Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian 3 Stone Turquoise & Coral Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Three Stone Band 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1891 Maker's Mark T Bros Step back in time with this exquisite Victorian gypsy ring, crafted from 18ct yellow gold. The ...
Coral, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring Platinum Topped 18K Rose Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring Platinum Topped 18K Rose Gold This antique navette ring centers on an oval ruby weighing approximately 0.54 carats, set in an 18K rose gold bez...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Natural Opal Foliate Scrollwork Wide Band Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by cherished heirloom jewelry, this Opal Wide Band Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and features luminous natural opals set along a gracefully sculpted band with eleg...
Opal, Yellow Gold, Gold, 9k Gold
9K Yellow Gold 10 Ct. Onyx Vintage Style Carving Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A deep, velvety black onyx stone is a focal point, securely set in a sleek bezel that highlights its striking presence. The ring's shoulders are adorned with intricate carving motifs...
Onyx, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
9K Gold Natural Cabochon Garnet Vintage Style Split Shank Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace classic charm with this Natural Cabochon Garnet Vintage-Style Split Shank Ring. The smooth, polished garnet cabochon glows with a rich, deep red hue, radiating warmth and ele...
Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Peridot and Pearl Vintage Style Floral Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A bright peridot sparkles at the center of this vintage-style floral ring, held elegantly in a classic prong setting. Soft pearls are nestled around it, echoing the gentle curves of ...
Pearl, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Peridot and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
An oval peridot shines at the heart of this vintage-style ring, glowing with a fresh, green radiance. Diamonds surround the center stone in a graceful halo, adding a delicate shimmer...
Peridot, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, 14k Gold
9K Solid Gold Natural Peridot Pearl Vintage Victorian Style Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Infused with a sweet, nostalgic grace, this enchanting Natural Peridot Pearl Vintage Style Engagement Ring captures the very heart of a Victorian era inspired design. Standing proudl...
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Opal and Garnet Vintage Style Floral Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous opal glows at the center of this vintage-style floral halo ring, its iridescent hues shifting with every movement. Deep red garnets encircle the opal in prong settings, fo...
Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.76 Carats Ruby Ring with White Diamond Halo
Located in London, GB
The centre stone in this one-of-a-kind yellow gold ring is a sublime pinkish red ruby cabochon, specially selected from the Haruni vault. Full of passion and spirit, the ruby is surr...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst Vintage Style Fleur De Lis Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Centering on a royal emblem set with violet gems and textured milgrain borders, this fleur de lis ring brings heraldic elegance to life. Styled as an amethyst fleur de lis ring, its ...
Amethyst, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz & White Opal Halo Set Vintage Style Floral Halo Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Total weight: 2.13 g.
Opal, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Ruby Vintage Style Floral Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant impression with this Natural Ruby Vintage Style Floral Filigree Ring, designed with soft elegance and romantic charm. Featuring a striking oval-cut ruby at the center, the...
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Coral Bezel Vintage Style Leaf Motif Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Features a striking natural coral gemstone, its warm, earthy hue symbolizing vitality and passion. Set in a classic bezel, the coral is securely framed to highlight its natural beaut...
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Emerald Diamond Halo 2 Tone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This would make an awesome right hand cocktail or statement ring as well. Condition: New Era: Edwardian Revival Metal: 18K White & Yellow Gold Gemstone: Natural Emerald Carat We...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Emerald Pearl Victorian Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Capturing the romantic elegance of the Victorian era, this vintage-inspired three stone ring features vivid green emeralds framed by luminous pearl accents across a graceful yellow g...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby Diamond Floral Engagement Ring in 9k Yellow Gold with Milgrain
Located in Bangkok, TH
A striking oval-cut ruby takes center stage in this romantic Ruby Engagement Ring 9k. Designed for the unique bride, this Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring is framed by sparkling accent d...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Garnet and Diamond Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Tells a story of enduring love and timeless elegance. At its heart, the deep red garnet represents passion, strength, and devotion, its rich color evoking the warmth of deep affectio...
