GIA Certified Edwardian Inspired Pink Sapphire & Diamond Vertical Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat white gold Edwardian era-inspired Pink Sapphire and Diamond cluster vertical ring.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This charming cluster ring dates back to the Edwardian era. It features a vivid old cut sapphire at its centre, weighing 0.50 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum Natural Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Natural Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Natural Unenhanced Sapphire Diamond Ring, circa 1905
Located in London, GB
Edwardian sapphire and diamond ring. Set with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced sapphire to centre in an open back rubover millegrain setting with an approximate weight of 3...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Elongated Diamond And Sapphire Ring. Old European Cut Platinum Ring.
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 US, Resizable Color: G Color Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Sapphire Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Edwardian A stunning elon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian era Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1910 A truly exquisite Edwardian era sapphire and diamond ring, crafted in rich 18ct gold and platinum and datin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Gold & Silver 1.53ctw GIA Sapphire & Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquiries.) Ring Width: 9.1mm (0.36") (top of the ring - north to south) - 10.2mm (0.40")(east to west, stone to stone) - 2mm (bottom o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Edwardian 1900s 1.50 Carat Sapphire Dinner Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Oval cut Sapphire weighing approximately 1.50 carats and Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.90 carats. Circa early 1900s Siz...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Edwardian cluster ring features an oval cut sapphire at its centre.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.90ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Edwardian ring features a deep blue sapphire in the centre, surrounded by ten old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique American 14k Gold Edwardian 1900s Multicolor Natural Sapphire Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique American 14k Yellow Gold Multicolor natural Sapphire lozenge Ring Edwardian era, American made Marked 'K14’ , Acid tested 14K gold 15 pieces of approximate 1/2 Carat each Sa...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
$7,537Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Sapphire and Diamond halo ring, 9k gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
This antique Sapphire and Diamond halo cluster or target ring is truly a majestic beauty!
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Ring Vintage Platinum Long Plaque Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian era ring (circa 1910s) crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Total weight: 4.50 g.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
18ct Yellow Gold, Birmingham Hallmarked 1907, Edwardian Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1907 This stunning Edwardian 18ct yellow gold five-stone band ring is a true work of art.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.08 Total Carat Weight Diamond and Blue Sapphires Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian 0.08 Total Carat Weight Diamond and Blue Sapphires Ring The ring is a size 7.5 and weights a total of 1.8 grams.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 18 Karat Gold Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Small Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Edwardian small cluster ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features sapphire and rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Platinum, Edwardian era Calibrated Ruby & Sapphire Flipover Night and Day Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Sapphire Reversible Ring Platinum Circa 1910s Introducing our exquisite Edwardian era flipover ring, a stunning example of craftsmanship and design from the early 20th ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Burma No Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely antique Edwardian sapphire and diamond engagement ring featuring a stunning natural unheated Burmese cushion cut sapphire, all set in platinum, circa 1910.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian 0.25ct Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This lovely daisy cluster ring dates to the Edwardian period. A central blue sapphire is enveloped in old cut diamonds, creating the beautiful daisy shape.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Natural Sapphire & Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Marquise Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900s Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian ring, masterfully crafted in 18ct gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A trio of deep blue sapphires are on display beside a pair of old cut diamonds in this beautiful Edwardian piece. To the centre sits the largest of the three old cut sapphires weighi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Estate Edwardian Sapphire and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#1000
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian Sapphire and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#1000 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Two Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The pair of sapphires in this ring measure 10pts each. These blue stones are surrounded by old mine cut diamonds totalling 38pts. Ring Size: J or 4 3/4 Face Dimensions: 7x12mm Heig...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian .65 Ct Natural Sapphire 1.70 Ct. Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
A Heart of Love This exquisite Edwardian era heart shaped ring is 1905 ca Beautiful hand crafted as unique of solid 18 kt gold topped by silver Sweet heart as love token, classic, ro...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Edwardian Platinum 2.33ctw GIA Sapphire Old European Diamond Scroll Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquiries.) Ring Dimensions: 5.4mm (0.21") (top of the ring - north to south) 17.1mm (0.67") (diamond to diamond) 1.3mm (bottom of the ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Three Row Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold three row ring. The ring features 5 rubies, 5 diamonds and 5 sapphires, each of which graduate in size to the centre.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.56 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring, C.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back tot he Edwardian era is this enticing cluster ring featuring a combination of diamonds and sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 18k Gold & Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Bezel-Set Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Altrincham, GB
A stunning 5-stone ring dating from the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 14K Gold Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet, Pearl Harem Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This beautiful 14k gold Edwardian harem ring contains an array of Rose Cut diamonds, pearls, sapphires, rubies, and green demantoid garnets.
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Edwardian 1.05ct Diamond and Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful five stone ring dates to the Edwardian era. At its centre sits a 0.45ct old cut diamond as the centre stone, flanked by two 0.30 carat diamonds on each side.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum 4.14ctw GIA No Heat Sapphire Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquiries.) Ring Width: 21.8mm (0.86") (top of the ring - north to south) - 18.5mm (0.73") (east to west, diamond to diamond), 1.4mm (b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, Edwardian Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Cabochon Sapphire Ring 18ct Gold French Stamped Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct gold ring from the Edwardian era, showcasing a stunning centre cabochon natu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Edwardian Sapphire & Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Daisy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 This stunning Edwardian ring is a daisy-style cluster ring that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Marquise/Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1910 This stunning 18ct gold and platinum ring features a marquise-shaped natural sapphire, surrounded ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Solid Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Hexagon Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gracefully echoing the romance of the Edwardian era, this vintage-inspired engagement ring centers a deep blue sapphire within a softly sculpted hexagon setting.
Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 14 Carat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic cluster ring holds sapphires and diamonds around the edges. The sapphire is blue in colour. The sapphire total is 2.3 carat and the diamonds total 30pts. Ring Size: L ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique American Edwardian era 14k Gold 1900s MultiColor Natural Sapphire Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique American 14k Yellow Gold Multicolor Natural Sapphire Ring Edwardian era, American made Marked 'K14’ gold, acid tested 14K gold Top lozenge measures 3/4 inch long and 1/2 inc...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
$752Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Diamond and Synthetic Pink Sapphire Ring, 18k Gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
I can't say enough about this stunning antique, Edwardian era, synthetic pink Sapphire and Diamond ring in 18kt yellow gold.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$3,120Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian Era Elongated Platinum Ring. Diamond Sapphire Accent 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 US, Resizable Color: G Color Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Sapphire Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Edwardian A stunning elon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian 1900s 1.00 Carat Diamond and 1.20 Carat Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with a Trillion cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat, a Trillion cut Sapphire weighing approximately 1.20 carat, and Rose cut ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian sapphire, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising three round cut blue sapphires, and two old single cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow g...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Cluster Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 This exquisite ring features a stunning daisy design that captures the essence of timeless elegance. At ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1.50 Ct Diamond F VVS VS Sapphire Platinum ring In
Located in Napoli, IT
Superb example of Edwardian period Diamond and Sapphire ring Individually hand crafted as unique piece of solid Platinum Highest standard of workmanship and design related to the per...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian 1.30 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
This Edwardian trilogy ring features a stunning natural and unheated sapphire in its centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian White Gold GIA Color Change Bezel Sapphire OldCut Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k White Gold - We Couldn't Test the Horseshoe It Might be 14k or 18k white gold. Weight: 6.03 Grams Ring Size: 4.5 (Please Contact us about sizing inquires) Ring Wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Platinum Edwardian Cushion Cut Aquamarine, Old Cut Diamond & Sapphire Halo Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine, Diamond & Sapphire Ring Platinum Tested Circa 1910 This exquisite Edwardian ring is crafted from high-quality platinum and boasts a round shape design that i...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.4 grams Ring Size: T (61) Diamonds: Approx. 1.0 carats (0.50, 0.25, 0.25), Colour: G-H, Clarity: VS-SI Sapphires: Approx. 0.80ct (0.40ct each) T...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Edwardian 18k Gold 1.1ct Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Altrincham, GB
A super pretty antique cluster ring dating from the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Band Ring Hallmarked 18ct Gold Engraved 1905 DG to EL Makers Mark L & L 18ct yellow gold ring, set with three round-cut sapphires and two dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18k Gold & Platinum 0.52ctw Sapphire Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Sapphire shows some light abrasion. 1 Diamond chipped.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.30 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
This Edwardian ring showcases a blue sapphire flanked by two diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Edwardian trilogy ring features a baguette cut Sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.15 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Twist Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This lovely Edwardian ring features a daisy held within a gently twisting band.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
2.14 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Diamonds Ring 14 Karat Classic Edwardian Deco*
Located in New York, NY
Ladies round shaped sapphire ring, three stone classic Gorgeous Edwardian Era Gilt Deco on Shank 1.14ct.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 2.93 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum Antique Feather Toi-Et-Moi Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire and and old European cut diamond bezel set toi-et-moi style Sapphire weighs approximately 0.89 carat total - transparent medium blue in color Old Eur...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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.
On 1stDibs, shop the bright blue gems that star in sapphire rings, sapphire necklaces and other vintage and antique sapphire jewelry.
Sapphires — the stone of choice for Napoleon, Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor — have been a favorite of aristocrats and the well-to-do since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
Picture a sapphire. If the stone you conjure is a deep cornflower blue, you’re seeing only part of the picture. Although blue Kashmirs are considered the most valuable, sapphires come in every color except red. No matter the hue, this very special gem is rich in history and beloved by royals (FYI, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton share an 11-carat sapphire engagement ring), so September babies are in very noble company.
America’s version of royalty — old money and celebrities — have also shown a predilection for the blue stones. In 1940, John D. Rockefeller Jr. had Cartier mount a 62-carat sapphire he had bought from an Indian maharajah in a brooch for his first wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; in 2001, the piece sold for a then-record of $3,031,000 at Christie’s New York.
The grand dame of jewelry, Elizabeth Taylor had a passion for the gems that her lovers were happy to indulge. Second husband Michael Wilding gave her an engagement ring set with a cabochon sapphire, while Richard Burton famously presented her with a BVLGARI sautoir set with diamonds and sapphires, including at its center a cabochon Burmese weighing 52.72 carats. One of the star lots in the sale of Taylor’s jewels at the Christie’s New York in 2011, it sold for $5,906,500.
You don’t have to have blue blood or a bulging bank account, however, to get an eyeful of this much-coveted gem. A number of outstanding examples reside in public collections.
The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History owns the 423-carat Logan sapphire, a gift from the Guggenheim family, and the Hall sapphire and diamond necklace, designed by Harry Winston and featuring 36 fine, well-matched cushion-cut Sri Lankan sapphires weighing a combined 195 carats. Also in the collection is the Bismarck sapphire necklace, designed by Cartier and sporting a central sapphire weighing 98.6 carats, which Mona Von Bismarck donated to the museum.
Sapphires are composed of corundum. Their color derives from trace elements, such as iron, titanium, chromium, copper or magnesium. When the trace element produces a ruby hue, the stone is called, what else, a ruby. (which is, as mentioned above, why sapphires cannot be red by definition).
The allure of large gemstones endures throughout the periods characterized as vintage, and sapphire features frequently in vintage engagement rings. (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.)
Find an exquisite collection of vintage and antique sapphire 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.