ring

Antique Lapis Gold Platinum Skull Ring

Located in New York, NY

Fascinating antique "skull" ring. A carved lapis skull, surrounded by rose cut diamonds set in

Category

Early 1900s American Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Platinum

Memento Mori Diamond Skull Ring 18 Carat Gold
Memento Mori Diamond Skull Ring 18 Carat Gold

Memento Mori Diamond Skull Ring 18 Carat Gold

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

This 18ct Yellow Gold and Silver Memento Mori Diamond Skull ring is fabulous. Skull jewellery

Category

19th Century British Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

18th Century Memento Mori Garnet Skull Ring
18th Century Memento Mori Garnet Skull Ring

18th Century Memento Mori Garnet Skull Ring

Located in Austin, TX

18th Century memento mori enamel skull garnet and diamond ring. Table cut garnet and rose cut

Category

18th Century British Georgian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Silver

Georgian Memento Mori Diamond Skull Ring 18ct Gold Dated 1813 Boxed
Georgian Memento Mori Diamond Skull Ring 18ct Gold Dated 1813 Boxed

Georgian Memento Mori Diamond Skull Ring 18ct Gold Dated 1813 Boxed

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

This remarkable Memento Mori ring features a Crystal window with a hand painted Enamel skull and

Category

1810s British Georgian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Memento Mori Diamond Skull Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold
Memento Mori Diamond Skull Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold

Memento Mori Diamond Skull Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

This fabulous 18ct Yellow Gold Memento Mori Diamond Skull ring is fabulous. The skull is set with

Category

19th Century British Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Deakin & Francis Bloodstone Skull Intaglio Ring
Deakin & Francis Bloodstone Skull Intaglio Ring

Deakin & Francis Bloodstone Skull Intaglio Ring

By Deakin & Francis

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This outstanding signet ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and bloodstone. The ring features a

Category

1920s British Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Other, 18k Gold

Momento Mori Diamond Ruby Skull Snake Ring 18 Carat Gold
Momento Mori Diamond Ruby Skull Snake Ring 18 Carat Gold

Momento Mori Diamond Ruby Skull Snake Ring 18 Carat Gold

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

This 18ct Yellow Gold Memento Mori Diamond Skull and Snake ring is stunning. Skull jewellery

Category

19th Century British Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Georgian Baroque Mourning Ring with Skull and Crossbones and Cipher
Georgian Baroque Mourning Ring with Skull and Crossbones and Cipher

Georgian Baroque Mourning Ring with Skull and Crossbones and Cipher

Located in Brooklyn, NY

This spectacular and rare mourning ring was made in the first years of what is now known as the

Category

1710s British Georgian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Rock Crystal, 22k Gold

18th Century Oak and Iron Mounted Memento Mori Doorstop Carved as a Human Skull
18th Century Oak and Iron Mounted Memento Mori Doorstop Carved as a Human Skull

18th Century Oak and Iron Mounted Memento Mori Doorstop Carved as a Human Skull

Located in Bedford, Bedfordshire

-sized human skull mounted with an iron ring handle to the top and with a beautiful Primitive iron-strap

Category

Mid-17th Century English George II Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Iron

Victorian Style Momento Mori Rose Cut Ruby and Diamond Skull Ring 18 Karat Gold
Victorian Style Momento Mori Rose Cut Ruby and Diamond Skull Ring 18 Karat Gold

Victorian Style Momento Mori Rose Cut Ruby and Diamond Skull Ring 18 Karat Gold

Located in Lancashire, Oldham

An 18 karat yellow gold, silver set ruby and diamond skull ring in the memento mori style. The ruby

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

17th Century Stuart Crystal Diamond Memento Mori Skull Ring
17th Century Stuart Crystal Diamond Memento Mori Skull Ring

17th Century Stuart Crystal Diamond Memento Mori Skull Ring

Located in Sale, Cheshire

This is a rare, and somewhat unusual, example of a Stuart Crystal memento mori ring. The central

