Vintage Buccellati 12.27cts Emerald Cabochon
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural vintage ring by Buccellati, crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered with an impressive emerald cabochon weighing approximately 15 carats.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Buccellati Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Dome Ring, 18K Gold
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Details Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & 18K White Gold Center Stone: Sugarloaf cabochon blue sapphire Sapphire Weight: Approx. 1.50 carats Accent Stones: Single-cut diamonds Total Diamo...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Buccellati Fei Cui Jadeite Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Details Metal: 18K White Gold & 18K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Fei Cui Green Jadeite, oval cabochon, untreated Jadeite Weight: Approx. 15.50 carats Jadeite Measurements: 19.35 x 11.98...
Diamond, 18k Gold
17 Carat Rare Vintage Buccellati Blue Star Sapphire Platinum Dome Signet Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Birmingham, GB
Very Rare Vintage Buccellati Ceylon Blue Star Sapphire 950 Platinum Oval Cabochon Dome Ring.
Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Buccellati 14.97ct Star Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Exquisite 18k gold ring by Buccellati, with center 14.97ct star sapphire cabochon (stone measures 12.6 x 11.1 x 9.2mm) and 0.84ctw in rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold
Buccellati 18 Karat Gold, Peridot and Ruby Ring
By Buccellati
Located in San Francisco, CA
Buccellati 18kt white and yellow Gold, Peridot and Ruby Ring Charming ring by the well-known firm of Buccellati.
Peridot, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
1960's Buccellati 18k Gold Cat's Eye Moonstone & Diamond Dome Ring, Size 7.5
By Buccellati
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous, unique vintage ring made by Buccellati in the 1960's. Features a cat's eye moonstone cabochon with rose cut diamond accents.
Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Vintage Mario Buccellati Ruby and Diamond Ring Yellow Gold
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Mario Buccellati Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati 18k Yellow & White Gold Pink Cabochon Tourmaline Diamond Ring 15.8g
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Buccellati 18k Yellow & White Gold Pink Cabochon Tourmaline Diamond Ring Beautiful Buccellati 18k white and yellow gold diamond and tourmaline ring Very elegant for everyday we...
Ruby, Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Cabochon Sapphire Ring
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
An Estate 18 karat white and yellow gold, sapphire, and diamond ring by Buccellati. The ring has open work design that centers on a round cabochon blue sapphire.
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Buccellati Large Cabochon Star Sapphire Platinum Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Large Cabochon Star Sapphire Vintage Ring by Buccellati.
Star Sapphire, Platinum
Buccellati Cabochon Sapphire Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail RIng
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning Buccellati Diamond Sapphire Cocktail Ring is finely crafted in solid 18K yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Buccellati 4.20 Carat Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The craftsmanship of their immaculate designs is unparalleled. This ring showcases the iconic Buccellati aesthetic in a grandiose way, with detailed lace of 18 karat yellow & white g...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Buccellati GIA 4.90 Carat Zambian Emerald Cabochon 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Buccellati GIA 4.90 Carat Zambian Emerald Cabochon Bezel Set 18 Karat Gold Ring.
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Buccellati 18 Karat Textured Brushed Gold Diamond Ruby Cabochon Ring
By Buccellati
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous ring is classic Buccellati in a bombe shape with a 12.55mm rise above the finger. It features a 2 carat center ruby with a 2 carat diamond starburst surround. Made in I...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
MARIO BUCCELLATI Green Tourmaline Cabochon, Diamond & Gold Ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning cocktail ring created by Mario Buccellati in the 1950's in Italy.
Mario Buccellati 7.51ct Cabochon Emerald & Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous colorful cocktail ring created by Mario Buccellati in the 1970's in Italy.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Buccellati 18k Gold Turquoise Diamond Band Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Bordered by a yellow gold hand engraved edge. Signed "Buccellati Italy 18k 55167". Ring size 5.5.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Vintage Buccellati Turquoise Bone18K Gold Ring Circa 1966
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant vintage ring by Buccellati, dating to circa 1965. Crafted in rich yellow gold, this sculptural design features a smooth cabochon turquoise set on a Bone, framed by Buccell...
Turquoise, Gold
Diamond Filigree Band with Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl Cabochon, Signed “Buccellati”
By Buccellati
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Buccellati’s incredible goldsmith technique is distinct, striking and absolutely beautiful. The present piece is unusual, the classic wide eternity band rendered in 18 karat white an...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mario Buccellati Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Napoli, NA
Gorgeus ring in 18 kt yellow gold, whose stem is made up of linked leaves.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BUCCELLATI 1970 Milano Piramide Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Aquamarine
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
An aquamarine ring designed by Mario Buccellati. This is a beautiful classic ring made in Milano Italy by the famous jewelry house of Mario Buccellati, back in the 1970's.
