Cartier Mughal Style Ruby & Emerald Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Mughal Style Ruby & Emerald Cocktail Dome Ring. A dome ring featuring a center cabochon emerald surrounded by small cabochon rubies, emeralds & round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Handcraft Emerald 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Beautiful 18 karat white gold cocktail ring.Handmade by our artisans assembled with cabochon emeralds and diamonds Ring total weight 8.20 grams Diamonds weight 1.03 karat cabochon E...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified 18K Yellow Gold Matt Finish Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* This ring showcases a vivid certified 8.14-carat oval cabochon emerald . Set in 18K yellow gold (5.09 grams), the emerald is flanked by two kite-cut diamonds totaling 0.41 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
$8,512Sale Price|20% Off
Richard Krementz Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Krementz & Co
Located in Bloomington, MN
Richard Krementz Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Crafted in 18K yellow gold, this contemporary Richard Krementz ring features a vivid green cabochon emerald in ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.70ct 14K Colombian Emerald Oval Cut Cabochon Men's Solitaire Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A true classic, this men's 14K gold genuine 1.70 carat Colombian emerald cabochon oval solitaire ring says it all.
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.93tcw 14K Natural Emerald Cabochon-Oval Cut & Diamond Accent Men's Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A handsome emerald and diamond ring. The center stone features a stunning 4.87-carat, oval-cut cabochon emerald with great qualities.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage AGL 12.85 carat Colombian emerald 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional vintage Colombian emerald cocktail ring is a bold 1970’s design, centered by an AGL-certified cushion pyramidal cabochon emerald weighing 12.85 carat.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring, 1970s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with cabochon emerald weighing an estimated 20.00 carats, and round and tapered diamonds for a total of 2.10 carats / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ring 14k Gold Emerald Cocktail Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A whimsical vintage ring made of 14 karat yellow gold featuring cabochon emerald. The cabochon emeralds are staged as a free form cluster, with a bigger stone in the middle.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Emerald with Cabochon Ruby Sycee/Yuan Bao Ring Set in 18k White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Emerald 1.21 carats with Cabochon Ruby 0.08 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.55 grams "We first ...
Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Zambian Emerald Round Cabochon Ring in 18K White Gold (7.28 cts Centre Stone)
By Bn Green Star
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Make a bold statement of luxury with this stunning Zambian emerald ring. Featuring a 7.28-carat round cabochon emerald at its center, this piece exudes natural elegance and rich color.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Orange Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Orange Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond Ring. This ring has a rectangular cut orange sapphire of 6.56 carats (Heat Treated, AGL# 1112782), round cabochon emerald and diamonds of 0.40...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold 3.75ct Emerald Cabochon and 0.22tcw Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is centered by a remarkable 3.75 carat emerald cabochon, a gemstone especially prized for its rich color and distinctive character in fine jewelry.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
$80,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 21 Carat Sugarloaf Minor Oil Emerald Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite ring features a striking 21-carat sugarloaf-shaped cabochon emerald as its centerpiece. The vivid green gemstone is gracefully set in an elegant mounting that is furth...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
5.94tcw Oval Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Three Stone Gold Ring 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
A magnificent emerald cabochon and diamond accent three-stone ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
$4,500
The Donna
By NIBIRU Collection
Located in Miami, FL
The Pre Colombian Design of This Ring is strong as its culture .. 7 Cabochon Emeralds and 14 grams of solid gold 18k.
Emerald, 18k Gold
13.42 Carats Zambian Emerald Cabochon Ring Diamond Studded
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This ring exemplifies that legacy, showcasing a 13.42-carat cabochon emerald that radiates unmatched elegance and charm.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
J.E.Caldwell Natural Unenhanced Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Ballerina Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in London, GB
Emerald cabochon and diamond ballerina ring. Set to centre with a natural unenhanced oval cabochon emerald in an open back four claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.75 carats...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
4.50tcw Oval Shaped Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Accent Three Stone Ring 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
A magnificent emerald cabochon and diamond accent three-stone ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Tiffany & Co. Sugarloaf Cabochon 3.15ct Emerald and 1.62ct Diamond Ring, 18K
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A 3.15 carat oval sugarloaf cabochon emerald, GIA certified to Colombian origin, sits high in a prong setting at the center of this Tiffany & Co. cocktail ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This fun cocktail ring boasts an oval cabochon emerald weighing approximately 4.00 carats surrounded by 54 top quality round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.00 carats...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Certified Ct 19, 60 of Zambia Emerald and Diamonds on Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Gorgeous big cabochon emerald in set on ring in 18k gold ,with natural diamonds 141 pieces in round brilliant cut ct 4,60 F/VS and Zambia emerald cabochon cut ct 15 .
