Sold|$9,580
Modernist Gold Coral Black Onyx Diamond Ring
Located in Birmingham, AL
This beautifully made ring centers a 23.6 x 19.6 mm cabochon cut piece of coral set in yellow gold and accented by 4 pieces of black onyx and 24 round brilliant cut diamonds (1.44ctw...
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruchi New York Black and White Diamond Flower Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Organic Forms Collection Black and white Diamond flower ring set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rhodium
Sold|$6,816
Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Opal weight 1.77cts.Estimated total diamond weight 0.40ct.Stamped 18ct and plat.Ring size 7 4.5gms. Approximate opal dimensions 11.7 by 7.6 by 3.2mms
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Leo Pizzo Black and White Diamond Interlocking Circles Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Greenwich, CT
The quality of the diamonds has always been fundamental to Leo Pizzo pieces. The precept being that a jewel has to touch an emotionally chord but also have a lasting intrinsic value....
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Black Enamel Flower Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Black Enamel Flower Ring.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold|$29,500
Tiffany & Co. Gem Black Opal and Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
The Tiffany & Co. Black Opal and Diamond Ring features a stunning 4-carat gem black opal at its center, showcasing a vibrant play of color. It is beautifully accented by 12 round dia...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Aquamarine Black Diamonds Garavelli Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
18 Karat White Gold Aquamarine Black Diamonds Garavelli Ring Finger size 57 Made In Italy 18kt GOLD gr :8.40 BLACK DIAMONDS ct 1.84 NATURAL MASSIVE AUQAMARINE ROOT ct : 8.63 size ...
Aquamarine, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$14,400
Black Ceramic Diamond Ultra 4.13 Carat Ring
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Chanel Ultra Ring Comes with it's original box. Excellent condition. Size 6.5 About 9.5mm wide All diamonds and ceramic are in an impeccable state.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Big Mogul Ring with Black Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Black diamonds 0.40 carat approx. Ring size US 6.5, can be sized as per request Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing i...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Australian Black Opal Ring Yuzo Kiriyama Japanese Designer Sapphire
Located in Osprey, FL
This Australian Black Opal Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold is a stunning piece of jewelry that will turn heads!
Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, 18k Gold
White and Black Diamond Peridot White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
The compellingly offbeat appeal of black rhodium-plated 18K white gold is exquisitely complemented in this superb ring by an attractive blend of eye-catching gemstones.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Black and White Diamond Slice Ring Set 18 Karat Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Black and White Diamond slice ring set 18K White Gold Ring size: 7 ( can be sized for an amount ) 18KT: 5.033gms Diamond: 2.35cts
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Modern Ruby Garnet White and Black Diamond Gold Snake Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The ring consists of approximately 222 black diamonds weighing a total of 4.53 carats.
Black Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black and White Diamond Sphere Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Avant-garde and abstract are the perfect words to describe this highly artistic cocktail ring. The ring is made of 18K white gold and boasts a large spherical accent studded with ~.7...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Palmiero 18K White Gold Diamond Pave Tree of Life Ring
By Palmiero
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to offer this Authentic & Rare Palmiero 18K White Gold Diamond Pave Tree Of Life Ring. Elite elegance from house of Palmiero, this gorgeous ring is crafted from solid ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
37 carats South Sea Pearl Black Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Yorba Linda, CA
South Sea Black Pearl 30.56 White Diamond Pave set 240 pieces- 5.20 carats Gold weight 17.83 Total weight 24.98 The ring size is customizable - will take 30-45 days to make and ship...
Black Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Isabelle Adjani Black and White Diamond Ring by Edouard Nahum
By EDOUARD NAHUM
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
From France's jeweler to the stars, this ring is one of the most exclusive designs to have been created by Edouard Nahum. From his chic boutique, just off the Champs-Élysées, Nahum ...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$26,946
Rare Austrian Black Opal and Diamond Ring
By DA Jewellery
Located in Banbury, GB
Opal: 10.9ct Diamonds: 1.6ct Ring size: USA 7, UK N (Free resizing if needed) This is a very rare and top quality Australian black Opal (weight: 10.9ct). The colours cover the entir...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Chakra Ring with Black and Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Diamonds 0.35 cts approx Black diamonds 0.25 cts approx Reversible ring, can be worn in in both colors on a flip Ring size US 6.5, can be sized up or...