Category

17th Century English Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 15k Gold

Antique Skull and Bones Diamond Memento Mori Ring
Antique Skull and Bones Diamond Memento Mori Ring

Antique Skull and Bones Diamond Memento Mori Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

Beautiful example of authentic Georgian Memento Mori Skull ring. Crafted of solid 16 KT and silver

Category

1790s Georgian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian Diamond Skull Crossed Bones Silver 18 Karat Gold Rare Ring
Victorian Diamond Skull Crossed Bones Silver 18 Karat Gold Rare Ring

Victorian Diamond Skull Crossed Bones Silver 18 Karat Gold Rare Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

The Memento Mori Impressive late Victorian Skull and Crossed bones ring suitable for either sex

Category

Early 1900s Late Victorian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Modern Memento Mori Diamond Skull Cross Bone Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold
Modern Memento Mori Diamond Skull Cross Bone Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold

Modern Memento Mori Diamond Skull Cross Bone Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold

Located in Lancaster, Lancashire

This 18ct Yellow Gold Memento Mori Diamond Skull and Crossbone ring is fabulous. The skull and

Category

19th Century British Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Vintage Aquamarine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Vintage Aquamarine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring

Vintage Aquamarine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

Sitting proud at the centre of this wonderful ring is a gorgeous colour aquamarine stone. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2 Stone Dimensions: 20x14mm Height Off Finger: 11mm Weight: 7.6g

Category

1980s British Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold

1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress
1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress

1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress

By Louis Feraud

Located in San Francisco, CA

Louis Feraud 1970s haute couture light brown lace dress in a 1920s style drop waist silhouette. Amazing embroidered lace and hand finished seam allowances. Small buttons conceal a ba...

Category

1970s French Antique Skull Ring

Karl Lagerfeld Skirt with Handkerchief Hem
Karl Lagerfeld Skirt with Handkerchief Hem

Karl Lagerfeld Skirt with Handkerchief Hem

By Karl Lagerfeld

Located in Water Mill, NY

A gorgeous black wool jersey skirt from Karl Lagerfeld. It has a 2 1/2" wide waistband with overlapping pointed panels forming the skirt. It has a back zipper, front pockets and is...

Category

1990s French Antique Skull Ring

Majestic 52 Carat Intense Purple Brazilian Amethyst & Diamond 18K Gold Necklace
Majestic 52 Carat Intense Purple Brazilian Amethyst & Diamond 18K Gold Necklace

Majestic 52 Carat Intense Purple Brazilian Amethyst & Diamond 18K Gold Necklace

Located in Tustin, CA

Magnificent, very majestic and opulent in real life, huge natural intense purple Brazilian Amethyst and diamond necklace is prong set in 18 karat white gold and has a combined total ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Artisan Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold

19th Century Antique Diamond Gold Men’s Cluster Ring
19th Century Antique Diamond Gold Men’s Cluster Ring

19th Century Antique Diamond Gold Men’s Cluster Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Made in Moscow between 1882 and 1898 A classical Victorian era 14K gold cluster ring is centered with a sparkling bright white antique cushion cut diamond (measuring 4.7 x 4.7 x 3...

Category

Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond

Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamonds and Black Onyx Necklace 358434
Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamonds and Black Onyx Necklace 358434

Bvlgari Serpenti Rose Gold Diamonds and Black Onyx Necklace 358434

By Bulgari

Located in New York, NY

Bulgari's new Pallini style is an elevated addition to the Serpenti oeuvre. Beads crafted in 18-karat rose gold lend this Serpenti necklace a hypnotic texture that contrasts with dia...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Rose Gold

1930s Antique Art Deco White Gold and Rose Gold Mens Ring
1930s Antique Art Deco White Gold and Rose Gold Mens Ring

1930s Antique Art Deco White Gold and Rose Gold Mens Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Art Deco style 9 karat white gold and 9 karat rose gold mens ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This excep...

