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Edwardian 18k Opal Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
This opal ring from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era makes quite a stylish accessory! Hand-crafted in
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian French Black Opal & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MIAMI, FL
18k yellow gold. The highlight of the ring, the black opal gemstone display's a gorgeous play of
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Antique Opal and Diamond ring, 18k yellow gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
You can't help but be enchanted by this gorgeous antique, Edwardian era opal and old cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold 1.56ctw Opal and Diamond 9 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique opal, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising six old cut diamonds, and three oval
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Rose Gold Edwardian Opal & Diamond Boat Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1900 This stunning Edwardian opal ring is crafted
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian 6.50ct Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910
Located in London, GB
This stunning ring dates to 1910, and is classically Edwardian in design. The natural opal is 6.50
Category

Vintage 1910s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Opal, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian French Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set navette shape opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 15.0 mm Translucent white in body
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a navette shaped opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 15.0 mm White with spectral play-of-color
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning 18ct Yellow Gold ADORE
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

100 Year Old Antique Edwardian Era Opal and Diamond Flower Halo Ring
Located in Honolulu, HI
holding history. ​ ​Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Style: Opal and Diamond Ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Opal, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Edwardian Opal Diamond Demantoid Garnet Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
age Completed by grooved gold shank Tested a platinum and 18 karat gold Circa: 1910 Ring size: 5 1/2
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Garnet, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Circa 1900s 18K White Gold Opal and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VEG#20a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s 18K White Gold Opal and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VEG#20a Item Details: Year: 1900s
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18K Yellow Gold 7 Stone White Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique opal, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising three round opal cabochons, and four
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring 18K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Victorian Wedding Engagement Ring with three gorgeous natural oval Opals of
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct Gold, ADORE Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Ruby & Emerald Ring Hallmarked 1911
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked London 1911 Makers Mark A.M Introducing the
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Opal and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Navette Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
combined; all of which are claw set in warm 18 carat yellow gold, complementing the opal's natural beauty
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 2.0 Ct Fire Opal Diamond 18 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
This more than exquisite antique ring is in transition between the Edwardian and Art Deco period
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century opal and diamond cluster ring, the oval cabochon cut opal measuring
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Ring 2.5ct of Opal
Located in Kendal, GB
A glorious antique Edwardian carved half hoop ring adorned with a trilogy of natural opal cabochons
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Ring 2.4 Carat Opal Dated 1906
Located in Kendal, GB
A grand antique Edwardian carved half hoop ring adorned with three natural opal cabochons weighing
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Trilogy Ring 7 Carat Total
Located in Kendal, GB
A magnificent antique Edwardian ring adorned with a trilogy of natural opal cabochons displaying a
Category

Mid-20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat White Gold Edwardian Opal and Diamond Marquise Shape Cluster Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
18ct White Gold Edwardian Opal and Diamond Marquise Shape Cluster Ring. Set with a central
Category

Vintage 1940s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Carat White Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
18ct White Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring. Set with one central oval Australian Opal in a
Category

Vintage 1970s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold 4.60 carat Australian Black Opal Cocktail Ring
By Jiedy Jewels
Located in Indooroopilly, QLD
18 Karat Yellow Gold 4.60 carat Australian Black Opal Cocktail Ring Center stone is oblong shape
Category

Early 2000s Australian Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Opal & Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
was crafted in the early 1900’s and is accented by old mine cut diamonds. Ring Details Material: 18K
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Opal Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning antique opal navette ring dating back to the Edwardian period. A cluster of
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Opal and Diamond Ring, circa 1907
Located in London, GB
The hallmarks date back to 1907 and this beautiful little Edwardian ring is a fabulous dress ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Edwardian Mixed Metals Black Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
gemstones used in fine jewelry! A spectacular black opal and diamond ring from the Late Victorian era
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Black Opal Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring centers a bezel set 12.0 x 9.0 mm oval opal cabochon - black in body color with spectral play
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, P...

Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Ring Demantoid Garnet 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian opal, diamond & demantoid garnet cluster ring crafted in 18k
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Opal & Diamond Half Hoop Ring Circa 1902
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Edwardian opal and diamond scrolled half hoop ring. Hallmarked Birmingham 1902 and maker mark
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Black Opal Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Black Opal Navette Ring. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This stunning handmade ring dates Back to 1910, and is classically Edwardian in design. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Opal and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
Dating to 1902, this stunning ring is made up of cabochon cut opals. The rainbow stones look
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Antique 1909 0.52 Carat Opal and 0.08 Carat Diamond, 18 k Yellow gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive Edwardian 0.52 carat opal and 0.08 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold dress
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Edwardian Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Edwardian opal ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, multi claw design is
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian French Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set navette shape opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 15.0 mm Translucent white in body
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Opal and Ruby 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning glossy gold band holds three wonderfully coloured 15pt opals which reflect the light
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold

An Edwardian Opal And Diamond Half Hoop Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
An Edwardian opal and diamond half hoop ring, set with three opal cabochons and six old circular
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Rose Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Completed by subtle knife-edge shoulders Tested as 18 karat gold and platinum Circa: 1910 Ring size: 7 1/4
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.60 CTW Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
platinum and 18 karat gold Basket tested as platinum Shank tested as 18 karat gold Circa: 1910 Ring size
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

18ct Gold Edwardian Opal Ring With Milgraine Setting And Elegant Split Shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 This antique fiery opal gemstone ring is a true
Category

Early 20th Century English Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Opal Three-Stone and Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ PONTE VECCHIO FLORENCE The graduated oval opal line, with old-cut diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Exceptional Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fabulous 18K white gold ring with one cushion cut opal 19mm by 15 mm with a greenish blue play of
Category

20th Century Edwardian Dome Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

Black Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Sumptuous high mounted Black Opal Ring with full cut clean white Diamonds. 18kt white gold with
Category

20th Century American Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 18k Gold

1920s Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
An opal ring, with two eight-cut diamonds set either side in grain settings, with millegrain edges
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 2 Opal 4 Diamond Ring Mounted in 18ct Gold & Platinum, Dated circa 1905
Located in London, GB
Edwardian 2 Opal 4 Diamond Ring Mounted In 18ct Gold & Platinum,dated circa 1905 The two opals are
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

Gold Opal Diamond Trefoil Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
A late 19th century opal and diamond ring. The three heart-shaped opals of the trefoil leaves
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Antique Opal Five Stone Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique, Edwardian era opal five stone ring. A rich 18kt yellow gold band with a
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Five-Stone Old Cut Diamond and Opal Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
antique stones. The ring’s original, handmade, 18 carat yellow gold, Edwardian period setting exhibits a
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Opal Diamond Ring Rose Cut Diamonds 18 k Yellow Gold
Located in Mārupe, LV
2,4 ct. The bang of the ring is 18k yellow gold. Opal of exquisite quality. No chips or cracks. Ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A stunning antique Edwardian ring set with an oval cabochon opal measuring approximately 7 x 4 x
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum over Gold Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This Edwardian platinum over 18 karat gold ring features an impressive 6.06 carat opal cabochon
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 5 Stone Natural Opal Cabochons 18k Yellow Gold Antique Ring Size 6.75
Located in North Attleboro, MA
Antique Edwardian 5 stone white opal ring (circa 1910s), crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The opals
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.20 Ct Opal and 0.20 Ct Diamond, 18 k Yellow Gold Dress Ring - Antique 1903
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive opal and pearl ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, multi claw
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Harlequin Australian Black Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Wonderfully designed and beautifully hand-crafted this Edwardian 18 Karat gold and diamond ring
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Edwardian Opal Old European Cut Diamond Platinum-Topped 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a 6.0 mm round opal cabochon prong set with yellow gold talon prongs White in body color
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sat at the centre of a sparkling halo of diamonds is a gorgeous opal. The opal measures just under
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Opal Ring 5 Stone 18k Yellow Gold Band Sz 4.75 UK Hallmarks
Located in Torrance, CA
Antique Edwardian 5 stone opal ring (circa 1910s), crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Five natural
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marcus & Co. Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum and Gold Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
An American Edwardian platinum topped 18 karat gold ring with black opal and diamonds by Marcus
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum, 18k Gold

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Edwardian 18k Opal Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the edwardian 18k opal ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Platinum — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 120 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect edwardian 18k opal ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing edwardian 18k opal ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Jiedy Jewels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A cabochon version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and round cut versions for sale. Most of our edwardian 18k opal ring for sale are for women, but there are 17 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Edwardian 18k Opal Ring?

The price for a edwardian 18k opal ring starts at $395 and tops out at $32,500 with these rings, on average, selling for $1,403.

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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 Edwardian 18k Opal Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The mark 18K on a ring stands for 18-karat gold. 18-karat signifies that the ring is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, zinc or nickel. The additional metals strengthen the ring, making it more durable. Shop a range of expertly vetted 18-karat jewelry on 1stDibs.