Old European Cut Diamond Ring Gold Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gold bypass cocktail ring, featuring an Old European cut diamond.
Early 2000s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Ring Gold Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gold bypass cocktail ring, featuring an Old European cut diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, 14KT Yellow Gold, Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stone: - diamond, 1 stone - old European cut - 6.1 x 6.05 x 4.03 mm - approximately .90 carat - H color, VS2 clarity Ring Size 6.75 Rise Off Of Finger: 4.85 mm Width: 9.65 mm Wei...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14KT White Gold European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage engagement-style ring features a 0.52 carat total weight of G-SI clarity diamonds, centered around an old European cut diamond in a secure double prong setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 18K White Gold Gemstone: Old European Cut Diamond Approx 2 carats Measurement: Ring Size 7
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Set in a hand made 18k white gold ring with thirty eight small old euro cut natural diamonds estimated to weigh 0.68 carats total The average color and clarity on the smaller diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.25 Carat European Cut Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Old European Cut, Color-G, Clarity SI-1, Center diamond is 6.30 mm x 6.42 mm x 3.68 mm- Equaling .97 CT.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
Old European brilliant Cut diamond yellow gold ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A Solitaire Engagement Ring crafted in 14K Yellow & White Gold features a Round Brilliant Cut Diamond with a total weight of 0.76 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Art Deco inspired white gold stunner features a 0.42 carat Old European Cut Diamond at the center, bezel set amidst fine white melee diamonds and expertly cut rubies, forming a ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond Swirl Ring. 0.40ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring Platinum & Gold
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.40-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: H Color P...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
European Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring. GIA 1.40ct Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Certification: GIA Certificate Carat Weight: Approx. 1.40-Carats Stone Cut: Old European Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Cluster Ring Color: J Color C...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
European Cut Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K yellow gold diamond ring with 5.00 carats of European cut and round brilliant cut diamonds Diamond specifications: F/G color, VS/SI clarity This product comes with a certifica...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Rose Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This romantic 14 karat rose gold vintage engagement ring centers on an approximately .75 carat Old European Cut diamond, displaying beautiful depth and character with a G color and S...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
14K Gold Victorian Era Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
A splendid old European cut diamond with a high table is set into high pronged buttercup setting. The ring is marked 14K on the interior of the band and dates to the Victorian era. I...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 10k White Gold Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique 10k white gold ring features a classic diamond centerpiece set in a delicate, vintage-style setting. The soft luster of the white gold enhances the diamond’s sparkle whi...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
2.06 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous ring features a 2.06 carat old European cut diamond with a hint of warmth.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.15 ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating natural European-cut diamond ring is a timeless expression of vintage elegance, beautifully crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring. 0.70ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring J VS1
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7 US, Resizable Color: J Color Clarity: VS1 Metal: Gold, White Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Retro This exquisite vintage engagement ring showc...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Old European Cut Cluster Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This 18k white gold diamond cluster ring is gorgeous! The ring features a total of 15 bright white old european cut diamonds, with 7 of them clustered together to form the center, en...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.30 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The contemporary ring mount has been crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and set centrally with a 3.30 carat old European cut diamond of M colour and VVS1 clarity which has an accompanyi...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.25ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant Old European Cut diamond engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love and commitment.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.57ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This extraordinary diamond engagement ring is one in a million! The design showcases a captivating 1.42ct old European cut diamond, GIA certified at F-SI2.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cluster Silver Ring. 0.50ct Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite diamond cluster ring showcases a 0.50-carat old European cut diamond at its center, prong-set to highlight its timeless brilliance.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$5,525Sale Price|35% Off
Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Lucerne, CH
This elaborately dome shaped ring in 18 karat white gold features a charming 1.11 carats Old European cut diamond of J color and si1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Thai Ruby & Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This ruby and diamond ring has been set in 18 karat rose gold and is of recent manufacture.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Scrollwork Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Scrollwork Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This 14k yellow gold ring features a 1.00ct Old European cut diamond set in a raised prong setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,050Sale Price|20% Off
0.74 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Platinum Ring; Featuring a 0.74ct old European cut diamond with approximate I color and SI clarity. Set with 10 additional round cut diamonds weighing 0.50ct tw. The ring is a size 5...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features an Old European cut diamond weighing approximately .94ct.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Five-Stone Old European-cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The delicate 18K gold band is set across the top with a tapering line of old European-cut diamonds, approximate total weight 0.75 carats, within an open gallery, completed by a slend...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,344Sale Price|20% Off
Distinctive European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k Two-Tone Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Distinctive European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k Two-Tone Gold Crafted in 14k two-tone gold, this vintage ring features a 0.36 carat European cut diamond in a raised prong setting.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,916Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Antique Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this antique ring features approximately 1.07 carats total weight of Old European cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Yellow Gold Engagement Ring. Antique 0.60ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring H SI2
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: 0.60 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Color Grade: H Color Clarity Grade: SI2 Jewelry Type: Ring / Engagement Ring Jewelry Sty...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Joël Glecer 18k White Gold Diamond Ring, 2.15ct Brilliant Cut, Europe
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful handmade full diamonds white gold ring 241° brilliants and central diamond total 2,15 ct, Top Quality & Color Total Weight 24.2 gr
Diamond, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k European Cut Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .05ct Cut: European C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,960Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring. 1.40ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Carat Weight: Approx 1.40 Carats Color: K Color Range: J–K–L–M Clarity: VS2 Clarity Range: VS1–VS2 Cut: Old European Cut Secondary Stones: Dia...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,704Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Antique Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold This 18k white gold ring showcases a 0.33 carat Old European cut diamond set within an intricately detailed filigree mounting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$19,280Sale Price|20% Off
Retro Era Engagement Ring. 1.90ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Age: Vintage Era: Retro Era, Circa 1945 Country of Origin: France Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1.9-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Col...
