1950s Cartier 14k Gold Brushed Band Ring sz 7
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Cartier ring from the 1950s is crafted in 14k gold and weighs 8 grams. It features a brushed
Vintage 1950s Band Rings
14k Gold
1950s Cartier 14k Gold Brushed Band Ring sz 7
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Cartier ring from the 1950s is crafted in 14k gold and weighs 8 grams. It features a brushed
14k Gold
Vintage Cartier Ring c1945 Bombe Fluted Dome 14k Gold Sz 5.75 Shell Jewelry
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Cartier bombe cocktail ring (circa 1945) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 0.73 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shank With a subtle knife edge Stamped for platinum and 18 karat gold Fully signed for Cartier Circa
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable
Gold and Diamond Cartier Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful three-stone vintage ring. Made and signed by CARTIER. Very heavy gauge 14K yellow gold
Diamond, 14k Gold
Cartier 14k Gold Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Cartier CIRCA: 1940 MATERIALS: 14k Rose Gold WEIGHT: 9.9 grams RING SIZE: 5 MEASUREMENTS
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Cartier 14K Gold Cigarette Holder Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A rare and collectible Cartier 14K gold cigarette holder ring from the 1940s, crafted with
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed Cartier 14K Gold, Garnet & Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, garnet, and diamond ring. By Cartier. In 14 karat yellow gold. With a prong
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Cartier Double Knot 14K Yellow & Rose Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
C. 1970 This unique ring is crafted in 14K gold. It features an intricate interlocking design with
14k Gold
Cartier Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Solitaire Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist but far from demure, this elegant diamond solitaire from Cartier shines with sleek
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Vintage Retro 14k Gold & Platinum Emerald Cut Citrine Diamond Large Ring
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
: Cartier - 14K Condition: Vintage, Retro. All original finish & patina preserved. Excellent overall
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Circa 1942 Cartier 14K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 5.5 Shank Maximum Width
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Gold Arches Ring
By Cartier
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stylish, unusual ring by Cartier consisting of five rows of arched bands of gold. The arches are of
14k Gold
Cartier Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold ruby and diamond Cartier dress ring. The ring is set to the centre with 3 round
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Midcentury Gold Heart-Shaped Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold band ring in the form of a heart, in 14k. Cartier. Approximately 4mm wide. Size 5 1
Gold, 14k Gold
Ladies 14k White Gold Diamond Crossover Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
: 5.30Grams Ladies 14K white gold diamond cocktail ring with a tapered, comfort-fit shank. Engraved with "14K
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Trinity 18 Karat Yellow, White, and Rose Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
The Cartier “Trinity” ring is made out of 18K yellow, white and rose gold and weighs 21.2 grams
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Cartier 14 Karat White Gold Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring 1.08 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 1960's Cartier 14K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring This authentic Cartier
Diamond, 14k Gold
1960s Cartier 14 Karat White Gold Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring 1.08 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 1960's Cartier 14K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring This authentic Cartier
Diamond, 14k Gold
Cartier Retro Citrine Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
rubies - well matched in purplish red color Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Numbered and fully signed
Citrine, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 22.58 Ct Citrine & 0.57 TCW Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 7.75
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
) Diamonds Face of Ring: 20.5 x 19.6 x 11.0 mm Ring Size: 7.75 Hallmark: Cartier. 14K Tested Item #: BR-1050
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Cartier Rock Crystal Quartz 14 Karat Gold Fox Essex Crystal Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
moderate but broad iridescent sheen Bezel set and flanked by buckle motif shoulders Stamped 14K for 14
Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 1940's Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Retro Adjustable Buckle Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
carat - F/G color with VS clarity Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Numbered and fully signed Cartier
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Retro 14k Yellow Gold, Enamel & Diamond Mariner Motif Brooch W/Box Retro
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
! Weight: 3.8 grams Dimensions: 1 3/8" (length) Condition: Great Signature: Cartier NY / 14k Ring
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Retro 14k Yellow Gold & Brass Diamond Deck of Cards Key Pendant Rare
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
at a great price! Weight: 5 grams Condition: Great Signature: Cartier / 14k Ring Size: n/a
Yellow Gold, Brass
Cartier Rose Gold Ring 14k
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Cartier CIRCA: 1940 MATERIALS: 14k Rose Gold WEIGHT: 9.9 grams RING SIZE: 5 MEASUREMENTS
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 1920s 14k Gold Ribbed Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Gorgeous Cartier 14k Gold ring from the 1920s. Band features a simple ribbed design. Inside is
14k Gold
Cartier 14K Yellow Gold Reeded Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Weston, MA
Chic and easy to wear, this substantial Cartier ring sits high on the finger and features an
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Gold Signet Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, 14k, Cartier, New York. This classic signet ring by Cartier is set with a fine
Carnelian, 14k Gold
Cartier Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
clarity), this lovely Sixties engagement ring is so very Cartier. The 14k white gold setting is elegantly
White Diamond, 14k Gold
Cartier Fifties Shrimp Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, 14k, by Cartier, New York. Celebrated for design excellence, Cartier is known for
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Enamel Gold Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Cartier Enamel Gold Dome Ring. Crafted in yellow gold and enamel. Signed Cartier
