Jose Hess 1980's Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Vintage Wide Band Ring
By Jose Hess
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a slightly domed wide band ring featuring raised flower bud appliqué Accented by round brilliant cut diamonds pavé set in between Weighing approximately 0.50 carat total ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980's 5.40 CTW Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Wide Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut sapphire weighing approximately 3.02 carats - transparent deep blue in color Prong set and flanked east to west by tapered rows of channel baguette cut diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Designer Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage Wide Band Ring is expertly crafted in 14 Karat White Gold and features 170 Round Brilliant-cut White diamonds set in pave setting a beautiful design forming a unique p...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
TJD 0.50 Carat Round and Baguette Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Fashion Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage Wide Band Ring is expertly crafted in 14 Karat White Gold and features 64 Round and 9 Baguette cut White diamonds set in Prong and pave setting, H-I color I2 clarity i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 18K Diamond Mesh Gold Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A refined and tactile design from Tiffany & Co., this vintage wide band ring showcases the house’s mastery of gold craftsmanship and understated elegance.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Wide Band Convex Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Circa the 1960’s, this classic wide band ring is rendered in 14k gold. It has a gentle convex surface—when looked at in profile, you can see a slight doming to the band. The ring has...
14k Gold
Vintage Diamond Wide Band Ring in Platinum
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Gender: Women Style: Wide Diamond Band Ring Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 5.75 (ask about resizing) Total Ring Weight: 4.4 Grams Ring Height: 8.59 mm To...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Saddle Wide Band Ring in Platinum
Located in Honolulu, HI
Vintage Diamond Saddle Wide Band Ring in Platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Platinum Unisex Wide Wedding Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring features a deeply grooved mid-section with six round brilliant cut diamond flush set around. Weighing approximately 0.30 carat total - H/I in color with SI1 clarity. With h...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1970s SANZ 18k Gold Open Diamond Wide Band Ring
By Sanz
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This vintage 1970s designer 18 karat yellow gold wide anniversary band is built around a dramatic open zigzag architecture — interlocking chevrons that create bold negative space acr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum and Diamond Wide Band with Cut Out Design
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Platinum vintage crossover band featuring 20 single cut diamonds of VS clarity and G color totaling 0.20 carats. Finger size 9.75. Includes one sizing service upon request, prior to ...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Blue Chalcedony Ring Wide Band Vintage 14k Gold Statement
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Blue Chalcedony Ring Wide Band Vintage 14K Gold Statement This vintage circa 1930s ring is crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold.
Chalcedony, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1980s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 15.8 grams Diamond Details: Natural Diamonds, Round Brilliant, H Color...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Samuel Aaron 14K White Gold Cabochon Emerald Wide Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The emerald is mounted within a substantial architectural wide band, giving the ring a bold and sculptural presence on the hand.
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum 1.09ctw Baguette Ruby & Round Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Set - White Color - 0.09ctw (exact - stamped) (5) Natural Genuine Rubies - Straight Baguette Cut - Channel...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Yellow Gold 2.76ctw Channel Bar Set Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Princess Square Cut - Bar Channel Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 2.04ctw (approx.) (18) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette Cut - Prong...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum 1.04ctw Carre Square Step Diamond Wide Bypass Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (24) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Square Step Carre Cut - Channel Set - Very Nice White Brilliant Diamonds - 1.04ctw (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Weight: 8.37 Gra...
Diamond, Platinum
10k Wide Cigar band. Vintage Embossed flower floral design. 6mm sz6.75
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1910s Size: 6 3/4 US Materials: Gold Band color: Rose gold Adjustable Style: Art deco Beautiful Antique 10k 6mm wide wedding/cigar band.
Vintage Platinum Blue Sapphire 3.1mm Wide Stackable Infinity Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (29) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Square Step Cut - Channel Set - Deep Pleasant Blue Color - 2.25mm (approx.) Material: Platinum Weight: 4.07 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 ( fitt...
Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Buckle Ring 9k Yellow Gold Wide Band Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
The buckle motif represents the joining of two lives together. The wide band (11mm - 0.43 inches) sits comfortably on the finger.
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro Yellow Gold 9.9mm Wide Concave Fluted Center Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 8.56 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 (Fitted on a finger. We can NOT custom size this ring.) Ring Width: 9.9mm (0.39") (top of ring) Ring Height: 1.7mm r...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Blackened 18k Yellow Gold Nugget Dots Textured Eternity Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
The wide band remains in excellent overall condition and is perfect for your everyday wear.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Square Sapphire & Pave Round Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- 41 Natural Genuine Sapphires - Square Step Cut - Channel Set - Deep Vivid Blue Color - 2.10ctw (approx.) 106 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Piaget Diamond Bombe Wide Band Ring 19.2K Portuguese Special Gold Vintage 1990s
By Piaget
Located in Lisbon, PT
Piaget diamond-set bombe wide band ring in 19.2kt Portuguese white and yellow gold, vintage circa 1990s.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold 0.45ct Channel Set Diamond Wide Unique Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (7) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 1 Straight Baguette, 2 Tapered Baguette & 4 Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.45 (app...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Solid Gold 0.42ct Diamond & Ruby Open Pattern Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.22ctw (approx.) (4) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Brilliant Cut - Pr...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Wide Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage 1950's wide open work band ring. 12 marquise, 28 baguette and 28 round diamonds in a platinum setting. 12 marquise diamonds, J VS-SI approx. 1.75cts 28 step cut baguette di...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Style Handmade Wide Platinum Art Deco 3.25 Carat Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
(Size 6 available to ship out immediately) Band is 8.40 MM Wide and Height is 2.50 MM. Vintage Style Art Deco Inspired Entirely Hand Fabricated Round Diamond Eternity Engagement Ba...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Solid 18k Yellow Gold 7.9mm Nugget Textured Eternity Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
These are actual nuggets on the band and have some of the stone in between. They test 18k+ the nuggets. Unique band! Enjoy! Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 8.59 Grams Ring...
Yellow Gold
Vintage 80s 2.52ct Diamond Wide Band Sz 8.5 Ring 18k Gold Platinum Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond wide band crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum (circa 1980s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14k Gold Platinum Round Channel Diamond Wide Grooved Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely gorgeous and wide vintage eternity band ring crafted from solid 14k yellow gold with a platinum center that carries 26 very fine quality diamonds entirely ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Sunflower Ring Sz 6.5 14k Yellow Gold Wide Cigar Band Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage sunflower band crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.25 CTW No Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Wide Band Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an elongated cushion cut ruby weighing 1.00 carats total - transparent medium red in color Natural Thai in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment - prong se...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Men's Vintage 18K Gold Platinum 0.50ctw Round Diamond Grooved Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This outstanding and very well made men's vintage ring is crafted in solid 18k gold and features a wide squared shaped top drenched with 16 very fine quality diamonds throughout.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GUCCI Milano Vintage Double G Wide Band-Ring In 18Kts White Gold
By Gucci
Located in Miami, FL
Double GG wide band ring designed by Gucci. This is a beautiful iconic double G's ring, created in Milano Italy by the luxury house of Gucci. This band-ring was crafted in solid whi...
Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage White Gold Baguette and Princess Cut Diamond Wide Statement Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
This striking ring is crafted in white gold. The design features two rows of pricess-cut diamonds, each meticulously set to create a dazzling effect. Flanking the central rows are ba...