Diamond, Platinum, White Gold
$14,080Sale Price|20% Off
1.50 Carat Engagement Ring. GIA Old European Cut Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: approx 1.54 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Color Grade: K Color Clarity Grade: VS1 Certification: GIA Certificate (View Repor...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k European Cut Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .05ct Cut: Europe...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Bezel Set Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 18K White Gold Gemstone: Old European Cut Diamond approx 1CT Measurement: Ring Size 7
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Custom 18k Yellow Gold GIA Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Old meets new in this custom 18 karat yellow gold engagement ring featuring a GIA graded Old Euro Cut Diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,280Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Old European Cut Engagement Ring. 1.90ct Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Age: Vintage Era: Retro Era, Circa 1945 Country of Origin: France Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1.9-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Col...
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Engagement Ring. 1.80ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring 18k Gold J VS2
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring showcases a stunning approx. 1.80-carat old European cut diamond, graded J in color and VS2 in clarity.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
GEM Report Certified 1.24 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A rare treasure from the Art Deco era (circa 1915–1935), this antique solitaire engagement ring showcases a 1.24 carat Old European Cut diamond, renowned for its large, chunky facets...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,980Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k This ring is crafted in 14k two-tone gold and features an Old European Cut diamond set within a vintage engraved design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Engagement Ring. 1.10ct Old European Cut Diamond Rose Gold Ring K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7 US, Resizable Color: K Color Clarity: VS2 Metal: Gold, Rose Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Edwardian This exquisite Edwardian-inspired engageme...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Chunky Gold Band Ring Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An impressive chunky 18k gold band ring featuring an Old European cut diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k Pink Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Pink Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 8.75 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 5.2 Grams Diamond Count: 1 old European cut Diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Old European Cut Diamond Ring of 14k White Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
At its heart is an antique Old European cut diamond, weighing 0.78 carats (K color, SI2 clarity), a cut beloved for its larger facets and captivating play of light.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
GIA-certified old European cut diamond engagement ring set with a 14K double yellow gold band.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Diamond Scalloped Halo
Located in Phoenix, AZ
This ring is full of glitz and glamour! With a stunning .83 carat old European cut diamond in the center of a .64 carat scalloped diamond halo.
Diamond, White Gold
14k White Gold Entourage Ring with 1.50ct Old European Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold entourage ring set with a 1.50 ct old European cut diamond, G/H-SI, ring size US 7.75 - EU 18 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide by 9.0 mm...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Signature Old European Cut Diamond Rub Over Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Part of Kirsten’s Corner Signature Collection, this 18k gold and Old European cut diamond ring is a contemporary variation of a Victorian ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Estate 2.50 Carat European Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A magnificent ring featuring a 2.50 carat European cut diamond that is bezel set in the center of the piece.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old European Cut 14k White Gold Antique Diamond Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
The north to south styled ring features 5 total diamonds, with the center of the ring showcasing a bright white, .16 carat Old European cut diamond that sparkles intensely.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,336Sale Price|20% Off
14K Two Tone Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring w/ European Cut Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - VS2 Clarity - G Color - 0.45ct (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Single Cut - VS2 Clarity - G Color - 0.18...
Diamond, Gold
1940s 18k White Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .10ct Cut: Old European Cut Clarity: VS Color: G Band Wi...
Diamond, White Gold
$14,560Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Engagement Ring. 1.40ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring Yellow Gold K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.40-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: K Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS1 Clarity Jewelry Type: En...
Diamond, Yellow 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.”
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.