Aquamarine, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Mario Buccellati ring with 39 carat jade nephrite
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Vintage 1960s Mario Buccellati Ring, silver shank that is gilded on the inside with a pierced gold rim that holds a 39 carat jade nephrite. Signed: M.Buccellati Ring Size: US 4.25...
Jade, 18k Gold, Silver
Mario Buccellati GIA No-Heat Burma Ruby & Diamond Dome Cocktail platinum Ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Mario Buccellati GIA Certified No-Heat Burma Ruby & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring – Platinum & 18K Gold A true masterpiece of Italian craftsmanship, this vintage Mario Buccellati cockt...
Rubelite, Star Ruby, Platinum
Buccellati Ruby Cabochon Onyx Gold Floral Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
It exposes two botanically accurate profiles of leaves with finely scalloped two flowers, simulated by clusters of dome-shaped black onyx and ruby cabochons. The ring bears the desig...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Buccellati 4.83 Carats Emerald Cabochon 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped 750 for 18 karat gold. Signed Buccellati. Circa: 1980s. Ring Size: 7 & sizable. Measures: North to South 12.5 mm and sits 9.0 mm high.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine Rare Estate Mario Buccellati Cabochon Opal 18K Gold Spider Web Ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Stunning estate Mario Buccellati High Jewelry cabochon opal 18K yellow and patinated white gold spider web cocktail ring Mid 20th Century The large cabochon opal displaying a strikin...
Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Blossoms Daisy Pink Opal Sterling Silver Ring
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati Blossoms Daisy Pink Opal Sterling Silver Ring, Italian Daisy flowers made of sterling silver with cabochon pink opal of approximately 0.50 carat; marked Buccellati, Made ...
Opal, Sterling Silver
Buccellati Vintage Emerald Diamond 18k Gold Cocktail Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning designer Buccellati ring is finely crafted in solid 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Buccellati Vintage Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Diamond 18K Cocktail Dome Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
At the heart of this ring sits a mesmerizing chrysoberyl cat's eye cabochon, bezel-set weighing approx. 4.16 carats. this Buccellati's iconic lace design is meticulously set with bri...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold
Green Jade Two-Tone 18K Gold Ring by Buccellati, circa 1960s
By Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One green jade 18K yellow and white gold ring by Buccellati centering one prong st, oval cabochon green jade measuring 15.50 x 12.50 x 5.50 millimeters.
Jade, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gianmaria Buccellati Turquoise Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6 Navette
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Buccellati turquoise ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati 1970 Milano Cocktail Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold 1.35 Ct Ceylon Sapphire
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Jeweled cocktail ring designed by Mario Buccellati. Beautiful domed cocktail ring, made in Milan Italy by the famous house of Buccellati, back in the 1970.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BUCCELLATI Sapphire cabochon Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sweet older Buccellati ring with a pleasant blue hue cabochon sapphire centered in the ring and surrounded by white gold accents that have made Buccellati famous.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Buccellati Jade Cabochon Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Buccellati 18K gold dome cocktail ring features a 20.95ct jade cabochon center.
Jade, 18k Gold
Buccellati Cabochon Emerald Diamond Ring
By Buccellati
Located in New Orleans, LA
Wonderful 18ct yellow and white gold Emerald cabochon ring. 1 Emerald Cabochon for 1.50 ct 20 diamonds for 0.60 ct size 51 or 5 3\4
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Buccellati Emerald Cabochon Gold Band Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold band ring crafted by Buccellati. Featuring an approximately 1.46ctw emerald cabochon.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Buccellati Rose Quartz Cabochon Gold Dome Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k white and yellow gold dome ring, crafted by Buccellati, set with an approximately 11.5ct rose quartz cabochon as a centerpiece.
Quartz, 18k Gold
M. Buccellati Emerald Cabochon Diamond Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Metal: 18k Yellow / White Gold Marked/Tested M. Buccellati, 750 Gemstones/Diamonds Diamonds: Approx. 0.25ctw Emerald Cabochon 6mm X 5mm Clarity:Vs Color:G-H Measurements: Ring Size 6...
Buccellati Impressive Large Diamond Jade Cabochon Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Marked by: Buccellati. The weight of the ring is 22 grams.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Impressive Buccellati Carved Coral Emerald Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Imressive 18k white and yellow gold ring, crafted by Buccellati, set with carved coral top and an emerald in the center. Ring is a size 7, ring top is 13.8mm x 21mm., sits approx. 12...
Coral, Emerald, 18k Gold
Impressive Buccellati Carved Coral Emerald Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Imressive 18k white and yellow gold ring, crafted by Buccellati, set with carved coral top and an emerald in the center. Ring is a size 7, ring top is 13.8mm x 21mm., sits approx. 12...
