CARTIER 18K White Gold and Diamond Panthère Head Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A powerful and iconic expression of Cartier’s most enduring emblem, this Panthère head ring is sculpted in 18k white gold and lavishly pavé-set with brilliant diamonds, creating a su...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
$43,027Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 6.15ct Colombian Emerald Ring in 18kt Gold with Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
18kt yellow gold ladies ring with Natural 6.15 carat Colombian emerald and trillion-cut diamonds. Comes with GIA Certificate. Dimensions - Weight : 7.75 grams Finger Size (UK) = O (...
Emerald
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Emeralds, Sapphire & Opal Ring Set 18K Gold &
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphire & Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Orange Opal 9.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 3.00 Carats Natural Sapph...
Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
GIA Certified .95 Carat Octagonal Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Custom made one of a kind .95 carat emerald and diamond ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold setting. Out of the three glowing natural emeralds, the largest was selected at random by the...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cluster Ring Natural Emerald Colombia 2.20 carat Diamond yellow gold 18 kts
Located in MADRID, ES
Curious Italian design ring made in the 80's with retro reminiscences. Handmade in 18 karat yellow gold, with a tube border and a wavy gallery. Double claw setting and bezel. Weight ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold &
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Oval Shape Blue Sapphire 8.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 2.00 Carats Nat...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Estate Platinum Cabochon Emerald Baguette Diamond 3 Stone Cocktail Ring 11.83ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An impressive vintage platinum three-stone ring, centered by a glowing cabochon emerald weighing 11.53 carats. The emerald shows a vivid, saturated green color and is flanked on eac...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1990s Baroda-Style 18kt Gold Tourmaline, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
This exceptional 1990s cocktail ring, set in 18 kt gold with a faceted green tourmaline flanked by pear emeralds, calibré cut rubies, and brilliant-cut diamonds, reflects not only b...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Confetti wide band. 2CTW Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Scattered Cigar ring
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
It will be hard to find another one like this. Confetti Scattered Gem Bezel Set Band. Wide Cigar Band. 18k Yellow Gold 2.03CTW of Baguette and Round Diamonds 0.16ct Natural Ruby 0...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage GIA 4.20ctw Natural Colombian Green Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
90s Glam, Meet Colombian Green - Vintage GIA 4.20ctw Natural Colombian Green Emerald Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring, Unisex. We're taking cues from the decades that weren't afraid to ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold &
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Oval Shape Blue Sapphire 8.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 2.00 Carats Nat...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
1990s 14k Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.20ct Center
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant yellow gold emerald and diamond ring features a striking architectural design centered around a vibrant oval emerald measuring 9 x 7mm, weighing approximately 1.20 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
6.19 Carat No Oil Colombian Emerald Ring AGL Certified
Located in Miami, FL
This 6.19 carat no oil Colombian emerald is one of the finest emeralds in the market. Combining a legendary origin, superb color, transparency, and best of all its crystal. AGL Certi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,904Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set in 18K Gold & Silver A spectacular statement piece from the coveted Bochic “Orient” Traveling Collection, t...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Cartier Diamond & Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Daphne Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Diamond And Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a beautiful 3.5mm centre diamond with F/G colour and VVS c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cellini GIA Certified 3 Stone Square Emerald Cut E color Diamond Ring
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
This classic and enchanting ring features a 1.59 carat square emerald diamond of E color and VVS2 clarity... Set in a traditional, three-stone ring with perfectly matched, square eme...
