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Victorian 14k Intaglio Crest Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An incredible and unusual gold intaglio crest ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This fabulous
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Yellow Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Crest Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 - 1900 14k Yellow Gold Crest Ring, the top measuring 5/8 x 1/2 inch and is set with a
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Crest Ring Signet Skull Emerald Memento Mori Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Crest Ring Signet Ring Skull Memento Mori Style Made in Bronze J DAUPHIN signature piece
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Emerald, Bronze

Crest Ring Signet Ring Skull Black Diamond Memento Mori
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Ring Signet Ring Black Diamond Skull Memento Mori Style Made in Bronze J DAUPHIN signature
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Bronze

Black Diamond Crest Ring Gold Skull Memento Mori Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Ring Signet Ring Black Diamond Gold Skull Memento Mori Style J Dauphin J DAUPHIN signature
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Crest Ring Signet Ring Black Diamond Skull Memento Mori Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Ring Signet Ring Black Diamond Skull Memento Mori Style 14k Gold Plated Sterling Silver J
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Bronze

Large 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Wave Crest Ring from K.Mita
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
K. Mita's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Wave Crest Ring from her Sand Dune Collection is handmade by
Category

2010s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Small 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Wave Crest Ring from K.Mita
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
K. Mita's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Wave Crest Ring from her Sand Dune Collection is handmade by
Category

2010s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Wave Crest Ring from K.Mita - Large
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
K.Mita's Men's Wave Crest Ring from her Sand Dune Collection is handmade by the artist from 14
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Wave Crest Ring from K.Mita, Small
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
K. Mita's Men's Wave Crest Ring from her Sand Dune Collection is handmade by the artist from 14
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Small 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wave Crest Ring with Diamonds from K.Mita
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
K. Mita's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wave Crest Ring with 0.11 Carats Diamonds (VS) from her Sand Dune
Category

2010s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wave Crest Ring with Diamonds from K.Mita
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
K. Mita's 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wave Crest Ring with 0.11 Carats Diamonds (VS) from her Sand Dune
Category

2010s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Wave Crest Ring with Diamonds from K.Mita, L
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
Keiko Mita’s contemporary Wave Crest Ring from the artist’s Sand Dune Collection is handmade from
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Wave Crest Ring with Diamonds from K.Mita - Small
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
Keiko Mita’s contemporary Wave Crest Ring from the artist’s Sand Dune Collection is handmade from
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold Signet or Family Crest Ring
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Hand Engraved Family Crest Signet Ring. Traditional Signet rings with hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Antique 18kt Rose Gold Signet Family Crest Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Rose gold 750‰ signet ring engraved with a crowned covenant coat of arms. Finger size: 6 1/2
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

Mod Wrap Love Crest Ring 18kt Gold 12543
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
rose and yellow gold bow wrap ring 18kt gold 10.4 grams 17mm wide depth 4mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Late 18th Century Gold and Smokey Quartz Family Crest Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
, Youlgreave Derbyshire, to a curved gold surmount ring. Size : 7 The arms of the BATEMAN family of Middleton
Category

Antique 1780s British Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Quartz, Gold

14kt Gold Sardonyx Signet Ring with Engraved Family Crest
Located in Braintree, GB
Yellow Gold Gemstone: Sardonyx (engraved with family crest) Ring Size: UK K 1/2 US 5.5 EU size: 51
Category

20th Century European Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Signet Ring Crest Emerald Memento Mori Style Skull
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Crest Ring Signet Ring Skull Memento Mori Style Made in 14k Gold J DAUPHIN signature
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Emerald, Bronze

Twig Signet Ring in 18k Gold
By K. Brunini Jewels
Located in Solana Beach, CA
-textured Twig crest ring in 18k yellow gold with polish finish. In the Twig Collection, nature exists
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Signet Ring Memento Mori Style Skull Emerald
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Crest Ring Signet Ring Skull Memento Mori Style Gold Plated Silver J DAUPHIN signature
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Emerald, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver

