Vintage 1990s Chopard Happy Diamonds Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Chopard Circa 1990s Size 6
1990s Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1990s Chopard Happy Diamonds Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Chopard Circa 1990s Size 6
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chopard Love Heart Shaped Bombé Diamonds 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Chopard
Located in beverly hills, CA
This rare-find classic LOVE heart shaped ring by Chopard features approximately 6 carats of colorless diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Love Diamond Ring 0.29 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
By Chopard
Located in Houston, TX
This new Chopard Happy Love ring features the word "LOVE" set with diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Chopard 'Love' ring from the Happy Diamonds collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM1437 Model Number: 82/2899-20 Serial Number: 304**** Age: 2000's Size: P, Band Width - 5mm Box & Papers: Chopard Box & Manuals Material: 18k White Gold, total weight - 10.6...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM1435 Model Number: 82/2899-20 Serial Number: 301**** Age: 2000's Size: T, Band Width - 5mm Box & Papers: Chopard Box Material: 18k White Gold, total weight - 11.37 grams Gems...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
XUPES REFERENCE J1026 MANUFACTURER Chopard MODEL Happy Diamonds AGE 2007 GENDER Women's ACCOMPANIED BY Chopard Box,Certificate and Original Purchase Receipt UK RING SIZE O EU RING SI...
Diamond, White Gold
Chopard Happy Diamond Gold Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in Stamford, CT
Chopard Happy Diamond 18k yellow gold Love ring. 24 full cut Diamonds, approx. total weight .38cts, F, VVS Size 7.75 and sizable 18k yellow gold Tested: 18k Stamped: 750 Hallmark: C...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Yellow Gold Diamond Set Heart Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A Chopard 18k yellow gold diamond heart shape ring .
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamond “Love” Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Chopard
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Chopard Material: 18k white gold Center Diamond: round brilliant 0.10 carat weight diamond Accent Diamonds: 26 round brilliant cuts = 0.20 carat weight Total Carat Weight: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard White Gold Happy Diamonds Love Ring 82/2899-20
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely 18k white gold diamond ring by Chopard from the Happy Diamonds collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard White Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Love Ring 82/2000-11
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold pink sapphire and diamond 'Love' ring by Chopard. The ring features the word 'Love' spelt out with a heart shaped pink sapphire as the 'O' and 28 round br...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard White Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Love Ring 82/2000/11
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold pink sapphire and diamond 'Love' ring by Chopard. The ring features the word 'Love' spelt out with a heart shaped pink sapphire as the 'O' and 28 round b...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Love Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring
By Chopard
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Chopard's popular LOVE ring fashioned in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard 18k White Gold 0.29ctw Diamond Love Happy Ring w/ Box and Papers
By Chopard
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (28) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - F/G Color - 0.24ctw (exact) (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - F/G Color - ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century Chopard Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Love Ring Ref. 9683455
Located in Miami, FL
This lovely Chopard ring from the designer's, 'Love Ring' collection is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, weighing 17.1 grams and measuring 12mm in diameter and 10mm high.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire
Chopard Heart Shape .53 Carat Diamond Love White Gold Band Ring
By Chopard
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Heart Shape .53ct Diamond Love Band Ring by Chopard. This ring comes with the Chopard paper and a box.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chopard 18 Karat White Gold and .39 Carat Diamond Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Chopard's iconic LOVE ring in 18KT white gold. The LOVE is spelled out and set with round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard 18 Karat White Gold and .39 Carat Diamond Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Chopard's iconic LOVE ring in 18KT white gold. The LOVE is spelled out and set with round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Love Diamond Pink Sapphire 18k White Gold Heart Band Ring
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
CHOPARD LOVE DIAMOND PINK SAPPHIRE 18K WHITE GOLD HEART BAND RING -Mint condition -18k White Gold -Ring size: 7 -Heart-cut pink sapphire of 0.72ct -28 diamonds of 0.24ct *Comes wit...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, White Gold
Chopard Heart Shape 0.40 Carat Diamond Love White Gold Band Ring
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
The LOVE Chopard ring. This ring has the word LOVE engraved and set in place with diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Love Ring 18K White Gold with Blue Sapphire and Diamonds
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
Accessories: No Accessories Measurements: Size: 5.5, Width: 5.45 mm Designer: Chopard Model: Love Ring 18K White Gold with Blue Sapphire and Diamonds Exterior Color: White Gold Item ...