Diamond, Platinum
Estate 18K Emerald Cut Sapphire Tapered Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring 4.60ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A highly refined sapphire and diamond band crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, centered by a richly saturated 1.60 carat emerald-cut natural blue sapphire displaying a deep, even royal ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold &
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Oval Shape Blue Sapphire 8.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 2.00 Carats Nat...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold &
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Blue Sapphire & Emerald Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Oval Shape Blue Sapphire 8.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 2.00 Carats Nat...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Estate 18K Pave Diamond Ruby Emerald Sapphire Domed Wide Band Ring 3.90ctw Sz 6
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautiful slightly domed wide pave diamond band done in 18K white gold set with approximately 3.90ctw in G-J color Vs2-Si1 clarity round diamonds as well as natural rubies, sapphir...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Diamond Fleurette Flower Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond And Emerald Flower Band Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 13 diamonds, VS1 Clarity, G Color. Total Diamond Weight approx. 1.00ctw. 3 Emeralds total weight ap...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
18k Confetti wide band. 2CTW Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Scattered Cigar ring
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
It will be hard to find another one like this. Confetti Scattered Gem Bezel Set Band. Wide Cigar Band. 18k Yellow Gold 2.03CTW of Baguette and Round Diamonds 0.16ct Natural Ruby 0...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Ring 0.7ct. Emerald Diamonds solid 800 Platinum Ø US6/ 4.8gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 800 Platinum alloy featuring natural emerald cut Emerald set in 18K Gold Bezel 5.5 mm x 4.5 mm x 3.3mm deep / ca. 0.7 ct accented with two brilliant cut Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
18K YG Baroque Pearl Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking and sculptural cocktail ring crowned by an impressive South Sea baroque cultured pearl, framed by a vibrant floral cluster of diamonds and richly colored gemstones cabocho...
Diamond, Emerald, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,378Sale Price|35% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K & Silver Natural Oval Shape Center Ruby 12.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 2.00 Carat Natural ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamonds, Emeralds & Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamonds, Emeralds & Orange Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Orange Opal 9.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 3.00 Carats Natural Single ...
Emerald, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,095Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamonds, Emeralds & Sapphire Ring Set In 18K Gold & Sil
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamonds, Emeralds, Sapphirs & Opal Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Orange Opal 9.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 3.00 Carats Natural Sapphires 3.0...
Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Cartier Diamond Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Daphne Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Diamond And Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Dome Signet Ring. 18k yellow gold Cartier ring set with a beautiful 3.5mm centre diamond with F/G Colour and VVS clar...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.85 Carat Natural Emerald Cut Pink Tourmaline Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Discover the opulent elegance of our 3.85ct natural emerald cut pink Tourmaline and Diamond 14k white gold Cocktail ring, a masterpiece of luxury and sophistication. The center piece...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
ct 2, 40 Diamonds and ct 3, 62 Emeralds Rubies Pearl Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Cocktail ring in 14k white and yellow gold mounted with diamonds, rubies, blue sapphires and a gold flower with blue sapphires surround the central pearl. Diamonds 2.40 kt Rubies and...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yel...
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Estate 2.75 Carat Emerald 0.44 Carat Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant estate three-stone ring is a refined expression of timeless design and vivid natural beauty. Expertly crafted in platinum, the ring showcases three natural green emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Custom Designed Emerald and Diamond Wedding Band in 18 Karat Gold and Platinum
Located in Wailea, HI
Custom Designed Emerald and Diamond Wedding Band in 18k Gold and Platinum Size 10 Extremely Fine Material Throughout One Emerald Cut Diamond weighing 1.30 carats approximately [GHI ...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Vivid Emerald Diamond Square Ruby Wide Band Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An elegant 18K yellow gold band ring with a refined, classic profile and a beautifully balanced jewel-toned design. At the center rests an exceptionally clean natural oval emerald, d...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,895Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Oval Cut Emerald Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.7 grams. Totally is diamond 1.41 ct. The diamond is has F color and vvs1-vs1 clarity. Totally is emerald 1.76 ct. Ring size is US 6.5 We ca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Ancient Roman Coin Ruby & Emerald Cabochon Diamond Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A refined and substantial 18K yellow gold coin ring, centered by an ancient-style coin displaying a richly darkened patina and classical profile detail. The mounting has a bold, col...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The emerald cut emeralds in this ring are beautiful and bright and total 48pts. Above and below the row of bright emeralds there are diamond. Each diamond measures 1pt each. The ring...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Blue Sapphires, Pearl 14 Karat White and Yellow Gold
Located in Napoli, Campania
Retro cocktail ring in 14k yellow gold structure, mounted with a big south sea pearl (15mm) in the centre, surrounded by 5.73 ct of rubies, emeralds and blue sapphires, and enriched ...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pearl, Ruby,...