Diamond, 18k Gold
$14,000Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 18k White Gold Dangling Briolette Diamond & Emerald Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
It has dangling White Diamond Briolettes with big cabochon Emerald as a center stone. Additional photo and videos available on request
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Center Stone Emerald Ring With Diamonds Made In 14k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This unique cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring is made handcrafted in silver and gold. this ring is domed and has leaf motifs of the sides and all over the shank.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
18k Rose Gold Sapphire and 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Stacking Ring Set
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
One ring is set with a cabochon sapphire weighing approximately 0.63 carats, while the other features a cabochon emerald of approximately 0.53 carats.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Emerald, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
“Antique 14k Gold Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1930”
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold ring centered with green cabochon emerald in oval cut diameter 8.50mm flanked with old mine cut diaminds estimate weight of 1.5 carats ring was made during soviet er...
Multi-Gem Bombe Cocktail Ring, Cabochon 11.0ct Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamo
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An 11 carat oval cabochon emerald commands the center of this bombe-form cocktail ring, its polished dome showing color as a single unbroken field of green rather than faceted sparkl...
Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
20.00 Carat Emerald Sapphire Diamond Gold Platinum Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Absolutely stunning 1930's oval cabochon emerald, sapphire and diamond cocktail ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
Vintage 18K Coral Emerald Diamond Serpent Snake Wide Textured Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Its eyes are set with vivid cabochon emeralds, while the head is accented by approximately 0.30ct total weight of round brilliant diamonds in F–G color and VS1–VS2 clarity.
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A single sugarloaf cabochon emerald possessing a glorious green colour tone sits slightly risen at the centre of the face and is flanked on either side by a single transitional cut d...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18K White Gold 0.35ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MGF23-070226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A classic cluster ring in 18K white gold, centering a vivid cabochon emerald of 0.95 carats within a close-set halo of round diamonds totaling 0.35 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.5 grams Ring Size: L (52) Face Dimensions: 17mm x 11mm Cabochon Emerald Weight: Approx. 0.70ct Total Square Emerald Dimensions: 24 (1mm - 0.05mm...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cabochon Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 22.35ct Revival 18K Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Encircling the sapphire is a meticulously arranged halo of vibrant cabochon emeralds (5.05 carats) and cabochon rubies (3.51 carats), each stone selected for its saturated color, smo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Rub...
Estate Coral Diamond Emerald Gold Dolphin Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A deep lustrous coral makes for the body of this dolphin, with cabochon emerald eyes and 0.20 carats of diamonds used along the fins and mouth.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giovane Vintage Ruby Emerald Sapphire Three Stone Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Giovane
Located in beverly hills, CA
An exquisite ring adorned with multiple gemstones, including cabochon ruby, cabochon emerald, and square-cut sapphire.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Coral Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
At the center of the ring is a beautiful cabochon emerald, set to capture and reflect light in a captivating manner.