Chopard Happy Diamond Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in Toronto, ON
A classic Chopard Love ring set in 18 KT white gold and signed Chopard with registered number 9200819. 47 high quality diamonds with classic happy diamond detail.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Chopard 18 Karat White Gold 0.75 Carat Sapphire and Diamond LOVE Ring
By Chopard
Located in Columbia, MO
This Chopard LOVE ring is a 18k white gold band set with diamonds and a sapphire spelling the word "love."
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Love Ring
By Chopard
Located in Santa Fe, NM
18 karat yellow gold "Love" ring by Chopard. Features 29 round brilliant diamonds, FG in color, VVs/Vs in clarity, weighing .50 carats total.
Diamond, 18k Gold
CHOPARD Diamond Gold Heart LOVE Ring
By Chopard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Your Anniversary shopping is done. She's gonna love it. Now go grab yourself a beer. This ring features a .53 carat white diamond as the "O" in LOVE, shaped like a heart.
Diamond, White Gold
CHOPARD Ruby and Diamond White Gold LOVE Ring
By Chopard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring features a .94 carat gorgeous ruby as the "O" in LOVE, shaped like a heart.
Diamond, Ruby
Chopard 18 Karat White Gold Happy Diamond Love Ring 9.8g
By Chopard
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chopard 18k White Gold Happy Diamond Love Ring 9.8g For sale is a Chopard 18k white gold happy diamond Love ring.
Diamond, White Gold
Chopard Happy Love Heart Diamond 18k White Gold Dome Ring Size 57
By Chopard
Located in Dubai, Al Qouz 2
A collection loved by modern and young fashion lovers all around, the Chopard Happy Love collection brings out its beautiful heart shaped ring.
Crystal, Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Chopard Diamond Gold Heart Shaped LOVE Ring
By Chopard
Located in Naples, FL
Show your affection with this 100% authentic Chopard 18k yellow gold and diamond LOVE ring. This ring is previously owned but in excellent condition.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond LOVE Ring
By Chopard
Located in Naples, FL
Up for sale is this Chopard 18k yellow gold, pink sapphire and diamond LOVE ring.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Happy Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By Chopard
Located in Geneva, CH
Chopard Happy diamonds Love ring. Crafted in 18K yellow gold. 24 round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.38 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond ‘Nigeria’ Eternity Wide Band Ring in 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
A lavish Cartier diamond eternity wide band ring from the famed ‘Nigeria’ collection sparkles with over 7 carats of resplendent diamonds impeccably set in 18 karat white gold. The ri...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$21,500Sale Price|20% Off
Chopard By De Grisogono diamond and pink sapphire 18 karat white gold ring
By Chopard
Located in London, GB
A Chopard By De Grisogono pavé set diamond and pink sapphire 18 karat white gold ring, circa 2000 This bold and chunky heart shaped ring is a collaboration of The House of De Griso...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hermes Birkin Limited Edition 35 Diamond Bordeaux Porosus Crocodile Bag
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Mightychic offers an exceptional limited edition Hermes Birkin 35 Diamond Porosus Crocodile bag featured in stunning jewel-toned Bordeaux. This rare masterpiece features 18K White Go...
CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent art deco ring, created in Paris France and designed by the jewelry house of Cartier. This colorful cocktail ring is very ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Eternity Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Eternity Band Ring by Cartier. With 45 round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approximately 1.20ct This ring comes with service...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 12.00 Carat Light Pure Pink Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Museum Vault at Emilio Jewelry New York, Main stone: Gia certified natural 12.00 carat Light Pink diamond with no overtone. Emilio jewelry specializes in creating masterpie...
Pink Diamond
Chopard 18k White Gold Happy Sport 26mm Ladies Diamond Quartz Bracelet Watch
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
Chopard 18k white gold Happy Sport ladies fully diamond set calendar bracelet watch, quartz movement, white dial with 7 floating diamonds in the dial, diamond set bezel and sides. Br...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard White Gold Diamond, Ruby & Sapphire Fish Ring 82/4702-1002
By Chopard
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A unique 18k white gold dress ring by Chopard. The ring comprises of two 3mm bands evenly separated by 5 bars between them. The bands are each pave set with 20 round brilliant cut di...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cartier Aquamarine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Single Stone Ring, Circa 1960
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage Cartier aquamarine 18 karat yellow gold single stone ring, circa 1960 This ring is set with an impressive emerald cut aquamarine of 8.77 carats approximately in a half bez...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Bulgari pink Tourmaline ring Circa 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Addlestone, GB
Vintage beautiful BULGARI Vintage Pink Tourmaline ring Circa 1980s 18ct yellow gold, set with an oval cut pink tourmaline of approximately 2.15 carats, signed Bulgari and numbered, ...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Harry Winston Platinum 4.05 cts Diamond Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Harry Winston platinum RBC diamond engagement ring with GIA certificate center diamond 4.05 cts E color SI1, with 2 heart shape diamond approx 1.50 cts Marked HW PT 950 4.05 ring siz...