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Channel Princess Diamond Emerald Wide Cigar Band Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A bold and classic wide cigar band ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a striking three-row channel-set design. The center row features larger princess-cut natural diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Cushion Cut Emerald Marquise Diamond Large Cocktail Ring 11.77ct GIA
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An extraordinary estate emerald and diamond ring crafted in luxurious 18 karat white gold, showcasing a commanding 11.77-carat natural cushion-cut emerald as its centerpiece. The eme...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold & Platinum 2.15ctw GIA Burma VIVID RED Ruby & Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a classically styled ruby and diamond three stone engagement ring crafted in solid platinum, and features a gorgeous, GIA certified, ruby solitaire neatly prong se...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Panthère Ring in Platinum with Diamond, Emerald & Onyx – US 6 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item No.: 24290719 ■Brand: Cartier ■Product Name: Panthère de Cartier Ring ■Material: Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, PT950 Platinum ■Weight: Approx. 26.9g ■Ring Size: Approx. EU：53/USA：6.2...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Stunning Vintage sapphire diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage platinum ring from the 1990s showcases a striking 1.18 carat emerald cut sapphire, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds for a timeless, elegant look.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$14,000Sale Price|20% Off
Temple St Clair Cocktail Ring 18Kt Yellow Gold With 6.20 Ctw Diamonds & Emerald
By Temple St. Clair
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Temple St. Claire. Gorgeous colorful ring created by the jewelry designer Temple St. Clair. This cocktail ring was made at her workshop studio in Italy and...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Sapphire, Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Estate Ring, 2 Emerald Cut Pink Sapphire 2.50 ct 1 Baguette Cut Diamond 0.35 ct H-I VS2,18K Yellow Gold 8.60g.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Classic Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Wailea, HI
Classic Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum One Emerald Cut Sapphire weighing 2.35 carats approximately Four Tapered Baguette Cut Diamonds weighing .40 carats approximately [GH VVS...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Estate 1.70ct Natural Green Emerald & Diamond Triple Band Gold Ring by Heizberg
Located in New York, NY
If you are in the market for an engagement ring, promise ring or just an elegant everyday sparkler with the touch of color- this ring would make a stunningly classic presentation! Th...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Diamond, Emerald & Sapphire Ring Set In 18K & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K & Silver Natural Oval Shape Center Ruby 12.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 2.00 Carat Natural Yellow S...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,208Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Set In 18K & Silver Natural Oval Shape Center Ruby 12.00 Carat Natural Emeralds 2.00 Carat Natural ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
3.18 Carat Light Green Emerald Milgrain Vintage 14K Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 14K yellow gold ring featuring a 3.18 carat emerald cut light yellowish green emerald in a 4-prong milgrain solitaire basket above an engraved and open-cutout shoulder shank ...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colombian 6.20ct emerald minor oil ring in 18 karat gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Colombian 6.20ct emerald minor oil ring in 18 karat gold. Vintage ring set with a 6.20 carat faceted octagonal cut emerald. The emerald features a beautiful intense green color, is b...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Estate Modernistic Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in White Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Introducing the Estate Modernistic Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in White Gold, a true work of art that will take your breath away. This stunning ring features a large emerald-cut aqua...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Deftly Crafted 18K Gold Emerald Ruby & Diamond Etruscan Revival Cigar Band Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This handsome, Late-20th Century ladies ring is easy to identify as a high quality jewel by the incredible level of craftsmanship and liberal use of fine quality materials. A vibrant...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bezel Set 2.80 Carat Oval Cut Emerald & Diamond Ribbed Textured 18K Gold Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Item Details: - Type: Ring - Metal: 18K Yellow Gold - Weight: 8.1 Grams - Era: Vintage, Circa 1990 - Setting: Bezel - Size: 7 (adjustable) - Ring Face: 18.3mm Emerald Details: - Typ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2 Carat Zambian Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Kt Gold with Band
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring 2 Carat Zambian Emerald Cabochon & Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold with diamond band , Estate with no color enhancement. Gold: 14 Karat White ...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco style 1.06 carat diamond sapphire platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco-style platinum ring from the 1990s showcases a striking 1.06 carat emerald cut diamond, framed by old European cut diamonds and deep blue calibre cut sapphires for time...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage AGL Certified 6.80 Carat No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This platinum ring features a 6.80 carat AGL certified Emerald cut Blue Sapphire of Thai origin with no heat treatment, as well as 6 baguette cut diamonds and 12 round cut diamonds. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier 18k Panther Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in San Antonio, TX
Cartier Panther Ring set in 18k White Gold with Diamonds weighing approx. 1.00ct, Pear shaped Emerald and Black Lacquer.
Diamond, 18k Gold
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.