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier 1970s 18k and Silver Garnet Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier 18k Yellow Gold and .925 Sterling Silver Ring, Set with a Fine Color Rectangle
Garnet, 14k Gold, Silver
Cartier Vintage Gents Gold and Lapis Signet Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Cartier Gents 14K Yellow Gold Signet Ring, originally sold as a Signet ring for custom
Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold
1970s Cartier 14 Karat Yellow Gold Oversized Shell Ring
By Cartier
Located in Oakland, CA
Oversized 14k yellow gold shell ring from Cartier dating to the 1970's. Center of ring falls at a
14k Gold
Designer Cartier Juste un Clou 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer Cartier Juste un Clou 14K rose gold ring. Featuring 22 round brilliant cut diamonds
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Diamond and White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold dress ring from the Le Baiser Du Dragon collection by Cartier. The square
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s Cartier Retro 2.75 Carat Citrine Love Knot Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
approximately 2.75 carats. Signed Cartier. The size of the ring is 4 3/4, and can be sized. Metal Type: 14
Citrine, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
CARTIER 1970 Modernist Sculptural Ring In 14Kt Yellow Gold & Solid Sterling
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural ring designed by Cartier. This is an unusual and rare sculptural ring created by the
14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cartier 3 Diamond Love Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 58, with Box
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Size: 58 or 8.25 US Timeless elegance meets iconic design in this Cartier Love ring, a true symbol
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men’s Diamond Ring Cartier Inspired Art Deco Wedding Band Solitaire
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Santos Ring. Centered by a fiery, white square (Princess cut) diamond, this custom wedding band
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
1940s Cartier Retro Gold Diamond Buckle Ring
By Cartier
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A 14k gold buckle ring crafted by Cartier in the 1940s. It is set with approximately 0.35ctw of G
Diamond, 14k Gold
CARTIER Ruby and Diamond Buckle Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous, functional and flexible buckle ring by Cartier in 14k yellow gold with rubies and
Ruby
Alexander McQueen Asymmetric Dress with Chain Cutout SS 2006
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black silk jersey dress by Alexander McQueen. It is fitted with a scoop neckline, one short sleeve and a circular nude mesh cut out at one side covered with rows of drapi...
CARTIER Panthere de Double Head Emerald Yellow Gold Ring. Sz 7.25 - EU 55.
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous authentic Cartier ring from the iconic Panthere de Cartier collection is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features an intertwined double panther head design accented with...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
Cartier Trinity de Cartier Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k tri-colour gold diamond ring from the Trinity de Cartier collection. The ring is set to the centre with a 0.32ct round brilliant cut diamond, D colour and VVS2 in clarity. The...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,754Sale Price|20% Off
Verheyen London Edward Leather Coat with Faux Fur Collar in Black - Size uk 16
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Edward Leather Coat with Faux Fur Collar in Red - Size uk 16 The Edward Leather Coat created by Verheyen London is a romantic design inspired by the 1970s and Edward...
Shimmering Alexander McQueen Gold Jeweled Evening Dress Gown
By Alexander McQueen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Alexander McQueen entrance maker gold metallic gown. Fashioned of a neutral shimmering gold metallic animal print showered with sparkling crystal embellishments. Mock neck and conc...
Vintage Étincelle De Cartier Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Honolulu, HI
Étincelle de Cartier Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold pave set with 40 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling ~1.00 carats. The diamonds are D-F in color, VS clarity and the ring is 6...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
By Cartier
Located in Jersey City, NJ
Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...
Giorgio Armani 1990s 90s Vintage Khaki / Light Green Herringbone Blazer Jacket
By Giorgio Armani
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautifully tailored vintage Giorgio Armani blazer! This fitted blazer is a khaki/ on the verge of light green, with herringbone print throughout. Two pockets at each side of the wai...
Cartier Etincelle de Cartier Diamond Eternity Band Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.75 This Cartier diamond eternity band ring is a work of art. Crafted from luxurious 18 karat rose gold, the ring features a continuous row of exquisite diamonds encircl...
White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Diana M. Custom 8.00 cts round diamond tennis bracelet 14kt white gold
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Custom 14kt white gold 8.00 cts round diamond tennis bracelet 45 stones 0.19 each stone set in 4-prongs GH color SI clarity. Excellent Cut.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier 18k Ring, Big Ellipse with Amethyst
By Cartier
Located in Berlin, BE
Indulge in the timeless beauty and opulence of the Vintage Cartier 18K Ring with Big Ellipse Amethyst. Crafted by the esteemed Cartier brand in 1993, this exquisite piece is a true t...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...
BUCCELLATI Aquamarine Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage Gianmaria Buccellati cocktail ring is crafted in 18k brushed and textured yellow gold with white gold accents. This ring is set with a faceted oval 7.0mm x 10....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1990s Geoffrey Beene Grey Silk Gown
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant Vintage Geoffrey Beene charcoal grey maxi silk gown. Matching coat sold separately. see listing from our store. Bust : 36. /hip: 36 Fit US Size : 4-6
$59,200Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold 1960's Green Emerald And Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of this Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald and Diamond Ring, a stunning piece that exudes luxury and sophistication. This exquisite ring features a b...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Emerald and Onyx Panther Trinity Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Cartier panther trinity ring in 18k yellow, rose and white gold. This Cartier ring features an 18k yellow gold panther with emerald eyes and an onyx nose. The panther is se...
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow 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.