Cigar Band 18k Gold Vintage
2010s Israeli Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Band Rings
18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modern Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1980s French Fashion Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Fashion Rings
Diamond, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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20th Century American Modern Tennis Bracelets
Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Turkish Modern Fashion Rings
Garnet, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Sapphire, Tsavorite, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Contemporary Stud Earrings
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s British Band Rings
9k Gold
2010s British Band Rings
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1990s Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modern Band Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Emerald, Beryl, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gol...
Recent Sales
Mid-20th Century Unknown Etruscan Revival Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Unknown Band Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Band Rings
18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings
Tanzanite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Band Rings
Yellow Gold
20th Century Band Rings
Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s American Band Rings
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s French Fashion Rings
Yellow Gold
1990s Solitaire Rings
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century French Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Band Rings
18k Gold
20th Century Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Band Rings
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Band Rings
18k Gold
20th Century Band Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century American Modern Band Rings
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1960s French Signet Rings
18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Fashion Rings
18k Gold
Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Fashion Rings
18k Gold
Late 20th Century Dutch Artisan Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Fashion Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s American Etruscan Revival Fashion Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Freshwater Pearl, 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.
Read More
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.