Diamond, Platinum
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 7.35 Carat Natural Unheated Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified 7.35 Carat Natural Unheated Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Ring features a large Cushion Cut Purplish Pink Sapphire surrounded by 22 R...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Chopard Happy Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace in 18K White Gold With Pouch/Paper
By Chopard
Located in Miami, FL
Chopard Happy Diamond floating diamond heart-shaped pendant necklace in 18k white gold. Complete with the original Chopard pouch and receipt papers. This pendant necklace features ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 18.95 Carat Internally Flawless Type II-A Heart-Cut Diamond Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
This 18.95 Carat, Internally Flawless Type II-A Heart-Shape Diamond is the archetype of luxury. It embodies the essence of “Miracles of Nature.” That such beauty can be found in the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chopard Happy Diamond 18k White Gold Floating Diamond Ring, Estate
By Chopard
Located in New York, NY
This classic 18k white gold ring from the Happy Diamonds collection by Chopard is a must-have for any jewelry enthusiast. The ring features a Heart design with a single floating roun...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Issac Nussbaum GIA Certified 18 Carat Oval Diamond H Color VS1 Clarity Ring.
By Issac Nussbaum
Located in New York, NY
Imagine capturing a moment that lasts a lifetime with this stunning, 18K WG 18 Carat Natural Oval Shape Diamond Ring. The diamond is near colorless,(GIA Certified H color VS1 clari...
Diamond, Platinum
In 1860, a 24-year-old son of a farmer, Louis-Ulysse Chopard (1836–1915), established the L.U.C. company — now known simply as Chopard, rather than by the founder’s initials — in Sonvilier, Switzerland. His initial work evolved from making mechanical movements to building the watches themselves, concentrating on making the pocket watch slimmer to carry for everyday use while also ensuring it was precise and reliable.
Early successes for Chopard included providing watches for the punctuality needs of the Swiss Railway Company. Recognizing the international market for Swiss watchmaking, Chopard traveled across Europe and Russia, with Czar Nicholas II becoming a client in 1912.
Chopard’s son, Paul-Louis, took over after Louis-Ulysse’s death in 1915 and expanded the business to La Chaux-de-Fonds. In 1937, the company relocated to the watchmaking center of Geneva, where they could mark their work with the prestigious Geneva Seal. (Paul-Louis’s son, Paul-André, took the reins in 1943.) Business thinned in the postwar years, and Paul-André’s sons declined the opportunity to take over for their father.
In 1963, Chopard was acquired by German goldsmith and watchmaker Karl Scheufele III and his wife, Karin. Under their ownership, Chopard added jewelry to its offerings. The popular Happy Diamonds wristwatch debuted in 1976 — it launched a collection, which now features bracelets, rings and other items. The distinctive watch sees dozens of glittering diamonds, loosed from their settings, moving freely around the dial.
The story goes that the in-house designer Ronald Kurowski was inspired by the kinetic glimmers of sunlight on a waterfall in the Black Forest. He would then develop the innovative system for the Happy Diamonds timepiece that he hoped would essentially mimic his experience in the woods.
A young Caroline Scheufele — Karl and Karin’s daughter, who would later become copresident and artistic director — led the introduction of a Happy Diamonds jewelry line in 1985, with her design for a playful clown pendant with a belly full of jittering precious stones. Subsequent lines and accessories such as the Happy Dreams bracelet, Happy Hearts collection and the Happy Sport watches further enhanced Chopard’s range of dynamic adornment.
The Scheufele family-run company continues to be synonymous with excellence in timepieces, such as its role as the official timekeeper for the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, creating all of its movements in-house. And Chopard is constantly developing its wares, from sunglasses and fragrances to recent introductions of high-end handbags.
Find a wide range of vintage Chopard wristwatches, necklaces, rings and other jewelry 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 diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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.