18-kt Yellow Gold and Diamond and South Sea Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
- 18-kt Yellow Gold - Approximately 1.5 carats of square-cut diamonds - Approximately 1.5 carats of round-cut diamonds - South Sea Pearl
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
KURT WAYNE Geometric Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.71 Ctw Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Traditionally, the jeweler used 18 K gold and precious stones – emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond & Ruby Cluster Crossover Twisted Rope Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 5.5 This exquisite diamond and ruby ring absolutely bursts with sparkle! The unique design fills the finger with glittery elegance and truly makes a WOW statement. The cl...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.90ct Ruby and 2.95ct Diamond Bombé Ring, CF Carlman, 1971
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
1.90ct Ruby and 2.95ct Diamond Bombé Ring by CF Carlman, Stockholm, 1971 Bold, colorful, and oversized — meant to draw attention! The coolness of the colorless diamonds is heighten...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
BOUCHERON Paris Clover Ring In 18Kt Gold With 1.94 Ctw In Diamonds & Rubies
By Boucheron
Located in Miami, FL
Modernist clover cocktail ring designed by Boucheron. This is a beautiful clover-motif ring created in France by the iconic Parisian jewelry house of Boucheron. The cocktail ring wa...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1977
Located in London, GB
A vibrant natural ruby is set between two diamonds in this beautiful trilogy ring dated c.1977. The oval cut ruby weighs 0.75 carat and is unheated with Thai origin, making it incred...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Five-Stone Diamond Platinum and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
This lovely vintage ring features five round brilliant cut diamonds, with an approximate total weight of 0.75 carats, all mounted in open back, platinum claw settings. The beautiful ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
DAVID WEBB South-Seas Pearl Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Emeralds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
A south-seas pearl cocktail ring designed by David Webb (1925-1975). An outstanding cocktail ring created in New York City at the atelier of David Webb, circa 1975. This bold and su...
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Gold, Yellow Go...
Vintage 0.70ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This 1970s ring was made in petite proportions to centre a round brilliant cut diamond between a pair of slightly smaller diamonds. The centre diamond weighs 0.30 carat, whilst the t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1970s 3 Carat No Heat Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Sublime daisy ring, it presents in the center an oval "cornflower" blue sapphire, in a surrounding of modern brilliant- cut diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cluster 18 Carat Gold Engagement Ring, 1974
Located in London, GB
This wonderful coronet cluster engagement ring features a cabochon emerald of a beautiful colour and great lustre weighing approximately 2.00ct, mounted in an eight claw, open back s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Vintage Oval Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold Cluster Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1970s, this standout dress ring offers a beautiful blend of subtle radiance and vintage glamour, centred by a glowing oval cabochon opal measuring approximately 14...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Paul Binder Seventies Swiss Modern Ring
By Paul Binder
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Paul Binder, Zurich, Switzerland. The juxtaposition of materials, white gold, yellow gold, and diamonds, creates a sleek contemporary visual. The look is Swiss...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 0.85ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A vivid oval ruby is flanked by round brilliant diamonds in this three stone ring from the 1970s. The ruby is a 0.85 carat stone claw whilst the accompanying diamonds are 0.10 carat ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Van Cleef & Arpels Double Headed Coral Duck Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with carved Coral, Diamonds, and Emeralds. Signed by Van Cleef & Arpels Circa 1970s Size 4 3/4
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s 2.60 Carat Sapphire and 1.90 Carat Diamond Band
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Baguette cut Sapphires weighing approximately a total of 2.60 carats and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.90 carat. Ci...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Swiss. This elegant seventies eternity band features 1.35 carats of fine white diamonds (G color, SI1 clarity) set in rich eighteen karat yellow gold. Unusually wid...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Abstract Seventies Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Cartier, France. Set with two lush blue lapis discs and .08 carats of fine white diamonds (G color, VS clarity), this fabulous ring by the esteemed French jewelr...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
$4,400
Swiss Modern Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Swiss. This stylish Swiss Modern ring has that seventies bravura and extra-chic post-modern flair. The asymmetric motif nods heavily to cubist art, underscoring it...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 1.85 Ct Round and Baguette Cut 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This estate Diamond ring is 1970 ca Superbly hand crafted of solid 18 KT bicolor version Sleekly tailored band design with a main Diamond pointing the center set between two tapered ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sitting at the centre of this three stone beauty is a stunning 25pt deep pink ruby. Either side of the gorgeous centre stone sit two shimmering diamonds. The diamonds are round and b...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
David Webb Cocktail Ring In 18kt Gold & Platinum With 3.10 Cts Gems And Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring Designed by David Webb (1925-1975). Very beautiful and colorful cocktail ring, created in New York city at the jewelry atelier of David Webb. This gems-set vintage coc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 1.5 carats. The diamond halo totals 48pts. Stones set in platinum. Fully hallmarked London 1971. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Face Di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 9 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 2.2 carats and either side of the gorgeous pink stone are baguette diamonds measuring 2pts each. The diamond halo totals 36pts. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Swiss Modern Diamond Band
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Swiss. This square-shaped ring is set with 1.0 carat of impeccable, brilliant white diamonds (G color, VS clarity). Replete in its elegant postmodern idiom, it is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Carat White Gold Multiple Row Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This spectacular vintage eternity band is fully set with five graduated rows of stunning round brilliant cut white diamonds. Modelled in 18 carat white gold. Diamond total approx 2ct...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Carat White Gold Diamond Full Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A superb vintage eternity band fully set with 23 wonderful 3 point round-cut white diamonds. Total diamond weight approximately 0.69 carats. Modelled in 18 carat white gold. Band Wi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Carat White Gold Multiple Row Diamond Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This spectacular vintage half eternity band is set with three rows of stunning round brilliant cut white diamonds. Modelled in 18 carat white gold. Diamond total approx 1.40 carats. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s Diamond and White Yellow and Rose Gold Jewelry Suite
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring and bangle are ornamented to either terminal, where the banded design meets, with a stylized c-shaped 18k white gold setting, embellished with modern brilliant round cut dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Morganite Oval Stone in Diamond Mounting
By Emis
Located in New York, NY
Ring signed Emis in 18kt Yellow Gold and Diamond setting . High mounted with alternating Diamond set tapered spokes.
