David Webb Snake Ring
20th Century American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Enamel
20th Century American Modern Fashion Rings
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
1990s Artisan Clip-on Earrings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Early 20th Century Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Blue Diamond
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Early 2000s Italian More Necklaces
Late 20th Century French Modern Engagement Rings
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Australian Artist Engagement Rings
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s American Beaded Necklaces
Coral, 18k Gold
2010s American Cocktail Rings
Pink Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Unknown High Victorian Bangles
White Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond
20th Century American Modern Dangle Earrings
Coral, Diamond, Platinum
20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Malachite, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s American Retro Wrist Watches
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Garnet, Ruby, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s Spanish Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Brown Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapp...
Recent Sales
Late 20th Century North American Fashion Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1960s More Rings
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Late 20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Vintage 1970s Modern Fashion Rings
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century Modern Fashion Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s Artisan Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings
Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Early 2000s American Modern Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Silver, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century French Victorian Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Brooches
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
American Cocktail Rings
Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby
David Webb Snake Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a David Webb Snake Ring?
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.