Black Diopside Ring
20th Century English Fashion Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Tanzanite, Rhodolite, Topaz, Spinel, Citrine, Sterling Silver, Silver
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, R...
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Brown Diamond, Black Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Whit...
21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Arts and Crafts Loose Gemstones
Multi-gemstone
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21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s American Victorian Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Solitaire Rings
Moonstone, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Apatite, Garnet, Citrine, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings
Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Cluster Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
2010s Thai Contemporary More Rings
Ruby, Star Sapphire, Star Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1910s Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Late 20th Century Unknown Gothic Revival Dome Rings
Star Sapphire, 10k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
2010s Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1940s French Artisan Fashion Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings
Aquamarine, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Contemporary Fashion Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite...
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite...
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown More Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Carnelian, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Beaded Necklaces
Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, R...
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Tsavorite, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Garnet...
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings
Sapphire, Tanzanite, Topaz, Garnet, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
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 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.
- What does a black ring mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Black rings symbolize eternal commitment as well as strength and power. The black color is known to represent absoluteness.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What black diamond rings symbolize is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Charisma, power, passion and self-assuredness are some of the characteristics commonly associated with black diamond jewelry. Shop a range of diamond gemstone rings from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
- Are black wedding rings popular?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, black wedding rings are popular. Black wedding rings are said to be associated with strength and resilience, two characteristics that have long been a part of the tradition of wedding rings, as the circle has always symbolized an unending pledge of love to one's partner. Black wedding rings have been made with materials such as tungsten or carbon fiber. Find a variety of wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023What black engagement rings mean depends on individual beliefs. Some people associate black rings with power. Others think that they symbolize courage and strength. However, others who choose black engagement rings may do so simply because they find them visually appealing and do not assign a deeper meaning to them. Explore a variety of black engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a black onyx ring worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The material of the ring setting is a driving factor in what a black onyx ring is worth. An onyx ring with a sterling silver ring setting can be purchased at under $30 as well. Black onyx is a semi-precious gemstone, with prices ranging from $1 to $500 per carat. Find a collection of vintage and designer black onyx rings on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022What a black Masonic ring means is largely a matter of personal interpretation. Wearing a Masonic ring generally signifies that a person is a member of a Masonic order. Some people believe that the black onyx used in most black rings represents discipline and strength. You can find a collection of Masonic rings on 1stDibs.
- Roman Malakov DiamondsMarch 22, 2021A black onyx ring is a ring set with an onyx gemstone. Onyx is a semi-precious gemstone that typically comes in the color black.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Black diamond engagement rings are popular for many couples. An antique, new or vintage black diamond engagement ring is an edgy, dramatic choice. Just keep in mind that with diamonds, it's all about sparkle, and the darkness of a black stone obscures its fire and brilliance. If the inky opacity of a black diamond seems a bit extreme and you'd like a little light to shine through, consider a gray diamond, which can be cut for maximum brilliance. Brides with a taste for the cool and unusual might also consider salt-and-pepper diamonds, which have white and black inclusions that produce a silvery gray, speckled look. Find black diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Black diamonds can make good engagement rings because they symbolize authority, power and passion. They also can be less expensive than clear diamonds.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Whether black diamond engagement rings are bad luck depends on a person's individual beliefs. In Italy, rubbing a black stone like a black diamond is considered good luck by some people. However, in India, black diamonds are a traditional symbol of bad luck. Find a variety of diamond engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Some military men wear black wedding rings due to the nature of their jobs. These black rings are usually made out of silicone, rubber or carbon fiber. These materials are incredibly durable and unlikely to become scratched or damaged while the wearer is carrying out his duties. Although black is the most common color, these rings are available in other colors like gray and blue. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of wedding rings.
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