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14k Art Nouveau Opal Ring with Fleur-de-lis
Located in Hummelstown, PA
Dating from the early 20th century, this delightful Art Nouveau ring centers on a glowing opal
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold

White Opal Art Nouveau Ring
Located in Milano, MI
If you like simplicity, this exquisite Art Nouveau ring might be for you. The attention to detail
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 14k Art Nouveau Fire Opal Ring
Located in Hummelstown, PA
Dating from the early 20th century, this ravishing Art Nouveau ring centers on a glowing Mexican
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold

14K Art Nouveau 3 Carat Black Opal Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
grey body color with blue-green play of color. The ring is an Art Nouveau era casting newly made from
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold

Boulder Opal Ring Gold Statement Art Nouveau style ring large
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural boulder Opal 14k yellow gold ring opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Opal Dragon Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Nouveau 14K Yellow Gold Cabochon Opal Dragon Ring. This beautiful ring is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Yellow Gold

Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Cluster Floral Opal & Ruby Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Rubies. The ring also boasts a delightful expertly crafted Art Nouveau carving on the shoulders. Height
Category

2010s British Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, Gold, Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau 2.25 Ct Solid Australian Opal Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
1895 The New Art was born in Paris Art Nouveau jewellery was a short-lived period of design that
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Dark Opal White Gold Ring Bright Multicolor Natural Gem Art Nouveau
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold ring with natural Dark Opal with bright opalescence opal origin - Australia opal
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Opal Gold Ring Waves Engagement Ring Art Nouveau Style
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Opal opal origin - Ethiopia opal measurements - 0.28 х 0.31 х
Category

2010s French Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Australian Boulder Opal Yellow Gold Ring Unisex Art Nouveau Style Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Nouveau style ring with amazing boulder opal in 14k yellow gold opal origin - Australia opal
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Era 18kt. Gold & Harlequin Black Opal Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
/Art Nouveau Year: 1880-1920 Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Black Opal Carat Weight: 1.65 Cut: Oval
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau 10K Rose Gold Boulder Opal and Diamond Floral Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Nouveau 10K Rose Gold Boulder Opal Diamond Floral Ring. This beautiful ring
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ivy Ring Aphrodite Style Multicolor Glare Art Nouveau
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14k yellow gold ring with natural Opal opal origin - Ethiopia opal measurements - 0.24 х 0.39 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal Gold Ring Art Nouveau Style Jewelry Natural Gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with Natural opal Crystal Pipe opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.2
Category

2010s German Artisan Bridal Rings

Materials

Crystal, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

Charles Boutet de Monvel Art Nouveau Opal Diamond Gold Bat Maiden Ring
Located in London, GB
iconic art nouveau portrayal of a Parisian goddess of the Demi-Monde. She has style roots going back to
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Signed Durand & Co. Black Opal, Diamond, Ombre Enamel 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Entrancing Art Nouveau period black opal, diamond, ombre enamel 18k gold ring by Durand & Co. The
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau 14 Karat Yellow Gold Opal, Emerald and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Atlanta, GA
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Large Neon Opal Ring in Patinated Silver Art Nouveau Style Magic
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Big neon Opal ring in patinated silver opal origin - Australia opal weight - 16.19 carat ring
Category

2010s French Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver, Silver

Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring Art Nouveau Style Iridescent Gemstone Jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural Opal 14k yellow gold ring opal origin - Ethiopia opal measurements - 0.31 х 0.47 х 0.79 in
Category

2010s French Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fire Opal Silver Ring Red Mexican Gemstone Fine Art Nouveau Style Unisex Jewelry
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural Fire Opal gemstone origin - Mexico opal measurements - 0.079 x 0.28 x
Category

2010s German Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Fire Opal, Silver

Dark Opal White Gold Engagement Ring Australian Opal
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K white gold ring with natural Dark Opal with bright opalescence opal origin - Australia opal
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Opal Gold Ring Polychrome Gem Natural Harlequin Opal Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
18K yellow gold ring with doublet of a natural black opal on a petrified wood base opal origin
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ocean Blue Opal Ring Gold Australian Blue Opal Statement Ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Boulder Opal 18K white gold and blackened silver ring Opal origin - Australia stone
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

Black Opal Ring Gold Nature inspired Jewelry Australian Opal Ivy
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.079 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Ring Opal Waves Boulder ring Gemstone Unisex Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Waves. Truly feel nature’s warm embrace with this exquisite, custom made unisex Art Nouveau
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

Gold Opal ring Statement Valentine's Day gift Engagement ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Waves. Truly feel nature’s warm embrace with this exquisite, custom made unisex Art Nouveau
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold

