Cartier Logo de Cartier Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold. Signed by Cartier Size 53 (US 6 1/2)
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
18k Gold
Cartier Logo de Cartier Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold. Signed by Cartier Size 53 (US 6 1/2)
18k Gold
Cartier 18ct Yellow Gold LOVE Ring 6.34g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Accompanied by: This Cartier 18ct Yellow Gold Love Ring is accompanied by the Cartier Certificate of Authenticity YTF037 dated 03/08/2024, together with the original outer and inner ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18ct White Gold Love Ring 7.36g
By Cartier
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This Cartier Love Ring, Classic Model, is crafted in 18ct white gold with a sleek polished finish, weighing 7.36 grams.
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Clash de Cartier Ring Size 53 N4765400
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k rose gold ring, from Cartier's Clash de Cartier collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
CARTIER Love Yellow Gold Band Ring 55
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This authentic unisex Cartier ring from the iconic Love collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and accented with trademark screw-shaped circles.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Onyx Emeralds 18K White Gold Panthère de Cartier Ring Size 48
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Panthère de Cartier ring, a signature piece from Cartier's iconic panther-inspired collection.
White Gold
Cartier Magnificent Gold Diamond Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt White Gold Cartier Diamond Dome Ring Size : 54 EU / 7 1/4 US Was completely Re polished like new by Cartier .
Diamond, White Gold, Gold
CARTIER 18K Tri-Gold Trinity Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless icon of French jewelry design, this Cartier Trinity ring is crafted in 18K tri-color gold and showcases the Maison’s celebrated interlocking motif.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank White Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size : 53 The Cartier Tank White Gold Band Ring is a sophisticated piece inspired by the timeless elegance of the iconic Cartier Tank design.
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Cartier 18K oOo Ruby Diamond Ring with Certification Papers. Stamped Cartier 750
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K White Gold Amethyst Gem.
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Total Weight: 10.8 g Ring Size: 6.25 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18k White Gold
Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Diamond and Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Circa 1985-1990 Comes with Cartier original Pouch. Recently re-polished at Cartier Boutique NY, receipt available upon request.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier, 18K Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring, GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Metal: 18K gold Sapphire: 3.27ct, Ceylon Origin, Unheated, GIA Certificate Diamond: approx. 2.2ct Ring Size: 8.5 Weight: 10.72g Stamps: “Cartier”“750”“HPSM0401"”620411...
Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
2000s Cartier Trinity Three-Gold Rolling Ring
By Cartier
Located in Roma, RM
A true icon of twentieth-century jewelry design, the Cartier Trinity ring remains one of the Maison's most enduring and recognizable creations.
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover timeless elegance with this authentic pre-owned Cartier band ring, crafted from lustrous 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthère De Cartier Period Onyx Lacquer 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous unisex Panthère de Cartier ring features a bold and fierce openwork panther design crafted in 18k yellow gold with black lacquer and accented with green peridot eyes an...
Onyx, Peridot, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k White Gold Happy Birthday Ring
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Cartier 18k White Gold Happy Birthday Ring Brand: Cartier Design:Happy Birthday Ring Material: 18k white gold Ring Size: 10.25 (Cannot be re-sized) Hallmarks: Cartier 750 63 Ring Me...
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K White Gold Love Ring 3.5mm
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: 18K white gold Serial: 369XXX Size: 57 (8.0) Dimensions: the ring measures 3.5mm wide Weight: 3.65 grams Guaranteed authentic by seller.
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Squiggle 18K White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A study in form and subtlety. This unique Cartier ring showcases a sleek, modern design with a gently contoured band.
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Diamond 18ct White Gold Etincelle de Cartier 2mm Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Diamond 18ct White Gold Etincelle de Cartier 2mm Band Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1485 Brand: Cartier Model: Etincelle Diamond Band Ring Type: Ring Serial Number: Q****...