Category

1930s Unknown Art Deco Antique Skull Ring

Materials

9k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15407OR.OO.1220OR.01 Double Balance Wheel Iced Out
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15407OR.OO.1220OR.01 Double Balance Wheel Iced Out

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 15407OR.OO.1220OR.01 Double Balance Wheel Iced Out

By Audemars Piguet

Located in New York, NY

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel in 18K Rose Gold 15407OR Openworked Dial is an iconic masterpiece known for its sporty octagonal case shape, substantial link bracelet,...

Category

2010s Swiss Modern Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Rose Gold

GIA Certified 2.23 Carat Sri Lanka Blue Sapphire Men's Ring
GIA Certified 2.23 Carat Sri Lanka Blue Sapphire Men's Ring

GIA Certified 2.23 Carat Sri Lanka Blue Sapphire Men's Ring

By Gad & Co.

Located in Miami, FL

GIA Certified Sri Lanka Blue Sapphire Men's Ring. This men's ring features a prong set natural blue sapphire with a carat weight of 2.23. The sapphire is octagonal-cut and originat...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Christian Lacroix Vintage Strapless Floral Print Mini Dress with Raffia, 1990s
Christian Lacroix Vintage Strapless Floral Print Mini Dress with Raffia, 1990s

Christian Lacroix Vintage Strapless Floral Print Mini Dress with Raffia, 1990s

By Christian Lacroix

Located in Sparks, NV

Incredible vintage Christian Lacroix strapless mini dress with a floral print and black raffia embroidered lace. Sexy iconic Lacroix! Fully lined with zip closure. The marked size is...

Category

1990s French Antique Skull Ring

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001
John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

John Galliano Crystal Adorned Crimson Satin Evening Dress and Shawl, ss 2001

By John Galliano

Located in London, GB

▪ Archival John Galliano Evening Dress ▪ Spring-Summer 2001 ▪ Crafted from crimson crepe-back satin, with alternating panels that highlight both the satin sheen and crepe texture ▪ D...

Category

Early 2000s French Antique Skull Ring

Vintage Bulgari Ancient Coin Ring Monete 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry Jewelry
Vintage Bulgari Ancient Coin Ring Monete 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry Jewelry

Vintage Bulgari Ancient Coin Ring Monete 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry Jewelry

By Bulgari

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage Bulgari ancient coin ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s to 1980s). The iconic coin ring was created by Bulgari back in the 1960s. The enduring 'Monete...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L
Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L

Vintage turquoise beaded silk sheer floral layered wedding slip dress gown M L

Located in Milano, Lombardia

LOVE LALI VINTAGE A breathtaking vintage gown. I would estimate this to be from around the late 90's. It has a pale blue lining which is overlayed with a sheer turquoise layer that ...

Category

1990s Antique Skull Ring

Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace
Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace

Emerald and Diamond Drop Necklace

By Diamond Scene New York

Located in New York, NY

A MAGNIFICENT PIECE! An important emerald and diamond necklace. 144.07 carats of fine quality, "Vivid Green" emeralds. 171.40 carats of white diamonds all set in platinum. A re...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Four-Stone Ring
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Four-Stone Ring

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. The stones are set flush within the decorative scroll setting. Ring Size: O 1/2 or 7 1/...

Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Edwardian 4.47 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace
Edwardian 4.47 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace

Edwardian 4.47 Carat Amethyst and Seed Pearl Yellow Gold Necklace

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning antique Edwardian 4.47 carat amethyst and seed pearl, 15 karat yellow gold necklace; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, ...

Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Skull Ring

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Antique Skull Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate antique skull ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. If you’re looking for an antique skull ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 20th Century. Creating an antique skull ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Zorab Creation are consistently popular. An antique skull ring can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 15 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for a rose cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old mine cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for an antique skull ring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Antique Skull Ring?

The price for an antique skull ring starts at $1,495 and tops out at $44,917 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,111.

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.