Unisex Crest Signet Ring Sapphire
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Scots. Handcrafted in silver and bronze, the ring features an engraved crest surrounded by floral
Category

2010s American Renaissance Signet Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver, Bronze

14K Yellow Golden Crest Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted in rich 14K yellow gold, this stylish dome ring features a bold yet refined design. The
Category

1990s Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond

Bloodstone Yellow Gold Carved Crest Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Large bloodstone gold ring. Octagonal natural untreated rectangle bezel encased bloodstone with a
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Crest Signet Ring Gold Mens Skull Victorian
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Crest Signet Ring Skull Victorian Memento Mori Style Mens J Dauphin J DAUPHIN signature piece
Category

2010s American Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Signet ring with family crest and Latin motto
Located in Braintree, GB
This striking signet ring is crafted with a silver band and a copper crest, showcasing exceptional
Category

20th Century European Signet Rings

Crest Signet Ring Skull Victorian Memento Mori Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Crest Signet Ring Skull Victorian Memento Mori Style Mens J Dauphin J DAUPHIN signature piece
Category

2010s American Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Silver, Vermeil, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

18kt Rose Gold Signet Family Crest Men's Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
In 750 thousandths rose gold, signet ring engraved with a coat of arms. Size 9. Weight : 12,8g
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold

【Caelmare】Azure Crest South Sea Pearl & Turquoise Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the crest of an ocean wave kissed by morning light, this statement ring centers a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold

Crest Signet Ring Mens Skull Victorian Memento Mori Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Crest Signet Ring Skull Victorian Memento Mori Style Mens J Dauphin J DAUPHIN signature piece
Category

2010s American Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Vermeil

18kt Gold Silver and Steel Italian Crest Men's Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Antique steel italian family crest mounted in 18kt gold and silver ring. Size : 9 Weight: 27,22gr.
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Steel, Gold

【Lustre Arc】Celestial Crest Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A masterpiece of avant-garde elegance, this striking ring features a platinum-grey Tahitian pearl
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold

Ruby Crest Signet Ring Skull Yellow Gold Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby Crest Signet Ring Skull Yellow Gold Victorian Style 14k J Dauphin J DAUPHIN signature piece
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Crest Signet Skull Ring Memento Mori Diamond J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Signet Skull Ring Memento Mori Style Gold 6 Gem Black Diamond J Dauphin Hand made in Los
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Ruby Crest Signet Ring Skull Yellow Gold Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Signet Ring Ruby Skull 14 karat Gold Victorian Style J DAUPHIN signature piece " Secret
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Skull Memento Mori Style Crest Signet Ring Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby Skull Memento Mori Style Crest Signet Ring Victorian Style 14K Gold Plated Silver J DAUPHIN
Category

2010s Indian Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver

Crest Signet Ring Gold Vermeil Skull Memento Mori Pinky Ring J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Signet Ring Gold Vermeil Skull Memento Mori Pinky Ring J Dauphin "Secret Doors" crest signet
Category

2010s American Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Vermeil

Victorian English Intaglio Crest Signet and 15KT Gold Snake Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
Signet and 15Kt Yellow Gold Snake Ring! The ring boasts an oval family crest shield and foliate design
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 15k Gold

Ruby Skull Memento Mori Style Crest Signet Ring Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby Skull Memento Mori Style Crest Signet Ring Victorian Style J DAUPHIN signature piece " Secret
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Bronze

Late Victorian Bloodstone 14K Yellow Gold Antique Heraldic Crest Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color with orangey red flecking Carved with an intaglio of a heraldic crest and banner Depicting florals
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Crest Signet Skull Ring Emerald Ruby Sterling Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Signet Skull Ring Sterling Silver Emerald Memento Mori Style J Dauphin J DAUPHIN signature
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Emerald, Sterling Silver, Silver