Diamond, White Gold
Cartier "Amour et Trinity" White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size : 50 The Cartier "Amour et Trinity" ring is a sophisticated and iconic piece of jewelry, meticulously crafted from 18kt white gold to embody elegance and timeless beauty.
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Trinity Triple Gold Ring - size 57
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size : 57cm Cartier Trinity Ring: A Timeless Symbol of Elegance and Emotion First introduced in 1924 by the legendary French jeweler Louis Cartier, the Cartier Trinity Ring...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier ring in 18k white gold
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
Introducing a magnificent piece of history, a breathtakingly beautiful vintage 18k white gold ring from the renowned house of Cartier. This stunning gentleman's ring, with a size of ...
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier C De Cartier Limited edition 150 anniversary rose gold and diamond ring
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
Cartier C De Cartier rose gold Limited edition 150th Anniversary diamond ring For every Cartier Lover, this iconic ring is a classic and must have for every jewellery wearer.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Vintage 1980s Cartier Tri-Color Gold Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow, rose, and white gold. Signed by Cartier Circa 1988 Size 6 1/4 Comes with its Certificate of Authenticity
18k Gold
Cartier 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18 kt yellow gold 3 diamond Cartier love ring size 5.5
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier White Gold Juste Un Clou Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier White Gold Juste Un Clou Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 152499 Listing Title: Cartier White Gold Juste Un Clou Ring Condition Description: Translating to 'just a nail', the Jus...
White Gold
Cartier 18K Gold Trinity 5-Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
A Cartier Trinity ring composed of three interlocking bands crafted in 18-karat yellow, rose, and white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier White Gold Small Model Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier White Gold Small Model Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 154981 Listing Title: Cartier White Gold Small Model Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love collection is th...
White Gold
Cartier White Gold Small Model Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier White Gold Small Model Love Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 154981 Listing Title: Cartier White Gold Small Model Love Ring Condition Description: Cartier's Love collection is th...
White Gold
Cartier Love Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier Love Ring in 18-karat yellow gold is a timeless emblem of commitment and elegance.
Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k White Gold Diamond C De Cartier Ring, 0.25ct, Unisex
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful vintage 18k white gold ring by Cartier from the C de Cartier collection.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Cartier 18K Gold Maillon Panthere Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
A substantial Cartier Maillon Panthère ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, designed as three closely arranged rows of rectangular brick-form links in the Maison’s distinctive Maillon Pa...
18k Gold
Cartier 'C de Cartier' 18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Stunning in its simplicity, this Cartier engagement ring from the 'C de Cartier' Collection is expertly crafted from 18 carat yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Ellipse Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Ring Size: 6 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stamp: 750 CARTIER 1993 52 27 FH 0.25 Cartier (Cartier maker's mark) (French hallmark) Total Weight: 10.30 grams Diamond Characteristics: Color: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18 Karat White Gold Love Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Cartier Material: 18K white gold Serial: 249XXX Size: 6 (52) Weight: 3.4 grams
18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Les Berlingots De Cartier Malachite 0.33ct Semi-Paved Ring Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
Gemstones, studs, contrasting colors. unprecedented combinations for a collection that cultivates Cartier's aesthetic codes. Details: Brand: Cartier Model: Les Berlingots De Cartier...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Diamond Gold Vintage Domed Ring
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Filled with sass and sizzle, this strikingly unique Cartier Paris diamond and gold domed vintage ring is visually exciting.
Diamond, Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond 150th Anniversary Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond 150th Anniversary Band PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z155434 Listing Title: Cartier Rose Gold Diamond 150th Anniversary Band Condition Description: Since Louis-Fran...
Rose Gold
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Maillon Panthere Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Maillon Panthere Band PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 156414 Listing Title: Cartier Rose Gold Diamond Maillon Panthere Band Condition Description: Since Louis-Françoi...
Rose Gold
Cartier Diamond Leaf White Gold 18K Ring
By Cartier
Located in Geneva, CH
Cartier Diamond Leaf Ring with approx. 5 carats Diamonds, made in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier White Gold and Ceramic Trinity de Cartier Ring Size 63 B4234100
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold and ceramic ring from the Trinity de Cartier collection.
