Tiffany Elsa Peretti Cabochon Ring
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings
Black Jade, Jade, Sterling Silver, Silver
Late 20th Century Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Gilt Metal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Dome Rings
Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century American Native American Cocktail Rings
Turquoise, Silver
Vintage 1950s American Link Bracelets
Lapis Lazuli, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Recent Sales
1990s Contemporary Band Rings
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 20th Century Contemporary Dome Rings
Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Hong Kong Contemporary Dome Rings
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Hong Kong Dome Rings
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century American Cocktail Rings
Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Black Jade, Jade, Sterling Silver, Silver
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings
Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Contemporary Chain Necklaces
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Spanish Modern Chain Bracelets
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Spanish Modern Chain Bracelets
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Hong Kong Clip-on Earrings
Malachite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Cufflinks
Malachite, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Dome Rings
Crystal
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Fashion Rings
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s American Modern Fashion Rings
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Early 2000s Hong Kong Cocktail Rings
Jade, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Jade, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1980s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Quartz, Silver, Sterling Silver
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong More Rings
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
20th Century Hong Kong More Rings
Jade, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong More Rings
Jade, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong More Rings
Turquoise, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Fashion Rings
Jade, Sterling Silver
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21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary American Bangles
Sterling Silver
1990s French Contemporary Band Rings
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s French Modern Bangles
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Pendant Necklaces
Jade, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Ball Gowns
Vintage 1960s French Retro Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Dangle Earrings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century French Engagement Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1810s Unknown Regency Drop Necklaces
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century American Modernist Cuff Bracelets
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century American Modern Choker Necklaces
Silver, Sterling Silver
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 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.
Read More
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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.