Bulgari Colombian emerald ring, circa 1980.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Colombian emerald ring, circa 1980. Set with an oval cabochon natural Colombian emerald with minor oil in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 6.59 carats, to an imp...
Emerald, 18k Gold
BULGARI Colombian Emerald and Diamond Architectural Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold symphony of geometry and color, this striking 1985 Bvlgari creation embodies the house’s devotion to dramatic proportions and rich heritage. At its heart, a mesmerizing 11.54-...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Amethyst, Emerald & Diamond ‘Carré’ Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This jewel from the 1970s demands attention and celebrates the extraordinary, embodying high drama with a touch of Roman flair. Carré Collection captivates with unapologetic glamour....
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Diamond Emerald Trombino Gold ring, CA. 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
Important Bulgari Diamond Emerald Trombino Ring, ca. 1970s, made in Rome Bulgari Emerald and Diamond Ring mounted on 18k yellow gold and set with three natural cabochon emeralds, to...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in opulent brushed 18K yellow gold, the ring is anchored by a mesmerizing cabochon emerald of approximately 20.68 carats, its rich, verdant hue echoing the timeless splendor ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari emerald and diamond ring, Italian, circa 1930
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with a square emerald cut natural Colombian emerald with minor clarity enhancement in a open back claw setting with an approximate wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
BULGARI 18K Two Tone Diamond and Emerald Serpenti Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An iconic Bulgari Serpenti ring crafted in 18k yellow and white gold, designed as a stylized serpent coiling elegantly around the finger.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A commanding expression of BULGARI’s bold Roman aesthetic, this exceptional Trombino ring is centered by a vivid Colombian emerald weighing approximately 8.40 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bvlgari 4.59cts Emerald Diamond Platinum Estate Pinky Bulgari Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
Rare Bvlgari emerald ring, which can be the perfect pinky ring for a gentleman or the modern cocktail ring for a lady. This Exquisite Bvlgari Ring is crafted in luxurious Platinum, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Double Emerald Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold and unmistakably sculptural creation from BULGARI, this striking bypass ring embodies the house’s distinctive dialogue between strength and sensuality.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
From every angle, the ring reveals BULGARI’s mastery of form and volume, bold yet harmonious, opulent yet disciplined.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$192,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bulgari GIA Certified 4.98 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Bulgari GIA Certified 4.98 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Description: A spectacular Bulgari engagement ring featuring a GIA certified 4.98 carat emerald cut dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$660,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bulgari Twin Ring 5.79ct Emerald and 7.25ct Diamond 18k Gold and Platinum
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This chic BULGARI cocktail ring features an exceptional 5.79 carat AGL certified Colombian emerald and a GIA certified 7.25 carat square emerlad-cut diamond of E color and VS1 clarit...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Bulgari Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1960
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari diamond cluster ring. Set horizontally to centre with three octagonal emerald-cut diamonds in open back claw settings with an approximate combined weight of 1.30 carats, flan...
Diamond, Platinum
Bulgari Ceylon sapphire and diamond trombino ring, circa 1970s.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Ceylon sapphire and diamond trombino ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Bulgari Aqua Diamond Ring with Iolite 18K Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Fairfield, CT
Bulgari Aqua Diamond Ring with Iolite 18K Yellow Gold This Bvlgari ring in 18k yellow gold brings together two ~0.9ct emerald-cut stones: a cool blue gemstone and a deep, purple-ton...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Tronchetto 18k Yellow Gold Custom Cut Amethyst Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Amethyst- Custom Cut - Channel Inlaid Set - Purple Color - 14.7x10mm (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 10.63 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 ( fi...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 3.30 CTTW Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent Bulgari three stone diamond engagement ring is made of platinum and weighs 2.4 DWT (approx. 3.73 grams).
Diamond, Platinum
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bulgari 18K White Gold Oval and Round Diamond Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite Bulgari 18K white gold bypass ring featuring a graceful combination of oval and round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 0.86 carats. The centerpiece is a dazzling oval dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
BVLGARI Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Litchfield, CT
A stunning confection in green, yellow, and white, this 18k yellow gold ring features an array of superb stones. The main drama is a fine 2.50-carat emerald, surrounded by 2.65 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.64 Carat Certified Colombian Emerald Ring by Bvlgari
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Fine 10.64 carat Certified Colombian Emerald Ring By Bulgari Oval-shaped emerald set with round diamonds in platinum, signed BVLGARI SSEF Certification: Colombian, moderate amount ...