White Gold
Cartier C De Cartier Limited edition 150 anniversary rose gold and diamond ring
By Cartier
Located in Addlestone, GB
Cartier C De Cartier rose gold Limited edition 150th Anniversary diamond ring For every Cartier Lover, this iconic ring is a classic and must have for every jewellery wearer.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Panthère De Cartier Emeralds Onyx 0.75ct Pave Diamond Ring White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Aventura, FL
Cartier Panthère de Cartier ring, white gold 750/1000, set with 81 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.75 carats, emeralds, and onyx.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier 18K Gold Lakarda Wrap Panthere Ring
By Cartier
Located in Flushing, NY
Cartier 18K Gold Lakarda Wrap Panthere Ring Materials: 18K Yellow Gold Green Tsavorite Garnet Marked: Cartier 750 55 (European Size Stamp) Numbered Hallmarked Approximate Dimen...
Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Cartier Nouvelle Vague White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18k white gold Cartier Nouvelle Vague ring. Size 7.5, ring top is 9mm wide.
White Gold
Vintage Cartier Trinity de Cartier 18k Tri-Color Gold Diamond Ring Size 57
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
This iconic Trinity de Cartier ring is a timeless masterpiece of jewelry design. First conceived by Louis Cartier in 1924, the Trinity collection features three interlaced bands that...
18k Gold
Cartier Yellow Gold Nouvelle Vague Diamond Band
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
A striking expression of Cartier’s timeless elegance, this Nouvelle Vague Diamond Band is exquisitely crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases the Maison’s signature sculptural desig...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Nouvelle Vague 18k Gold Interlocking Ring — Signed
By Cartier
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Cartier Nouvelle Vague Ring – Circa 2000–2010 A signed Cartier Nouvelle Vague ring from circa 2000–2010, composed of two elegantly interlocking bands in 18k white and yellow gold.
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love White Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18k white gold Love band by Cartier, in size 62. Ring is 6mm wide.
White Gold
Cartier Love Ring Rose Gold - size 60
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Ring width: 0,5 cm Cartier size 60 The Cartier Love Ring in Rose Gold is a luxurious and iconic piece of jewelry created by the renowned French jewelry and watchmaker, Cartier.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Ring Yellow Gold - size 63
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Ring width: 0,5 cm Cartier size 63 The Cartier Love Ring in Yellow Gold is a luxurious and iconic piece of jewelry created by the renowned French jewelry and watchmaker, Cartier.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity Tri-Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous ring from Cartier's Trinity collection features 3 bands crafted in 18k yellow, white and rose gold.
Gold
Cartier Stepped Gold and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This architectural stepped gold and diamond ring by Cartier Paris presents a clever and sparkling commentary on artistry and illusion.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K Rose Gold C de Cartier Diamond Wedding Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Guangzhou, CN
A sophisticated and iconic creation by the legendary French jewelry house, Cartier. This authentic C de Cartier wedding band is meticulously crafted in radiant 18K rose gold
Cartier Heart Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
18k white gold heart band ring by Cartier, with approx. 0.60ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Gold
Cartier White Gold Pave Diamond Amulette De Cartier Size 53 Ring 0.45ct TDW
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold Cartier ring from the Amulette de Cartier collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
CARTIER Gypsy Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This classic vintage Cartier gypsy ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and bezel-set with a round brilliant E-F VVS1-VVS2 diamond and a pair of round rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Rose Gold Diamond Paved Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
A timeless symbol of love and refinement, this authentic Cartier Love Diamond Paved Ring is exquisitely crafted in 18K rose gold and showcases the iconic screw motif that defines the...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier C de Cartier 18k White Gold Diamond Band Ring, 2.25ct, Women's
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful vintage 18k white gold ring from the C de Cartier collection from Cartier.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.