Sold|$1,100
Cartier 'Trinity' Tri-Color Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed Cartier, Au 750, 52, with serial number. Ring size 52 (US 6). Each b...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,200
Cartier 'Trinity' Tri-Color Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed Cartier, Au 750, 53, with serial number. Ring size 53 (US 6 1/4). Ea...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CIRCA 2010s. Brand: Cartier Collection: Trinity Metal: Tri-Color 18K Gold Condition: Excellent Wear: Consistent with age and use Weight: 8 grams Measurements: 4mm wide Ring Size: 52...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed Cartier, 750, 52, with serial number. Ring size 52 (US 6). Each band...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed Cartier, 750, 52, with serial number. Ring size 52 (US 6). Each band...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed Cartier, 750, 52, with serial number. Ring size 52 (US 6). Each band...
Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$15,750
Cartier Trinity Tri-Color Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier Trinity ring comprised of three interlocking mobile bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Each ring is encrusted with pave set high-quality round brillian...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,700
Cartier Trinity Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CIRCA 2010s. Brand: Cartier Collection: Trinity Metal: Tri-Color 18K Gold Condition: Excellent Wear: Consistent with age and use Weight: 15.7 grams Measurements: 5mm wide Ring Size:...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 'Trinity' Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed Cartier, Au 750, 48, with serial number. Ring size 48 (US 4 1/2). Ea...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 'Trinity' Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed Cartier, Au 750, 48, with serial number. Ring size 48 (US 4 1/2). Ea...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 'Trinity Constellation' Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier Constellation ring from the Trinity collection crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Each band measures 3.9mm in width and is set with 5 diamonds for an estimated 0.45 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Les Must de Trinity Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Les Must de Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Stamped Les Must de Cartier, 750, 60. Ring size 60 (US 9). Each...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Cartier Trinity White Gold, Ceramic and Diamond Pave Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of interlocking bands of 18 karat white gold and black ceramic. One white gold band is pave set with an estimated 1 carat of high quality (...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 'Trinity' Tri-Gold Wedding Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' wedding band comprised of three interlaced bands in 18 karat rose, yellow and white gold. Signed Cartier, 750, 63, 1988, with serial number. Ring size 63 ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 'Trinity' Tri-Color Gold and Diamond Pave Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' ring comprised of three interlocking mobile bands of 18 karat yellow, rose, and white gold. Each ring is encrusted with pave set high-quality round brilli...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,982
Cartier Trinity Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier Trinity wedding ring, with three bands in white, rose and yellow 18ct gold, each band measuring 4.1mm, signed Cartier, 750, 1997, finger size J 1/2, gross weight 13.9 grams...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CIRCA 2010s. Brand: Cartier Collection: Trinity Metal: Tri-Color 18K Gold Condition: Excellent Wear: Consistent with age and use Weight: 5 grams Measurements: 4mm wide Ring Size: 50...
Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$7,999
Cartier Tri-Color Gold Diamond Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier Trinity rolling ring in 18 karat tri-color gold with 96 diamonds, totalling approximately 1.92ct. Stamped Cartier, 750. Size 55. Trinity ring comes with original...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 'Trinity' Tri-Color Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CIRCA 1970s. Brand: Cartier Collection: Trinity Metal: Tri-Color 18K Gold Condition: Excellent Wear: Consistent with age and use Weight: 4.3 grams Measurements: 4mm wide Ring Size: ...
Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier 'Trinity' Tri-Gold Wedding Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Trinity' wedding band comprised of three interlaced bands in 18 karat rose, yellow and white gold. Signed Cartier, 750, 63, 1988, with serial number. Ring size 63 ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,275
Cartier Trinity ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An 18 K yellow gold Trinity ring set with pave diamonds for 3,52 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,600
CARTIER Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Frankfurt, DE
Engraved on the largest ring "OR AMOUR ET TRINITY", signed CARTIER, numbered, European 49, U.S. 5
18k Gold
Sold|$1,300
Trinity Cartier Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful "Trinity" Cartier ring with interlocked white, yellow and pink gold bands. Size 8 1/4 (58 mm).
White Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$975
Cartier Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier Trinity ring with interlocking bands in 18K yellow, white and rose gold.
Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$9,925
CARTIER Trinity Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Trinity ring is crafted in 18k White, Yellow and Rose Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$4,724
Cartier Trinity Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier Tri Color Trinity diamond ring set in 18k Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,000
Cartier Classic Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, Ontario
This is Cartier's Classic Trinity Ring in 3 colors of 18K gold.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$9,750
CARTIER, Trinity Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier trinity ring in 18kt gold, pink, and white gold. The 3 interlocking rings are channel set with 90 diamonds, Color: F-G; Clarity: VS. The rings symbolize love, friendship and ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$9,000
Cartier Diamond Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Rare example of the trinity collection with two interlocking rings. Made, signed & numbered by Cartier. 18k yellow gold, fully set with round brilliant diamonds, approximately 1.50 c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 6.75 - 54, Width: 3.55 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 21...
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Rose Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.25 - 50, Width: 2.70 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Rose Gold Small Exterior Color: Rose Gold Item Number: 203219/3
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Rose Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.25 - 50, Width: 2.70 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Rose Gold Small Exterior Color: Rose Gold Item Number: 203219/3
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 8 - 57, Width: 3.50 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 212455/1
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.75 - 51, Width: 3.75 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 20...
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.25 - 50, Width: 3.45 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 19...
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Rose Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.25 - 50, Width: 2.70 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Rose Gold Small Exterior Color: Rose Gold Item Number: 203219/3
Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 7.25 - 55, Width: 3.30 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 22...
Gold
Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 7.5 - 56, Width: 2.8 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Small Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 202637/1
Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 7.25 - 55, Width: 3.30 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 22...
Gold
Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 7.5 - 56, Width: 2.8 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Small Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 202637/1
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 7.5 - 56, Width: 2.8 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Small Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 202637/1
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Moderate wear throughout Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 7.5 - 56, Width: 2.8 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Small Exterior Color: Tricolo...
Gold
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Moderate wear throughout Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 7.5 - 56, Width: 2.8 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Small Exterior Color: Tricolo...
Gold
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.75 - 51, Width: 3.95 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 18...
Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold Small
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 7.5 - 56, Width: 2.8 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Small Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold Item Number: 202637/1
Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.25 - 50, Width: 3.40 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Rose Gold, Tricolor Gold, Whi...
Gold
Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.75 - 51, Width: 3.45 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Rose Gold, Tricolor Gold, Whi...
Gold
Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 9 - 60, Width: 3.45 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Medium Exterior Color: Rose Gold, Tricolor Gold, White ...
Gold
Sold|$2,024
Cartier Trinity Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage Cartier diamond tri-colour ring set in 18k gold. The ring features a central ball set with pave brilliant-cut round diamonds set to a yellow, white and rose gold band. Ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,227
Cartier Trinity Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage Cartier Tri- Colour Diamond ring set in 18k white, yellow and rose gold. The ring features fifteen brilliant cut diamonds of approx .25 carat set to tri-colour band of grad...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity De Cartier 18K Three Tone Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Trinity ring was designed by Louis Cartier in 1924 and it continues to be a celebrated design from Cartier.
Cartier Trinity De Cartier 18K Three Tone Gold Ring 50
By Cartier
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
The Trinity ring was designed by Louis Cartier in 1924 and it continues to be a celebrated design by Cartier.
Gold
Sold|$9,950
CARTIER Trinity Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Signed Cartier, this Trinity ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Les Must de Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 6.25 - 53, Width: 3.55 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Les Must de Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold It...
Cartier Les Must de Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 6.25 - 53, Width: 3.50 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Les Must de Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold It...
Cartier Les Must de Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 4.75 - 49, Width: 4.00 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Les Must de Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold It...
Cartier Les Must de Cartier Trinity Ring 18k Tricolor Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 4.75 - 49, Width: 4.00 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Les Must de Cartier Trinity Ring 18K Tricolor Gold Exterior Color: Tricolor Gold It...
Gold
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories on 1stDibs.
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.