Black Opal Gold Ring Neon Blue Australian Engagement ring
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 5.93 carats
Category

2010s German Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black Opal Gold Ring Neon Blue Australian Engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal weight - 5.93 carats
Category

2010s German Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Way of Water Opal Ring Engagement Ring Blue Neon Gemstone
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
jeweler. Natural dark neon electric Opal ring in blackened silver opal origin - Australia opal
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Boulder Opal Ivy ring Australian opal gemstone Peach Color 15 carats
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Ivy ring with Boulder Opal in 18K yellow gold opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.71 х
Category

2010s German Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Ring Navette Rose Gold 585 Diamonds 1.5 Carat, Austria, circa 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Golden Art Nouveau Ring of most elegant appearance with many diamonds and gemstone (= opal) in
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Rose Gold

Big Opal Ring Gold Engagement Ring Large Wedding Band
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural boulder Opal 14K yellow gold ring opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.16 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Bridal Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Sparkly Opal Natural Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
Antique and Artisan Art Nouveau Opal and Natural Pearl Ring. This ring is elegant and austere with
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Natural Pearl, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ocean Blue Opal Ring Gold Ivy collection Australian Blue Opal Indigo
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Large Boulder Opal 18K white gold and blackened silver ring Opal origin - Australia stone
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver, Gold, Sterling Silver

14 Karat American Art Nouveau Ring with Diamonds and Semi Precious Stones
Located in Baltimore, MD
Circa 1900 colorful 14K American Art Nouveau ring with small diamond accent stones, and peridot
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Freshwater Pearl, Peridot, ...

Opal Ring Gold Engagement Jewelry Australian Valentine's Day Gift
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Yellow 14K gold ring with natural Black Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.079 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Wedding Rings

Materials

Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Large Australian Opal Ring Cascading Waves Dark Neon Electric
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Cascading Waves Natural Dark Neon Electric Opal Ring Inspired by the sun as it breaks through the
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage 18 Carat Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Dordogne, FR
vintage blue Opal and brilliant cut diamond dress ring Set in 18 carat gold Stamped 18 ct
Category

20th Century British Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold

Big Australian Neon Opal Silver Ring Medusa Gorgon Iridescent
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Silver ring with natural freeform Neon Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.39 x
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

11 Carat Australian Black Opal Certified "Lightening Ridge" Mine 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Black opals from Lightning Ridge are among the most prized gems in the world. The name is inspired
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Antique Five Oval Opal Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Berkeley, CA
This clean five oval opal ring is prong set in 18K yellow gold and in excellent condition. Circa
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.7 Carat Australian Black Opal Certified "Lightening Ridge" Mine 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Black opals from Lightning Ridge are among the most prized gems in the world. The name is inspired
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold

12.49 Carat Australian Black Opal Certified "Lightening Ridge" Mine 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Black opals from Lightning Ridge are among the most prized gems in the world. The name is inspired
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Opal Gold Ring Blueprint Woody Musk Tree Natural Australian Gem
Located in Berlin, DE
14K yellow gold ring with Boulder Koroit Opal opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.24 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal Pear and 0.32 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Magdeburg, DE
The head of this ring was made in France around 1900, the band was added recently. In excellent
Category

20th Century German Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

40.44 Carat Mexican Opal Gigantic One of a Kind Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
0.29 carat of white round brilliant diamond. The ring is one of a kind as the 40.44 carat Mexican opal
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Boulder Opal Ivy Gold Ring Australian Gemstone Peach Color Statement Jewelry
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Ivy ring with Boulder Opal in 18K yellow gold opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.71 х
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lithos 18K Yellow Gold, Platinum, Lightning Ridge Opal, Diamond Ring
Located in Kirkwood, MO
Lithos 18K Yellow Gold, Platinum, Lightning Ridge Opal, Diamond Ring. The natural black opal is
Category

2010s American Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Opal Silver Ivy Ring Natural Australian Gem Boulder Gem Bicolor Blue Pink Unisex
Located in Berlin, DE
Patinated gold-plated silver ring with natural Boulder Opal opal origin - Australia stone
Category

2010s French Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Silver, Sterling Silver

Opal Tumble (free shape) Ring. 3.10 cts withs white zircon
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal Tumble , Free form shape. 3.10 cts White Zircon 18 pcs. 18K gold plated Over sterling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Zircon, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

1904 Nordic Art Nouveau Ring 05ct. Diamond Blue Enamel 18K Gold ØUS9.5/2.5gr
Located in SE
Elegant Art Nouveau period Diamond and Blue Enamel Ring. Band in solid 18ct Rose Gold and crown
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