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern White Black Diamond Rose Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This stylish rose gold band is fashioned with white and black diamonds. The black diamonds are crafted into small flowers that contrast against the white diamond background. There ar...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black and White Diamond Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Black and White Diamond Flower Ring, features 6.80 carats of Black and White Diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
2.84 Carat Black Diamond 'Gift Wrapped' with White Diamond Head Turner Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A black diamond weighing 2.84 carat is gift wrapped with 0.16 carat of white brilliant round diamond.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
1.17 Carat Black Diamond Coral 0.81 Carat White Diamond Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 0.81 Carats of White Diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Black Onyx Vintage Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Sold|$13,500
Antique Black Opal Diamond and Gold Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Antique yellow gold ring with opal and diamonds. The ring has a black opal with an approximate weight of 1.80 carats, and 18 old European cut diamonds with an approximate total we...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black and White Diamond Flower Ring CRR7380
Located in Southampton, PA
The setting is made of 18K white gold and boasts a design that features ~8.20ct of black and white diamonds with the black diamonds forming a lavish floral motif.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Black Enamel Gold and Diamond Ring Large Scale
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Made of 18k Yellow Gold, this striking black enamel and diamond ring makes a strong statement.
Diamond, 18k Gold
de Grisogono Black and White Diamond Yellow Gold Band Ring
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is made of 18K yellow gold and is set primarily with black diamonds and accented with white diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Goshwara Emerald, Diamonds and Black Enamel Ring
By Goshwara
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Ring with Diamonds and Black Enamel in 18K Yellow Gold, from 'G-One' Collection.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold|$3,750
Black Onyx Gold and Diamond Lion Ring
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold and black Onyx Lion ring set with a diamond studded Head and Tail. Eyes are set with vibrant Emeralds. Can be sized . Presently a size 8. Ultra chic and stylish....
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tsavorite, Black Diamonds and White Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion panther ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with two tsavorite as eyes and the head and tail are studded with black diamonds and white diamonds. This ring was totally ...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Garavelli 18 Karat White Gold Black Diamonds Coil Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
18KT White Gold Black Diamonds COIL GARAVELLI RING On First Dib the famous Coil Garavelli Collection, one row new white gold ring with black diamonds. Coil inside in 18kt gold that...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning White Gold Pave Diamond Ring with Black Diamond Bezel
Located in Dallas, TX
This amazing ring weighs 5.1 grams and has a total diamond weight of .74 and a black diamond weight of .25 for a total of apx. 1 carat of diamonds, The ring size is apx. 6 1/2 and th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Korloff Yellow Gold Diamond and Black Enamel Ring
By Korloff
Located in Southampton, PA
Feast your eyes upon the decadent design of this ring from Korloff! The ring is made of 18K yellow gold and boasts shanks set with black enamel.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin Paris Tahitian Pearl Diamond & Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring a 9.5 mm round Tahitian pearl - gray in body color with very good luster. Nestled in a stylized head forming a dimensional X motif. Head and shoulders are pavè set with rou...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Michael Kneebone Silver Sapphire Black and White Diamond Dome Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
A colorless round cabochon sapphire is set in a handmade 18k yellow and white gold ring decorated with black and white brilliant cut diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Cartier Pave White and Black Diamond White Gold Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Cartier ring features a round dome design crafted in 18k white gold and pave set with sparkling round black and white diamonds weighing an estimated 3.20 carats.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,200
A Black Enamel, Diamond and Gold Ring.
