Boodles Sapphire
21st Century and Contemporary British Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
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Early 2000s Thai Art Deco Dangle Earrings
Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Asian Bangles
Jade
Vintage 1960s Unknown More Rings
Chrysoberyl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s French Modern Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1890s English Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Spinel, Multi-gemstone, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
20th Century French Modern Band Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Three-Stone Rings
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
2010s American Baroque Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1870s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Garnet, Silver, Gold
Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings
Black Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century British Three-Stone Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century British Contemporary Cluster Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Stud Earrings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1970s Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.