Crest Signet Skull Ring Silver Memento Mori Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Signet Skull Ring Silver Memento Mori Style J Dauphin J DAUPHIN signature piece " Secret
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Silver

Crest Signet Ring Ruby Skull Bronze Victorian Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crest Signet Ring Ruby Skull Bronze Victorian Style J Dauphin J DAUPHIN signature piece " Secret
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Bronze

Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Antique Heraldic Crest Intaglio Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Comprised of an oval-shaped face carved with an intaglio of a heraldic crest Depicting a knights
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique signet ring with a family crest with carved sardonyx intaglio
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique signet ring with a family crest with carved sardonyx intaglio. Dimensions - Ring Size: 2.4
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

White Diamond Gold Crest Signet Ring Antique Style White Yellow Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Crest Signet Ring 14k Yellow and White Gold J Dauphin Inspired by Queen Mary of
Category

2010s American Renaissance Signet Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Vintage Gent Sardonyx Intaglio Crest Signet Ring 14 KT Size 13
Located in Napoli, IT
Magnificent vintage gent signet ring, 1940 circa Substantially hand crafted of solid 14 KT gold
Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Signet Rings

Materials

14k Gold

18ct Gold Edwardian Armoured Arm Crest Signet Ring Hallmarked Chester 1911
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Signet Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Hallmarked Chester 1911 Makers Mark A & B This
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

【Crown Radiance】Imperial Crest Emerald & Aurora South Sea Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring showcases a perfectly round South Sea pearl, celebrated for its luminous aurora
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Carved Agate 14 Karat Yellow Gold Crest Unisex Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cartouche-shaped agate tablet carved with a heraldic crest intaglio Opaque dark grayish
Category

Vintage 1960s Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Tiffany & Co. George Washington Crest Intaglio 14k Gold Signet Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
ring. The Crest is composed of a raven with wings elevated and addorsed proper atop a coronet, Blazon
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14K Gold Family Crest Intaglio Ring of Stag in Quartz Stone
Located in Venice, CA
Delicately carved into a quartz tablet, this family crest intaglio is the image of a stag standing
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Quartz, 14k Gold

.40 Carat Vintage Victorian Natural Diamond Ring 18 Karat Raised Crest
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Vintage Solitaire .40ct. Natural round diamond ring Si-1 clarity H-color Very good
Category

20th Century American Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Diamond Crest Signet Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold White Gold Unisex
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3 Pcz White Diamond Crest Signet Ring 14k Yellow and White Gold Unisex J Dauphin Inspired by
Category

2010s American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian Signet Ring Family Crest circa 1898 10k Yellow Gold Men's
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian family crest signet ring (circa 1898), crafted in 10 karat yellow
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Armorial Crest Georgian Style Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Onyx Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine Georgian style onyx intaglio ring engraved with an armorial heraldic device of a shield shaped
Category

20th Century American Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Carnelian Crest Signet Men's Ring - 18k Intaglio Coat of Arms
Located in Greensboro, NC
Stone Information Natural Carnelian Cut: Intaglio Color: Orangey Red Style: Signet Theme: Crest, Coat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Crest Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of crest rings available on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold. Our selection of items includes 90 vintage examples as well as 74 contemporary versions. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 18th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of crest rings bearing Victorian or Contemporary hallmarks are very popular. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but J DAUPHIN, Tiffany & Co. and Cartier produced popular versions that are worth a look. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 28, are particularly popular. There are many brilliant cut, round cut and emerald cut crest rings for sale. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of crest rings, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Crest Rings?

Prices for crest rings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $200 and can go as high as $15,000, while crest rings, on average, fetch $1,444.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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 ringsvintage 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.

Questions About Crest Rings
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    A crest ring, also known as a signet ring, was traditionally a significant accessory for affluent and powerful men. It is distinguished from ordinary rings by an engraved or raised symbol, a series of words or characters, or image on the ring's top half that was representative of the owner in some way. On 1stDibs, find a variety of crest rings.