Chamber Ring
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Egyptian Solitaire Rings
Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century British Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 19th Century British Vanity Items
Sterling Silver
People Also Browsed
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Engagement Rings
Gold, Enamel
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Native American More Jewelry
Coral, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century French Retro Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 1880s British Victorian More Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Brooches
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Solitaire Rings
Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns
1880s American Evening Dresses
Vintage 1950s American Native American More Jewelry
Turquoise, 14k Gold
Antique 19th Century British George III Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold
20th Century American Belts
Antique Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Italian Structured Shoulder Bags
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Signet Rings
Gold
Vintage 1930s Art Deco Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold
Recent Sales
2010s Australian Baroque Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Norwegian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1850s Early Victorian Band Rings
18k Gold
Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau More Rings
Gold
Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Enamel, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Engagement Rings
Citrine, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 1890s Victorian Chain Necklaces
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Citrine, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Sapphire, ...
2010s Australian Gothic Revival Cocktail Rings
Iolite, Topaz, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Baroque Fashion Rings
Citrine, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Gothic Revival Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
2010s Australian Baroque Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Australian Victorian Fashion Rings
Citrine, White Diamond, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Gothic Revival Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s American Victorian Signet Rings
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Finding the Right Rings for You
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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
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