Located in New York, NY
An 18 karat yellow gold, black enamel and diamond ring. Fashioned with a rectangular top of black enamel set with a plaque of thirty six (36) brilliant cut diamonds. Total diamond ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Looking Carved Emerald Ring with Black and White Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7 ( can be sized ) 18k:2.36g Diamond: 2.42ct Slv: 9.71gm Emerald: 7.70ct
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Sold|$18,350
David Webb Black Enamel Diamond Gold Dome Ring
By David Webb
Located in San Francisco, CA
Bold & beautiful David Webb black enamel ring detailed with 57 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 2.26 carats. Ring top measures approximately 1" and height is about 0.50". Ring ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Australian Black Opal, Jedi Spinel and Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Hallmarks: 18k Composition: 18K White Gold Primary Stone: Australian Black Opal Stone Carat: 2.25 carats Accent Stone: 2 - Burma Jedi Spinels Total Spinel Weight: .96 CTW Accen...
Diamond, Opal, Spinel, 18k Gold, White Gold
Petra Class White Diamond Black Diamond Purple Sapphire Gold Stacking Rings
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
Framed Round Brilliant-Cut White Diamond 2. Golden Orb 3. Rose-Cut Black Diamond 4.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Multi-ge...
Palmiero White and Black Diamond Pave White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Palmiero
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is made of elegant 18K white gold and paved with white and black diamonds that weigh in total 10.63 carats.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Palmiero White and Black Diamond Pave White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Palmiero
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is made of elegant 18K white gold and paved with white and black diamonds that weigh in total 10.63 carats.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Black Enamel Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Black enamel Diamonds 0.06 ct approx Can be stacked with other colors. Other colors available are white and turquoise blue Ring size US 6.5, Can be m...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black and White Diamond Leaf Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is made of 18K white gold and features a lavish design set with ~2.54ct of black and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Versace V-Divine 18 Karat White Gold Black Diamond Band Ring
By Versace
Located in Southampton, PA
It is made of 18K white gold and is set with ~.24ct of black diamonds.
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Chunky Kunzite Black Enamel Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
An extravagant and chunky cocktail ring in black enamel, sustaining a large fine kunzite, highlighted by two rows of brilliant cut diamonds. 18 kt yellow gold mounting. Circa 1975.
Kunzite, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Dior Black Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Ring
By Christian Dior
Located in Southampton, PA
Stunning heart ring by Dior in 18K yellow gold with a beautiful wine-colored Black Opal center stone, outlined with ~.35ct of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.53 Carat Rose Cut Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning ring showcases a beautiful 2.53 carat rose cut cushion black diamond, with a white diamond halo set in 18 karat white gold. Total diamond weight (not including center ...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA 5 Carat White Diamond Pear Shape Ring in Black Rhodium & 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 5.01 ct. J SI2 white diamond pear shape. Handmade in 18k yellow gold and black rhodium.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Sold|$5,500
Black Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Trio
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Onyx diamond and yellow gold cocktail ring by Trio circa 1990. * SPECIFICATIONS: GEMSTONES: black onyx. DIAMONDS: twenty-two round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sparkling Rose Cut Diamond Ring with Black Enamel
Located in Lucerne, CH
Charming ring in 18 karat gold featuring a 1.20 carat rose cut diamond of K color and si clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Black Agate Baguette and Trapezoid Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
A custom cut black agate frame surrounds the precision set cluster of baguette and trapezoid cut diamonds. This center piece is flanked on each side by prong set baguette diamond si...
White Diamond, Agate, 18k Gold
Michael Kneebone Black Opal Tsavorite Garnet Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
An Ethiopian black opal is the centerpiece of this bold and dramatic cocktail ring.
White Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Diamond, Garnet, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.1 Carat Black Onyx and 0.24 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive, vintage marquise shaped 1.10 carat black onyx and 0.24 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewel...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Antique Black Enamel Rose Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A sublime antique ring set with a good sized rose cut diamond surrounded by antique brilliant cut diamonds. These diamonds are ...
Diamond, 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.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.