Edwardian .85 Ct Diamond .35 Ct Sapphire 18 KT Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This charming antique ring is Edwardian period Individually hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold topped by Platinum, marked Designed to be elegant and timeless, with a flat head enriched...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking sapphire and diamond cluster ring is modelled in 18 Carat Gold and the stones are set in platinum. The sapphires measures 10pts and the diamond total is 18pts. Ring S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Gold
.90 Carat Edwardian Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold/Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold & Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Center Sapphire Details: Weight: .90ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: Dark Blue ...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Oval Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring Silver Yellow Gold 1900s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique Edwardian sapphire and diamond engagement ring in silver and yellow gold, circa 1900.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Edwardian 2.48 Carats No Heat Burma Sapphire Diamond Platinum Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing 1.20 carats - transparent deep blue. Natural Burmese in origin with no indications of heat treatment. Set with talon prongs with a halo surrou...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian 1.35ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful trilogy ring features a central sapphire flanked by a pair of sparkling old cut diamonds. The intense blue sapphire is a natural stone, emerald cut and weighing 1.35 c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, English, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian deep Royal Blue Burmese sapphire and diamond cluster ring, circa 1915.
Located in London, GB
Edwardian deep Royal Blue Burmese sapphire and diamond cluster ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Bombe Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back into the elegance of the Edwardian era with this stunning bombe/domed oval-shaped ring, designed to provide e...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Oval Sapphire & Diamond Marquise Shaped Edwardian Style Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian style oval sapphire & diamond ring in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Edwardian 2.10 carat Ceylon no heat sapphire diamond 18k white gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This refined Edwardian ring is a remarkable testament to early 20th-century elegance, centered around a captivating square cut blue sapphire of exceptional pedigree.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Antique Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed cushion cut sapphire weighing 5.00 carats total - transparent light blue Set in a platinum-topped milgrain bezel with a halo surround of rose cut diamonds With addi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Total weight: 3.20 g.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Style Cornflower Blue Sapphire Diamond 14K Gold Filigree Ring L / 5.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Exquisite Edwardian style 14ct yellow gold ring featuring a striking natural radiant square cut sapphire displaying cornflower blue with light lilac purplish hue.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Antique Edwardian Diamond, Invisibly Set Sapphire 18K Gold Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Large Edwardian period diamond and sapphire Navette ring measuring an impressive 33mm in length, approximately knuckle to knuckle on the finger.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 0.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Edwardian three stone ring features a beautiful natural blue Sapphire at its centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian French 18k Gold w/ Platinum GIA 3.40ct Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquiries.) Ring Width: 19.5mm (0.76") (top of the ring - north to south) - 17.4mm (0.68")(east to west) - 1.7mm (bottom of the shank) ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold No Heat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold No Heat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 2.30ct Sapphire and 1.05ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive Edwardian sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.10ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Halo Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A stunning example of Edwardian craftsmanship, this exquisite trilogy halo ring showcases three vivid blue sapphires enrobed in old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A lively blue sapphire sits between two charming old cut diamonds. The sapphire is oval in shape and weighs 0.40 carat. The diamonds set to either side are 0.35 carat each and they h...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Italian Edwardian Verneuil Sapphire Diamond Three Stone Gent ring 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
This substantially gold hand made Gent ring is from the Edwardian period. Italian origin.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Edwardian 2.40 Carat AGL Burma Sapphire & Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edwardian era French import 2.40 Carat Oval Cabochon Sapphire & Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, composed of 18k rose gold & platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Edwardian GIA 5.25 carat no heat sapphire diamond 18k white gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Edwardian ring from the 1910’s is crafted in 18k white gold and showcases a GIA certified cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 5.25 carats, of Australian origin and unhea...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Platinum, Edwardian era Sapphire & Diamond Oval Halo Cluster ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Diamond & Sapphire Ring Platinum Circa 1910 An exquisite Edwardian-era ring crafted in platinum, showcasing the era’s signature elegance, symmetry, and fine detail.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Sapphire & Diamond Ring Hallmarked Birmingham 1906
Located in Brighton, GB
This exquisite piece features a centre, natural diamond flanked by two beautiful blue natural sapphires. The ring exudes timeless elegance and showcases intricate craftsmanship typic...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond & Sapphire Silver on 18K Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