Emerald, Platinum
Bvlgari 3.02 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous piece from the world renowned Italian jewellery house of Bvlgari. A single bright white 3.02 carat emerald-cut diamond sits high and proud at the centre of th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 1990's Iolite Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Three Stone Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut iolite weighing approximately 0.97 carats - transparent medium violetish blue in color Set east to west and flanked by emerald cut aquamarines - weighing app...
Aquamarine, Iolite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A BVLGARI Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
$90,000Sale Price|25% Off
Bvlgari GIA Certified 6 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic emerald and diamond ring by Bvlgari, crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered with a striking pear-shaped emerald of notable size and presence. The centerpiece is a 5.9 car...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 4.16 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding three-stone ring from the world renowned Italian jewellery house of Bvlgari. This exquisite piece focally features a vibrant green Colombian emerald set i...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Bvlgari Cabochon Certified Emerald and Diamond “Trombino” Ring, Rome, 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
Bvlgari Cabochon Emerald and Diamond “Trombino” Ring, Rome, 1970s A striking and highly collectible Bvlgari “Trombino” ring from the 1970s, masterfully crafted in Rome and embodying...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
Important 6.15Ct Unheated Kashmir Sapphire Ring AGL SSEF Gubelin Bulgari Signed
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire is elegantly mounted in a signed Bulgari platinum ring, accented by emerald-cut diamond side stones that frame the center gemstone while maintaining a timeless and sophi...
Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Rare Bvlgari Amethyst Emerald Cut 18k Yellow Gold Signet Bezel Rubover Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Emerald Cut Amethyst 18k Yellow Gold Signet Style Ring. This rare Bvlgari ring features a top grade emerald cut vivid purple amethyst set in a fine 18k yellow g...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 1.49 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite engagement ring from the world renowned Italian jewellery house of Bvlgari. This vintage piece showcases a stunning design with a harmonious blend of diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Bvlgari Yellow Sapphire Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Bvlgari eternity ring from the 1980s is crafted in platinum and set with a continuous row of emerald-cut yellow sapphires. The ring showcases a series of sapphires, each...
Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
BVLGARI 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Twin Diamond Contrast Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold vision of 1980s luxury, this ring from Bulgari captivates with its architectural duality and dynamic contrast.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
Bulgari Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari: An Emerald and Diamond Ring, designed as a twin-stone setting, the rectangular-cut diamond weighing 2.54 carats, and a rectangular-cut emerald, weighing 2.53 carats, mounted...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Unavailable|$79,913
1980s Bulgari Round Emerald Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Paris, FR
Circular-cut Colombian emerald 5.38 carats, collet-set to the blackened mount, with tapering channel-set square-cut diamond shoulders and yellow gold. Finger Size P. Signed Bulgari 1...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$25,854
Bulgari 2.01 F Vs2 Emerald Cut `Diamond Paltinum Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Milano, IT
Bulgari 2.01 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum, GIA Certified Sophisticated and timeless, this Bulgari ring features a 2.01 carat emerald-cut diamond of exceptional quality...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$45,000
Bulgari Emerald-Cut Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Bulgari Ceylon No Heat Sapphire and Diamond Ring in platinum and 18ct gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$82,263
Bulgari Colombian Emerald Diamond Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Kortrijk, BE
A very fine Colombian emerald and diamond ring, set with a magnificent large emerald cabochon, surrounded by smaller emerald cabochons and marquise shaped diamonds, in a brilliant cu...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,051
Vintage Bulgari 18kt Yellow Gold and Amethist Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Milano, IT
A bold and playful vintage Bulgari ring from the 1970s, crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with a vibrant emerald-cut amethyst.
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$13,195
BVLGARI Estate 18K Emerald & Diamond "Serpenti Seduttori" Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Narberth, PA
A jaw-dropping ring by designer, Bvlgari! Crafted in 18k white gold, this piece is known as the "Serpenti Seduttori" ring. The front of the ring depicts 2 snake heads. The eyes of ea...
Unavailable|$10,030
Bvlgari vintage emerald cut diamonds & baguettes rubies ring in yellow gold.
By Bulgari
Located in Surfside, FL
Vintage Bvlgari ruby & diamond ring in 18k yellow gold. 5 emerald cut diamonds (approx. 0.50 carat), F-G color, VVS-VS clarity. 10 baguette rubies (approximately 1.50 carat). Ring si...
Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$24,496
Marina B 'Bulgari' 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond and Emerald Ring, Unique
By Marina B
Located in London, GB
Impressive ring by Marina B (Bulgari), 18k yellow gold set with three Emeralds in line, all around decorated with pavé set diamonds heightened with tourmaline and Russian quartz Sign...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$25,854 / set
Bulgari Gold Earrings and Ring Set with Ruby, Emerald and Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Monaco, MC
Bulgari Earrings and Ring in yellow gold, white gold set with cabochon cut emerald and rubies.
Emerald, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$39,000
1960s Bulgari Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Comes in the original Bulgari box. Ring size 6; can be re-sized.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sold|$3,900
Bulgari Serpenti Gold Emerald Tubogas Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2000, 18k, Bulgari, Italy. This stylish ring from Bulgari is doubly iconic.
Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,750
Bulgari Tubogas Emerald Gold Snake Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring from Bulgari's Tubogas collection combines two Bulgari classics, a Tubogas bracelet and the snake symbol.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$37,500
Bulgari Trombino Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A Bulgari Emerald (1.3 cts) and Diamond Trombino Ring in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold|$85,000
BULGARI 16.15 carats Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classic and timeless ring created by Bulgari in the 1970's. 16.15 carats octagonal-shape emerald framed within two rows of round diamonds set in platinum.
Emerald
Bulgari Certified Colombian Emerald Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
A stunning gemstone in a classic Bulgari ring will make a fine addition to your collection.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Sold|$48,000
Bulgari Dolce Vita Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
An 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Bombe Ring by Bulgari, made in Italcirca 1965, containing one oval cabochon cut emerald measuring approximately 11.33 x 9...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$14,800
Bulgari 1970s Ruby Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
The elongated marquise shaped ring features a central cabochon emerald and is further embellished with cabochon rubies and diamonds.
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bulgari Emerald and Diamond Trombino Ring, ca. 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An emerald and diamond ring in yellow gold by Bulgari, ca. 1970s.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Emerald Tourmaline Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
Timeless ring created by Bulgari in France in 1970 circa.
Tourmaline, Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Bulgari 1.37 Carat Colombia Emerald Vintage Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
Classic vintage ring designed by Bvlgari, it features a Cabochon Natural Emerald of 1.37 carats mounted on 18k Yellow Gold. Made in Italy, circa 1980 Has a total weight of 8,8 grams....
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$120,000
Bulgari Emerald Cut Diamond gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A 3.85 carat emerald cut, sided by two tapered baguettes, by Bulgari, circa 1980. G color, VVS1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari Heart Emerald Sapphire Yellow Gold Ring 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Beautiful ring created by Bulgari in Italy in the 1980s. Features an approximately 1.12-carat heart-shaped faceted emerald set in 18 karat yellow gold and accented with two 0.18-cara...
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Tubogas Yellow Gold Emerald Cabochon Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Mesmerizing and engaging with its exceptional pattern, this fantastic ring from Bulgari exudes the luxurious 18K yellow gold radiance and boasts the brand's recognizable style while ...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$12,500
Bulgari Emerald Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bulgari Emerald Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring. Featuring 1 cabochon cut ruby weighing 1.70 carats & 1 cabochon cut emerald weighing 1.31 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris arrived in Rome in 1881 and set up his own shop there in 1884, calling it Bulgari, an Italianization of his last name (in the brand's logo, it's styled BVLGARI, using the classical Latin alphabet in a nod to ancient Roman culture). In 1905, he opened the company’s flagship boutique on Rome’s Via dei Condotti. Since then, Bulgari has looked to Rome as a source of reference for its fanciful and decidedly romantic designs for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other accessories.
Although the iconic jewelry house found success with its silverwork and Art Deco designs, popular through the 1920s, Bulgari’s signature style — bold, often using yellow gold embellished with big colorful gemstones — began to emerge when Sotirios’s sons inherited the business, in 1932.
The brand truly hit its stride in the dolce vita era of the 1950s and ’60s, when the founder’s grandsons Paolo, Gianni and Nicola Bulgari decisively departed from demure traditional styles to develop the house’s exuberant multi-gem looks, attracting celebrity collectors like Elizabeth Taylor.
In the 1940s, Bulgari debuted perhaps its most famous design, the Serpenti bracelet watch. The piece’s snakelike coils were made possible by the tubogas jewelry technique, which links a flexible series of thin horizontal bands. Both the sleek, modern tubogas construction and the sinuous snake motif continue to be synonymous with the Bulgari brand.
On 1stDibs, the collection of vintage Bulgari jewelry includes rings, pendant necklaces, watches and other accessories.
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.