Diamond, Garnet, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peridot Vintage Style Floral Motif Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant peridot set in a bezel at the center, beautifully designed to resemble the heart of a flower. The floral motif around the peridot adds intricate detailing, enhancing the r...
Peridot, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Rose Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A mesmerizing trio of opals are arranged in a stunning three-stone design, enhanced by sparkling diamonds that bring additional shine and brilliance. The opal’s captivating play of c...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
4.1 ct. Amethyst Emerald Vintage Style Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Yellow
Located in Bangkok, TH
Make a bold yet elegant statement with this 4.1 ct. Natural Amethyst Emerald Vintage Style Filigree Ring. At the heart of this stunning piece lies a rich oval-cut natural amethyst, s...
Emerald, Amethyst, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Natural Opal Ruby Cabochon Serpent Statement Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A graceful symbol of everlasting love, this Serpent Opal Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold with a luminous natural opal embraced by an elegant snake bypass design. Ruby cabocho...
Ruby, Opal, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
9K Yellow Gold Cabochon Ruby Vintage Style Floral Motif Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Add timeless elegance to your collection with this Cabochon Ruby Vintage-Style Floral Motif Band Ring. Featuring a smooth, glowing ruby cabochon at the center, the ring exudes warmth...
Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Amethyst Vintage Style Carving Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace graceful elegance with this Natural Amethyst Cabochon Vintage-Style Carving Band Ring. Featuring a smooth, domed amethyst cabochon at its center, the ring glows with a soft, ...
Amethyst, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Tourmaline Diamond Victorian Style Lattice Band Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant in both color and craftsmanship, this Tourmaline Band Ring features five round and oval-shaped natural tourmalines framed by sparkling diamonds within an intricate lattice d...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three oval amethysts take center stage in this vintage-style cluster ring, each set gracefully in prongs that showcase their rich purple hue. Iridescent opals surround the stones, fo...
Amethyst, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Citrine and Pearl Vintage Style Floral Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring features a warm, oval-cut natural citrine at the center. Its golden glow is beautifully complemented by trio pearls on each side.Floral-inspired details bring...
Citrine, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Citrine and Pearl Vintage Style Floral Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring features a stunning oval-cut natural citrine at the center. Delicately surrounded by pearls, enhancing the rich golden hue of the citrine. The floral-inspired...
Citrine, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Rhodolite and Diamond Vintage Style Engagement Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Romantic in every detail, this Rhodolite Engagement Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and features a vibrant oval rhodolite framed by sparkling diamonds. Graceful openwork shou...
Rhodolite, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Turquoise and Pearl Vintage Style Floral Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning piece inspired by the beauty of nature. At its center, a vibrant turquoise gemstone symbolizes tranquility and protection, while lustrous pearls beside it, adding a touch ...
Pearl, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Red Ruby Diamond Double Heart Vintage Style Crown Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Weight: 3.40 g.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Natural Pink Tourmaline and Opal Halo Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Delight in feminine elegance with the Pink Tourmaline and Opal Halo Vintage Style Ring. A radiant oval pink tourmaline takes center stage, surrounded by shimmering opal solitaires th...
Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Amethyst and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Featuring a rich, oval-shaped amethyst at the center, this stunning piece captures attention with its deep purple hue and regal presence. Surrounding the gemstone, sparkling diamonds...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Garnet and Opal Vintage Style Cocktail Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning natural garnet at the center, surrounded by delicate opal accent that create a beautiful design. The deep red hue of the garnet is perfectly complemented by the shimmerin...
Opal, Garnet, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Cabochon Garnet Opal Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Captivating look with this Natural Cabochon Garnet Opal Vintage Style Floral Ring, inspired by the beauty of a blooming flower. Featuring a smooth cabochon garnet at the center, the ...
Garnet, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K White Solid Gold Blue Topaz Vintage Style Floral Motif Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brilliant blue topaz blooms at the center, inspired by soft floral forms that add charm and femininity. The vintage-inspired detailing enhances the ring’s refined craftsmanship and...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
At its heart, a deep blue sapphire, with a velvety, satiny luster, is set vertically to create an elegant focal point. This captivating gem is beautifully framed by a halo of etherea...