This circa 1910s Edwardian diamond and sapphire cocktail ring doesn't just sparkle - it tells a story.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Edwardian Sapphire and Damond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic three stone ring holds an emerald cut sapphire measuring 15pts at the centre and ether side there is a shimmering round cut diamonds measuring 15pts each. Modelled in 18...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic three stone ring holds an square cut sapphire measuring 35pts at the centre and either side there is a shimmering round cut diamond measuring 5pts each. Modelled in 18ct...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian era Square Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1910 Step back in time with this stunning Edwardian-era ring, beautifully crafted in 18ct gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian period, this stunning three stone ring features a vivid blue sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by a pair of sparkling old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian English GIA 2.45 carat no heat sapphire diamond 22k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional Edwardian ring centers on a striking 2.45 carat round brilliant cut blue sapphire, certified by GIA #6237153833, sourced from Cambodia and left completely untreated,...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18k Gold Edwardian Style Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring, App. 0.86 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
Natural No Heat Vintage Blue Sapphire And Diamond Cut Corner Profile Ring. This vintage ring has a natural, no heat, oval faceted sapphire center stone of navy blue color, 1.37 CTS, ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 2.80 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.00 carat Transparent dark blue in color and set in a platinum milgrain bezel Featuring a double halo surround of old Europea...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Edwardian three stone ring showcases a deep blue sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by two old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Marquise Blue Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Total weight: 4.60 g.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rose Gold Diamond Sapphire Edwardian Cluster Ring 18k Mine .36ctw Stripe Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Era: Edwardian Date: 1900s - 1910s Metal Content: 18k Rose Gold & 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central sapphire measures 35pts and the ones either side measure 10pts each. In between the blue stones are pairs of rose cut diamonds measuring 2pts per pair. The ring is modell...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
18ct Rose Gold Edwardian Clover Crossover Ruby Diamond Sapphire Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Clover Ring 18ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1900 Beautiful, Edwardian ‘Red, White & Blue’ Clover Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Edwardian Style Cluster 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Style Weight: 4.70 g.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Indulge in timeless sophistication with this luxurious Edwardian-style engagement ring. A dazzling round diamond, flanked by deep blue sapphires, creates an exquisite interplay of br...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian 14k Gold Platinum GIA 1.56ct Old No Heat Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inquiries.) Ring Width: 12.5mm (0.49") (top of the ring - north to south), 11.5m (0.45")(at the halo, east to west) - 3mm (bottom of th...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian T.B. Starr 14k Gold Platinum GIA 4.95ct Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Starr Condition: Antique, Edwardian. Shows some light wear. Newer center sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.90ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Edwardian three stone ring features a vibrant pink Sapphire at its centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct and Platinum, Edwardian era Sapphire & Diamond Oval Cluster ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Diamond & Sapphire Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 An exquisite Edwardian era ring, beautifully crafted in 18ct yellow gold and platinum, dating to the early 20th century.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold
Edwardian Sapphire Ruby Old Cut Diamond Toi Et Moi Cluster 18k yellow gold ring
Located in London, GB
An original Edwardian Natural Ruby, sapphire and old cut diamond cluster toi et moi ring set into 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Antique Edwardian Blue Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This striking Edwardian ring is in excellent condition, with a fabulous combination of sapphires and intricate hand-crafted detail, making it a perfect choice for an engagement ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Edwardian 18K Sapphire & Old Mine Cut Diamond Celestial Star Ring, Size 7
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: This Edwardian 18K gold ring showcases three delicate stars, each centered with a precious stone, two blue sapphires and one old mine cut diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Gold Edwardian/Art Deco Two Stone Diamond Ring with Sapphires
Located in Venice, CA
This stunning 18k white gold, diamond, and sapphire ring is from the cusp of the late Edwardian and early Art Deco eras, circa 1915-1920.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Blue Aquamarine Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This is a beautifully designed Edwardian style ring. The ring is elegantly geometric with both curved elements and lines.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian 1.02 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique Edwardian sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 10k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum
8 Carat Vivid Blue Sapphire in Edwardian Antique Diamond Mounting
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
8.00 carat bright blue sapphire gem with an antique Edwardian style diamond mounting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Sapphire OMC Diamond Ring Wedding Engagement 14K White Gold Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
THIS IS A STUNNING ORIGINAL ART DECO - EDWARDIAN OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND RING WITH FINE BLUE SAPPHIRE ACCENTS OF INCREDIBLE BEAUTY AND STYLE IN AN OVAL DOME SHAPED FORM WITH OPEN WORK I...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This jaw dropping ring, an Art Deco design piece of art is made of white gold and features an approx. 0.70 carat central bezel set blue sapphire. The rest of the ring’s top contains ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Style Floral Motif Dinner Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Make a bold statement with this Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Floral Motif Dinner Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k 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.
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.