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$12,000Sale Price|59% Off
NWT $29, 537 Rare Important 18KT Gold Large Gorgeous Emerald Loaf Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Gorgeous 18KT Gold Winston Style GIA Certified Glistening Fancy Green Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring!!!! Ring features a Out...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Bvlgari Cabochon Certified Emerald and Diamond “Trombino” Ring, Rome, 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Napoli, NA
At the center sits a captivating natural emerald cabochon, weighing 3.36 carats, distinguished by its rare rounded triangular shape and exceptional presence.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Emerald 21.80cts Diamond Platinum Sugarloaf Floral Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The centerpiece features a 10.80-carat sugarloaf cabochon emerald, certified by Guild Gemological Lab, with a vivid green hue that captures attention.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 14K Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
GIA CERTIFIED 14K GOLD EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING A 14K gold ring centered by a marquise-shaped cabochon emerald of transparent green color, bezel-set within a diamond surround and acc...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
5.45tcw Rare Oval Cabochon Cut Emerald & Diamond Accent Vintage Styled Ring 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
A vintage-styled, cabochon emerald and diamond accent ring. This treasure features a remarkable cabochon cut oval-shaped emerald with a ravishing medium bluish-green color, followed ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 1940s 18k Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.75ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Retro 1940s ring combines a luminous cabochon emerald, a sparkling old European cut diamond, and vibrant emerald accents in a striking gold setting.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cocktail Emerald Diamond 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
This exquisite piece features a stunning 9.8-carat cabochon emerald as its centerpiece, radiating an enchanting green hue.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
$17,230Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 11.42ct Emerald with Diamond Three Stone Ring 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
By Alexnader Beverly Hills. 12.84 carats total gemstone weight. 11.42 carat cabochon emerald, F3, GIA certified. 2 trapezoid with 50 round brilliant diamonds, 1.42 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$12,160Sale Price|20% Off
1.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Emerald Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is accented by smaller cabochon emeralds and sapphires giving the ring a unique look, set in platinum.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum
$15,000Sale Price|50% Off
NWT $30, 000 18KT Fancy Large Glittering 22CT Blue Sapphire Diamond Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Gorgeous Glittering and Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Blue Sapphire Cabochon Emerald Sapphire Diamond Ring. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Round Green Emerald Center Pear and Brilliant Cut Diamond Cluster Ring 14K Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K White and Yellow Gold (prongs) Ring Size: 7.75 (resizing available for a fee) Ring Height: 23.3 mm tall Total Weight: 8.7 Grams Diamond Count: 19...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #15787
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring Size 4.5 JAGi Certified- This elegant ring features on oval cabochon emerald (8.8 mm x 7.2 mm) and two round brilliant cut diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The most unique ring of all! A beautiful Cabochon Emerald sits in the center of the ring and is surrounded by a cluster of Orange Sapphires and Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow gold ring with diamonds and Flower carved emerald
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Crafted from 18k yellow gold, this big bold bauble features a light green cabochon emerald measuring approximately 24 carats and is hand-carved at the top with an imaginative leaf de...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald, old cut diamond and enamel Charles X era ring
Located in PARIS, FR
A yellow gold 750/1000 (18k) ring from the beginning of the XIXth century (French Restauration) featuring a central close set cabochon emerald highlighted by milgrain. The emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Certified 9.16 Carat Colombian Sugarloaf Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite cocktail ring features a captivating 9.16 carat sugarloaf cabochon emerald, radiating vibrant green hues that make a bold statement.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Emerald and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: Platinum Gemstone: Cabochon Emerald 4.32CT Diamonds 3.40ct Ring Size: 6
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18k Yellow, White and Rose Gold Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire Stacking Ring Set
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
One ring is set with a cabochon sapphire weighing approximately 0.63 carats, another features a cabochon emerald of approximately 0.53 carats, and the third is set with a cabochon ru...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.00 Carat Emerald Diamond White Gold Midcentury Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-Century GIA certified 3.00 carat cabochon emerald and diamond cocktail ring. Moderate inclusions, Natural color F1 ( low level) clarity enhanced with two rows of full cut accent ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
9.00 Carat Cabochon Cut Blue Sapphire Emerald Ring 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
This dazzling 18K yellow gold sapphire emerald ring is centered with a cabochon cut blue Burmese Sapphire, that weighs 7.75 carats.
Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Webb Coral, Diamond & Emerald Ring
By David Webb
Located in San Francisco, CA
From the creative mind of David Webb comes this stunning coral ring highlighted with emerald and coral accents. The 18 karat yellow gold beauty features a large salmon colored caboch...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
9.51 Carat Emerald GIA and Diamond Pave Platinum Dome Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Fabulous! Emerald and Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring, centering a securely nestled 9.51 Carat Cabochon Emerald, GIA certificate #2221156918 surrounded by Pave Hand set Diamonds, w...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Rare Vintage Cartier Emerald & Diamond Mimi 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Emerald And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Mimi Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a beautiful 6x4mm centre oval cabochon emerald with a vivid green colo...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Gold, France, 1970
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Austin, TX
The impressive 25 × 25 mm bombe-style top is centered by a luminous cabochon emerald, framed by a dazzling cluster of brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 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.
No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”
There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!
There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.
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.
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