Blue Sapphire, Opal, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Pearl Vintage Style Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous oval blue topaz takes center stage in this vintage-style halo ring, set elegantly in a secure bezel. Encircling it, round sapphires shimmer in prong settings, creating a r...
Pearl, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Emerald and White Sapphire Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the romance of heirloom jewelry, this Emerald Engagement Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and features a natural oval emerald framed by sparkling White Sapphire. T...
Sapphire, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Solid Gold Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Regally elegant, this Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring exudes timeless sophistication and refined craftsmanship. A smooth, deep-blue sapphire cabochon takes ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A natural oval blue sapphire set in a sleek bezel setting, offering both security and sophistication. The center stone is beautifully framed by a floral-inspired design, adorned wit...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Duo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Duo ring features captivating oval natural ruby and blue sapphire, set side by side to symbolize love and connection. Accented by sparkling diamonds, the design blends rich color wit...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
London Blue Topaz Vintage Style Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A captivating oval London Blue Topaz sits securely in a classic double prong setting. The deep, oceanic hue of the stone radiates elegance and depth. Floral filigree details on the s...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Luminous look with this Natural Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring, designed to highlight soft brilliance and balance. Featuring three opals arranged horizontally across...
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Two Stone Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Harmoniously pairing twin oval gemstones, this sapphire two stone ring sparkles with delicate diamond accents set within scalloped milgrain frames in 9k yellow gold. Deep blue hues c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow 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 Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.9 grams ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Vintage Style Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous oval blue topaz takes center stage in this vintage-style cluster ring, set elegantly in a secure bezel. Sparkling diamonds are scattered around it, adding twinkling accent...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Radiate timeless charm with this Natural Cabochon Amethyst and Opal Vintage-Style Cluster Ring. A smooth amethyst cabochon glows at the center, surrounded by luminous opals that add ...
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.95 carats with Diamond 0.62 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 0.7 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 6.62 grams "We first opened do...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.80 carats with Diamond 0.42 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 7.22 grams "We first opened do...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 5.23 carats with Diamond 1.86 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 3.0 cm Ring Size: 50 Total Weight: 12.13 grams "We first opened ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid London Blue Topaz Vintage Style Dome Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Enchanting and timeless, this London Blue Topaz Vintage Style Dome Cluster Ring captures elegance in every detail. Crafted with a warm golden band, it showcases a mesmerizing arrange...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Natural Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby to centre in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 3.41 carats, flan...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
9K Yellow Gold Solid London Blue Topaz Vintage Style Five Stone Carved Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This London blue topaz vintage-style five stone ring shines with regal creativity, crowned in a design inspired by royal elegance. Each richly hued topaz is beautifully arranged to f...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz and Pink Amethyst Vintage Style Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Natural Blue Topaz and Pink Amethyst Vintage Style Filigree Ring features a stunning London Blue Topaz at the center, surrounded by four delicate Pink Amethysts at each point. T...
Amethyst, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond Vintage Style Two Stones Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Two vibrant emeralds set side by side, their deep green hues creating a striking focal point. Between the emeralds, on the right and left sides, sparkling diamonds are delicately pla...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Filigree Vintage Style Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A piece that blends timeless elegance with intricate craftsmanship. At its center sits a captivating blue sapphire, its deep blue hue symbolizing wisdom, loyalty, and nobility. Surro...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.15 Carat Basaltic Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.15 carat Basaltic blue sapphire and 0.08 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry...
Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
$22,275
Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An oval yellow gold Edwardian ring set with a natural blue sapphire (app. 1.5 carats) surrounded by two rows of old cut diamonds, the shank is also set with old cut diamonds (2.5 car...
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Amethyst, Opal and Peridot Suffragette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1902 Maker's Mark D & F Immerse yourself in history with this exquisite 18ct gold-stamped Edwardian suffragette r...
Peridot, Opal, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
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 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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.