Morganite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Swiss Modern Aquamarine and Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Switzerland. This sleek Swiss Modern jewel features a luminous deep blue 20.00 carat Santa Maria aquamarine. From the sidewalk to the catwalk, the look is colorful ...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.50 Ct Red Ruby 1.60 Ct F VVS Diamond 18 Kt
Located in Napoli, IT
This very charming vintage ring is 1970 circa Skilfully hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt gold Marvelous chic design with octagonal head set with Ruby and Diamonds An exceptional...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1975 Gem Set Coral Band in 18Kt Yellow Gold with VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Gem set coral ring designed by Van Cleef & Arpels. Beautiful vintage ring band, made in Paris France by the house of Van Cleef & Arpels, back in the 1951-1975. It was crafted in sol...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1970s Italian 18kt Gold Lapis Lazuli Coral Ring, Retro Design
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Deep ultramarine lapis with vivid Mediterranean pink coral. The strong contrast creates a chic, almost Pop-Art color palette. These rings reflected the bold, geometric, and colorful ...
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.25 Carat Diamond Band, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A three tiered band with a both 18 carat yellow and white gold. It is 7.9mm wide and features a classic 1970s effect. The ring has sparkle with a 0.25 carat diamond in the centre whi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The boat shape setting in this ring holds a total of 5 diamonds totalling 20pts. The smooth band in which they sit is modelled in 18carat gold. Hallmarked Birmingham, 1971. Ring Siz...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Kern Jewelry Set Gold Turquoise Cabochon Sapphire Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A bold and joyful Kern’s jewelry set made of 18k gold, featuring turquoise cabochon, sapphires and diamonds. The set includes a ring, a pair of earrings, and a brooch. Each piece is ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
18 kt Rose Gold and Diamonds Ring - Torchon Collection *
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A sleek and contemporary design, this ring from the Torchon Collection is distinguished by its wrap-around, dynamic structure inspired by the iconic torchon work. The 18 kt rose gold...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18 Kt Gold, Carré Cut Emeralds and Diamonds Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
A vintage, 1970s-era pillowcase with the classic geometric design of the era. This one made of solid 18kt yellow gold is embellished with four Emeralds from the carré cut and four ba...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Ring in 18Kt Gold, Blue Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Cattolica, IT
A vintage, 1970s-era pillowcase with the classic geometric design of the era. This one made of solid 18kt yellow gold is embellished with four blue sapphires from the carré cut and f...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
South Sea Golden Pearl and 1.5ct Diamond 18K Gold Ring, 13mm, Circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A round golden South Sea pearl, 13mm in diameter, sits raised at the center of this ring, its warm champagne luster reading as a solid, unbroken sphere of color against the diamonds ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.33 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring Dangle Drop Earrings Set 18k
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Emeralds and Diamonds Cluster Ring and Earrings Set 18k White Gold. The ring features a center emerald measuring approx 6mm X 5mm for a carat weight of approx 0.75 carat. The...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Luxembourg Creation Yellow Gold Set Earing/Pendant/Ring Emerald Sapphire Diamond
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Ring Height : 1.6cm Top Ring Length : 2.6cm Top Ring Width : 0.8cm Band Width : 0.6cm Weight: 17.56g Size 52- resizable Earing Depth: 1cm Earing Lenght : 2.4cm Earing Width : 2...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold, Black Onyx, Jade and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This 1970s interlocking design is complete with two smooth pieces of Blank Onyx and one smooth cut piece of vibrant green Jade. A total of 26 white diamonds highlight the deep colour...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gilbert Albert Coral, Pearl and Diamond Suite, Necklace, Ring, Earclips, 1970s
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic jewelry suite by legendary Swiss jeweler Gilbert Albert, of pink angel skin coral, cultured pearls, and diamonds, all set in 18k yellow gold. The suite comprising of a la...
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
17.70 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Floral Ring
By Julius Cohen
Located in New York, NY
Hand made Foliate Mount set with 60 round brilliants, approximate weight 3.00 carats, centering a 17.70 carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire, Violet blue, No Evidence of Thermal enhancement...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold Golf Club Style Key Ring - Micheletto
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Classic and essential golf stick turned to form an elegant keyring in 18 kt gold The main part is in yellow god while the handle is in white gold Total 18 kt gold weight: gr 8.00 Whi...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
A Vintage Diamond-set wide ring
Located in London, GB
A vintage diamond-set wide ring, the six round brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh 2 carats in total, assessed mounted as G-H colour VS2-SI1 clarity, with six pairs of baguette...
Diamond, 18k Gold
A Mid 20th Century Diamond cluster ring
Located in London, GB
A Mid 20th Century Diamond cluster ring, the round brilliant cut diamond, weighing 1.00 carat in total and assessed to be of K colour and SI2 clarity, four-claw set above a diamond c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Frosted Carved Rock Crystal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Highly impressive and fashionable, this architectural 18K white gold ring features three carved and frosted rock crystal panels framing a wave of stepped rows of diamonds (5.20 carat...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Freshwater Pearl & Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a highly designed and unique ring you need in your collection! Don't miss the chance to have a one-of-a-kind freshwater pearl ring. This ring is composed of 18k gold with a l...
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.