Diamond, 15k Gold
Vintage White Gold 7ctw Baguette Sapphire Round Diamond Wide 7 Row Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-Stone(s):- (16) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Baguette Cut - Prong Set - Dark Royal Blue - 5x3mm - 5ctw (approx. ) (23) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Ni...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Charles Krypell 18k Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond 12.7mm Wide Band Ring
By Charles Krypell
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (26) Natural Genuine Rubies - Calibre Cut - Channel Set - Clean Vivid Red Color (19) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Set - VS1/VS2 Clarity - F/...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French Men's Classic 18k Rosy Yellow Gold 5.9mm Wide Wedding Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 5.9 Grams Ring Size: 9.5 ( fitted on finger, please contact us prior to purchase with sizing inquiries) Ring Width: 5.96mm (0.23") (top ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Arrow Ring Wide Band Sz 6.5 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Contemporary diamond arrow ring crafted in 14 karat white gold. Old mine cut diamonds total an estimated 0.50 carats (estimated at J-K color and SI1-I1 clarity). Reclaimed old min...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Square Step Sapphire & Diamond Wide Band Ring Size 9
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (27) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Square Step Cut - Channel Set - Deep Blue Color - 1.25ctw (approx.) (18) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Whi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Orange Sapphire Spring Ring Vintage 10k Yellow Gold 6.5 Wide Coil Band Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish orange sapphires 'spring' ring crafted in 10 karat yellow gold. Three orange sapphires measure approx. 3.5mm each. The sapphires are in very good condition and free of crac...
Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 1.48ctw Oval Sapphire Bezel Pave Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Deep Rich Blue Color - 6.7x5.2mm - 1.0ctw (approx.) (26) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 24 Round Brilliant & 2 O...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Sapphire & Ruby Eyes Detailed Dual Double Snake Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (2) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Marquises Cut - Burnish Set - Nice Blue - 0.11ct (exact) (2) Natural Genuine Rubies- Marquises Cut - Burnish Set - Nice Red - 0.10ct (e...
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Diamond Wide Band Sz 9 Cigar Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish diamond wide band crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Solid Gold Diamond Buckle Bark Textured Eternity Wide Band Ring Size 6
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (18) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.27ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 17-18k Yellow & White Gold Total Weight: 9.8...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
80s Diamond Ruby Ring Sz 6.5 Wide Band Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 6.5 (not sizable). The band measures 12mm wide (0.47 inches) rising 5mm from the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.90ct Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Ring CERT 18k Gold Sz 6.25 Wide Band Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 6 1/4 (sizable). The band measures 9mm wide (0.21 inches) rising 5.5mm from the finger.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro English 18K Yellow Gold Mizpah Wide Band Ring - Size 7 1/2
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Retro English 18K Yellow Gold Mizpah Wide Band Ring - Size 7 1/2.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 0.04ct Diamond Textured Coiled Snake Wrap Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an incredible vintage snake band ring crafted from solid 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum GIA 2.14ctw No Heat Burma Pink Sapphire Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Burma - No Heat - Vivid Pink Color - 1.04ct (exact-certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Solid Two Tone Gold Wide Open Work Faceted Sides Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold & White Gold Center Weight: 5.57 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 ( fitted on finger, item can NOT be sized) Ring Width: 7.7mm (0.30") (top of the ring - north to...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Vintage Jade Pearl Leaf Ring Sz 9 Wide Cigar Band Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage jade & pearl wide band crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s).
Jade, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Matte & Diamond Cut Finish 9.8mm Wide Cigar Band Ring sz 5.5
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 7.16 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 ( fitted on finger, item cannot be sized) Ring Width: 9.8mm (0.38")(top of the ring, north to south) Ring Height: 1.1mm ri...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Wide Band Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This charming vintage ring displays a striking balance of color and sparkle, with two vivid red rubies set side by side at its center. Their rich crimson tones are framed by an intri...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Etoile Motif Wide Vintage Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold - 0.65ct.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, the band features a thick, wide, comfort fit band with "etoile" diamonds, set throughout the front of the band.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Inlaid Malachite & Mother of Pearl Wide Domed Bombe Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Enjoy :) --Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Malachite - Custom Cabochon Cut - Inlaid Set - Banded Light to Deep Green Color (4) Genuine Mother of Pearl - Custom Cut - Inlaid Set - Wh...
Malachite, Pearl, Yellow 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.
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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.