An Edwardian Opal And Diamond Half Hoop Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
An Edwardian opal and diamond half hoop ring, set with three opal cabochons and six old circular
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

9K White Gold Natural Marquise Colourful Opal & Amethyst Cluster Flower Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
This ring is made from 375 9K White Gold with Natural Opal & Amethysts If you know your US, UK
Category

2010s British Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Ring natural Ruby Spinel Diamonds solid 18KGold Ø 9.5US/ 3gr
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period Ring in solid 18K (tested) Gold with a mix of two natural Diamonds , natural
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold

(Big ring)Opal flowers(10.80cts) 18K gold Plated Over sterling silver
Located in Bangkok, TH
( Big Ring )Opal flowers garden ring Opal cabochon Oval size 17x13 mm. (10.80 cts.) Blue sapphire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

14.90 Carat Ethiopian Opal & 5.67 Carat Vivid Red Round Burma Ruby Cocktail Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An artful combination of 14.90 carat of Ethiopian Opal and 5.67 carat of vivid red round Burma Ruby
Category

2010s Hong Kong Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Pear Shaped Fire Opal Cocktail Ring With Diamonds Made In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:5.742g,D:0.77ct, Opal:3.00ct, Size: US-7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bochic “Capri” Natural Opals & Red Ruby Ring Set in 18K Gold & Silver
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Opals & Red Ruby Ring Set in 18K Gold & Silver Natural Ruby Cabochon - 8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, 18k Gold

Morganite Opal and Sapphire Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Tinguely Bijoux
Located in Boston, MA
One of a kind handmade 4 carat morganite surrounded by opals, pink and white sapphires beautifully
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Morganite, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

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Art Nouveau Opal Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact art nouveau opal ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and 14k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 77 vintage editions and 23 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an art nouveau opal 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 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing art nouveau opal ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Alexey Gabilo, Malpani Jewels and Joke Quick each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a cabochon iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and old european cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an art nouveau opal ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Art Nouveau Opal Ring?

The price for an art nouveau opal ring starts at $527 and tops out at $96,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $7,443.

A Close Look at Art Nouveau Jewelry

Art Nouveau — generally considered to have begun in the late 1800s and ended with the start of World War I — was a movement in the decorative arts that drew inspiration from natural forms, such as trees, flowers and, of course, the human figure. The three main themes present in Art Nouveau jewelry and watches were flora, fauna and women.

Art Nouveau, which reached its pinnacle in the year 1900, spawned from artists who rejected the historicism of their predecessors to create an entirely new visual vocabulary. As compared to Art Deco jewelry’s geometric patterns and sharp lines, the extravagant style of antique Art Nouveau jewelry is characterized by curvilinear forms and whiplash lines, vibrant materials and dramatic imagery.

The first art and design movement of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was also a reaction against the Industrial Revolution, and took its inspiration from the theories of the Symbolists, the art of the Pre-Raphaelites, the ideas of John Ruskin and his follower William Morris and, most importantly Japanese crafts. (The country was a fertile ground for inspiration after it was opened to the West in 1854.) The Art Nouveau style touched all manners of the arts, including the most exultant jewelry.

Nature was a favorite muse for artists going back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but in the hands of 20th-century artists, it was depicted in new ways. For example, a withering flower was considered just as beautiful as one in full bloom. Winged creatures, such as insects and birds, were also a popular subject. Dragonflies and butterflies were particular favorites because they morphed so dramatically in different life stages.

This was also a reference to women, whose role in society was evolving. It was not uncommon to see a piece of jewelry that would at once reference a woman as a winged creature (think René Lalique’s famous Dragonfly brooch, circa 1897–98, at the Gulbenkian Collection in Lisbon). However, just as women’s roles were ambiguous, so was their image, as the femmes nouvelle were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized.

In addition to Lalique, vital figures in Art Nouveau jewelry included Louis Comfort Tiffany in the United States, Vladimir Soloviev, who designed jewelry for Peter Carl Fabergé in Russia, Fuset Grau of Spain, Karl Rothmuller of Germany and Philippe Wolfers of Belgium.

Art Nouveau jewelers used every “canvas” imaginable, looking beyond brooches and necklaces to belt buckles, fans, tiaras, dog collars (a type of choker necklace), pocket watches, corsages and hair combs. Multicolored gems and enamel could complete this vision better than diamonds. Jewelers also favored pearls, particularly baroque pearls, for their large size and irregular shape. However, opal was the most popular stone — its iridescence harmonized perfectly with the enamel, and it could be carved into any shape. Art Nouveau jewelry was primarily set in yellow gold.

Find a range of antique Art Nouveau jewelry today on 1stDibs.

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 Bvlgari 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.