Coral, Emerald, 18k Gold
Buccellati Ruby Sapphire Emerald Gold Band Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k white gold band ring crafted by Buccellati featuring rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Ring is a size 5.5 and measures 12.1mm wide. Marked H5424, 18k, Buccellati , Italy . Weight ...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
BUCCELLATI Lapis Lazuli and Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Southampton, NY
Decorative sixties-chic is epitomized by this Buccellati ring featuring a cabochon lapis lazuli stone set into an 18K gold foliate mount.
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Buccellati Sapphire Cabochon Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k gold ring crafted by Buccellati featuring a 2.75ct sapphire cabochon.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Buccellati Gold Malachite Leaf Motif Band Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Lambertville, NJ
An 18k yellow and white gold ring set with a 7mm malachite cabochon. Crafted by Buccellati, the ring is a size 7 and 8.4mm wide.
Malachite, 18k Gold
Dolce & Gabbana Lace up Silk Dress
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful stretch silk leopard print dress from Dolce & Gabbana. The bodice has adjustable straps, functional and adjustable side lacing through to the hips plus rows of top st...
Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
By Gianni Versace
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous and rare red patent leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt from Gianni Versace. It has all of Versace's amazing attention to detail including Medusa head pulls on t...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Lace up Top and Skirt
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible 2 piece silk skirt and top set in a pink and yellow flower print from John Galliano for Christian Dior. The top has adjustable functional pink lacing at the center fron...
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Earrings 1.55 Carats 18K White Gold 14-15 MM
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold drop earrings featuring two South Sea Pearls measuring 14-15 mm flanked with numerous diamonds weighing 1.55 carats. Comes in Rose Gold
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings These glamorous earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels exude timeless sophistication. Featuring rich cabochon rubies framed by dazz...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural pearl and diamond necklace, the twelve graduated cluster motifs each centred with natural bouton pearls measuring from 5.6 mm to 9 mm, within a surround of old br...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Hermes Birkin 25 Rouge Exotic Lizard Bag Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
The Hermès Birkin 25 is presented here in Rouge Exotique lizard, a softened red tone that balances vibrancy with restraint. The color offers presence while remaining versatile, makin...
1990s Richard Tyler Couture Size 6 Cranberry Red Burgundy Sequin Vintage Gown
By Richard Tyler Couture, Richard Tyler
Located in San Diego, CA
Phenomenal 90s RICHARD TYLER COUTURE cranberry red / burgundy / maroon fully sequined and beaded silk chiffon evening dress! Features thousands of vibrant hand-sewn sequins and beads...
LES HABITUDES 90's Vintage Couture Ivory Beaded Silk Bridal Wedding Gown w.Shawl
By Eavis & Brown
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Les Habitudes / Eavis & Brown Couture created, entirely hand-made in a London atelier Wedding gown with matching shawl Vintage 1990's Photographs a little "whiter" than it looks ...
Bobbie Jerome 1950s Sculptural Velvet Handbag with Bakelite Handles
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich black silk velvet handbag with rounded deep orange Bakelite top handles. It has a gently curved top and gold clasp closure. The bag is lined in black silk with 2 Ins...
Hermes Birkin 25 Shiny Crocodile Porosus white gold with diamonds bag
By Hermès
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Hermes Birkin 25 Shiny Porosus Crocodile with diamonds and 18K white gold. Bag is in mint pristine condition. Comes with dust bag, box(little broken), Clochette, keys,CITES...
$2,295
Size: Small - Medium
Christian Dior John Galliano Fall 2001 Black White Novelty Domino Print Cami Top
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in San Diego, CA
Collectible CHRISTIAN DIOR by JOHN GALLIANO Fall 2001 runway vintage black and white novelty print playing cards and domino semi sheer mesh camisole top! Kris Jenner ( Mother of Kim ...
$1,780Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Large
1960s Jean Patou Vintage Wool Jacket + Skirt Suit Ensemble with Faux Fur Trim
By Jean Patou
Located in Sparks, NV
Completely amazing vintage 1960s Jean Patou black wool jacket and skirt ensemble with faux fur trim and gold studs. Incredible tailoring and construction and chic enamel buttons. Ful...
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 “Eye” Runway Red Black Leather Cut Out Vest Jacket
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Thiensville, WI
ALEXANDER McQUEEN S/S 2000 “Eye” Runway Red Black Leather Cut Out Vest Jacket Brand / Manufacturer: Alexander McQueen Collection: Spring / Summer 2000 “Eye” Runway look #50 Style...
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE S/S 2000 Purple Silk Blouse with Swarovski BUTTONS Y2K
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Switzerland, CH
Beautiful GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE SS 2000 silk blouse Finest purple silk Versace SS 2000 Jungle Collection Extremely versatile Sexy deep cleavage Swarovski crystal buttons Made in ...
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.