Pear Cut Emerald Heart Motif 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pear Cut Emerald Heart Motif 14K Gold Ring combines vibrant gemstones and diamonds in a luxurious, timeless design. Crafted in 14K yellow and rose gold, the ring features a stunn...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emerald-Cut Royal Blue 14K (18k upon request) Yellow Gold Sapphire Eternity Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Emerald-Cut Royal Blue Sapphire Eternity Ring is the epitome of refined luxury. Crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, this striking piece features a seamless band of emerald-cut roya...
Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.73 Carat Natural Rose Cut Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful halo ring featuring a 0.73 Carat Natural Rose Cut Diamond and 0.54 Carats Diamond accents Ring set in Platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.18 Carat Siam 'Thailand' Ruby and Diamond Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Vintage Estate ring set in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 2.18 Carat Natural Siam (Thailand) Ruby and 1.96 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in San...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1975
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier ruby, sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. Set with five octagonal emerald-cut diamonds in open back claw settings with a combined approximate weight of 1.00 carats, further s...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
DGL Certified Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond Cluster Platinum Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Two certified round diamonds, perfectly paired and set in a unique, stylish design that celebrates eternal bonds and unmatched brilliance. - Center White Diamonds- 1.16 CT (DGL Cert...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Bellerophon Certified Natural Mozambique Ruby 3.03 Carat Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and finely balanced ruby ring, crafted in 18K white gold, centered by a natural ruby weighing 3.03 carats, certified by Bellerophon Gemlab. The ruby is cut in an octagona...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 2.00ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 2.00 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1960s Size: N
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 0.82 E VS2 Diamond and Ruby Deco Style Ring
Located in New York, NY
KEY COMPONENTS: Diamond: 1 pc. - Emerald Cut - 0.82 CTS certified by GIA as EVS2 32 pcs. - Round full-cuts - 0.15 CTS non-certified Ruby: 32 pcs. - Mixed calibrated ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Pear shape and Round Brilliant cut White Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant amalgamation of beautifully shaped white diamonds, created to make a one-of-a-kind ring that catches a glimpse. Pear and Round Shape White diamonds: 0.76 cts Round Brilli...
White Diamond, Platinum
1.24CT Natural Oval Ruby Platinum Art Deco Setting with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
For those who adore vintage, this art deco cocktail ring is an absolute must-have. The natural oval ruby is truly a work of art, complemented by emerald cut diamonds on either side, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Aquamarine, ruby and diamond cocktail ring, circa 1950.
Located in London, GB
Aquamarine, ruby and diamond cocktail ring. Set with an octagonal emerald-cut natural aquamarine in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 8.22 carats, flanked by si...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby
GIA Certified Unheated 2 Carat Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band in Platinum
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This spectacular eternity band features a fine 2.00 carat emerald-cut unheated ruby and over 3 carats in baguette cut diamonds!
White Diamond, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Round Brilliant Cut Pink and White Diamond 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Round Brilliant Cut Natural Pink Diamonds - 0.15 cts Round Brilliant Cut White Diamond - 0.29 cts Made in Gold and Platinum HYT Jewelry is a Fine Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry compan...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Certified Oval cut Natural Yellow Diamond and White diamond Platinum Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Customized design made to enhance Oval Yellow Diamond with a halo of Yellow and White diamonds. The ring is a perfect creation with a unique motif. - Centre Diamond is CGL Lab Certi...
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
IGI Certified Round cut Colombian Emerald, Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Comes with IGI Certificate. Round cut Colombian (Muzo) Emerald - 1.17 cts Round Brilliant Cut yellow diamond - 0.1 cts Round Brilliant Cut white Diamonds - 0.38 cts Made in 18k Gol...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.60 Carat Diamond Ruby Cluster 18 Karat White Gold Claw Set Round Oval Cut Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Elegant and striking 1.60 Carat total diamond and ruby Cluster Ring, The radiant oval ruby is surrounded by 10 white stunning white diamonds weighing a total of 0.60 carat color G/H ...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
4ct Pear Cut Diamond Croc Tail Ring in Platinum and White diamonds
Located in Brisbane, AU
• 4ct F/SI Natural White Pear Cut Diamond • Handcrafted in Platinum • Also available in 18ct Yellow, White or Rose Gold • Stamped with the OHLIGUER crest •Valuation and diamond cer...
White Diamond, Platinum
Round brilliant cut Yellow diamond and White Diamond 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elegant and delicately designed Ring with Natural Yellow diamonds and White diamonds, set in Platinum and Gold.
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold
Certified Oval cut Natural Fancy Intense Yellow and White diamond Platinum Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Unique and gorgeous Intense Yellow pear shape Diamond ring. The radiance of diamond is enhanced by scintillating brilliant cut white diamonds
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
$104,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 4 Carat Untreated Ruby Trapezoid Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning ring features a certified natural untreated ruby weighing 4 carats, complemented by elegant trapeze-cut diamonds on either side. The vibrant red is beautifully highligh...
Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and 1.02 Carat D, Si-2 Diamond. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning t...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
French 1940s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Voluminous tank ring, it is decorated in its center with an emerald-cut ruby, with two rows of rose-cut diamonds and two rows of calibrated synthetic rubies on either side, in stagge...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
4.14 Carat Natural Oval-Cut Tanzanite and Diamond Cocktail Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 4.14 Carat Natural Tanzanite and 1.43 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Tanzanite's name was given by Tiffany and Co after its only known source: T...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
1.01 Carat Trillion Diamond GIA Emerald Platinum Snake Serpent Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Striking Red Carpet GIA Trillion Diamond and Emerald Platinum Serpent Snake Fabulous Statement Ring.
Art Deco 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c1920s
Located in London, GB
Each gem is claw set into wonderfully hand crafted collets and sat upon a simple band of the same metal. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Carat Weight: 0.90 Metal: Platinum A...
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
Ruby Diamond Cluster 0.80 Carat Claw Set 18 Karat White Gold Round Oval Cut Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Elegant and striking 0.80 Carat total diamond and ruby Cluster Ring, The radiant oval ruby is surrounded by 10 white stunning white diamonds weighing a total of 0.30 carat color G/H ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Ye...
Handmade Platinum GIA Certified 18.90 Carat Cushion Cut Pink Topaz Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Identification Report # 5231069297 One of a Kind Handmade in Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Impressive Cushion Cut Elongated 18.90 Carat Pink Topaz Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Emeral...
Topaz
Classic ring with round cut Pink diamonds and white diamonds, made in platinum
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The ring is made of rare pink and white diamonds . Its classic design ensures that it will remain a cherished piece for a lifetime, while its stunning brilliance reflects the depth o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
4.28ct Green Emerald Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tsavor...
1.302 Carat Natural 'Type-A' Jadeite and Rose Cut Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring featuring a 1.302 Carat, Natural, Non-dyed Jadeite and 0.50 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Jadeite has been cherished for millennia. Its nature is pure a...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
GRS Cert. 2.29 Carat Natural Vivid Green, Heart-Shaped Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a GRS Certified 2.29 Carat Natural Vivid Green, Insignificantly Treated Emerald and 0.33 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Certified Natural Ruby 5.91 Carat Diamond Ring Art Deco Style 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Certified Thai Natural Ruby 5.91 Carat Diamond Ring Art Deco Style 18K White Gold AIGS A breathtaking and highly important natural Thai ruby and diamond statement ring featuring a m...
Ruby, Sapphire, Star Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
Beautiful 6.95 Carat Ruby & Diamond Eternity Band
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
-Rubies: 3.41 carat, Emerald-Cut, Natural Rubies -Diamonds: 3.54 carat, Emerald-Cut, G/H Color, VS1 Clarity -Metal: Platinum -Ring Size: 6 A sophisticated and radiant jewel, this...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1925s Art Deco Tourmaline Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark and platinum mascaron hallmark. This charming Art Deco ring is adorned with a step-cut rubellite tourmaline held in place by four prongs. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, P...
Yellow Diamond White Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This mesmeric platinum ring features natural Yellow diamonds at its forefront, accentuated by a halo of glistening Rose-cut white diamonds which surrounds it.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
A.G.L. Burma Ruby and Diamond Thee-Stone Ring, by Pampillonia
By Pampillonia
Located in Bethesda, MD
From the master ring makers of Pampillonia jewelers a vivid red square cut ruby and diamond handmade ring. ♦ Designer: Pampillonia ♦ Metal: Platinum 18 karat ♦ Ruby=1.49 cart A.G.L c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Yellow Diamond White Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Pair this with your favourite outfit for that final luxurious touch – especially when paired with the matching pendant. - Round Brilliant Cut Yellow Diamonds total 0.20 carat - Round...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 9.71 Ct. Minor Oil Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Cushion-shaped ruby, 4.11 cts. Marquise-cut and tapered baguette-cut diamonds, total approximately 2.95 cts. Platinum, size 6.5 Carat Gem Lab: Thailand (Siam) indications of heating
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3.90ct Green Emerald Pear Shape Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, Tsavor...
GIA Certified 2.07 Carat, Unheated, Heart-Cut Sapphire & Diamond Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 2.07 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire and 0.67 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Yellow Diamond White Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A perfect statement piece, this ring will add a touch of elegance to any formal look. - Round Brilliant Cut Yellow Diamonds total 0.37 carat - Round Brilliant Cut White Diamonds tota...
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Argyle Pink Diamond White Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Bold and striking this unique ring is the perfect statement piece. Each diamond is hand-selected by our experts for its superior lustre. - Round Brilliant Cut Argyle Pink Diamonds to...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
3.98 Carat Natural 'AAA' Tanzanite and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 3.98 Carat Natural Tanzanite and 1.94 Carat Diamonds Made in Platinum. Tanzanite's name was given by Tiffany and Co after its only known source: Tanzania...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
2.83 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 2.83 Carat Natural Sapphire and 0.88 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well as ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
2.94 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 2.94 Carat Natural Sapphire and 1.67 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well as ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$33,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 6.28 Carat Unheated Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 6.28 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring A magnificent ruby graces the center of this elegant three-stone ring, weighing 6.28 carats and certified by GIA.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
Investment grade MINOR OIL 15 Carat Green Emerald Pave Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
a breathtaking masterpiece: a 15-carat natural emerald, certified as minor oil, radiating with unparalleled beauty. This exquisite gemstone is elegantly set in a solid platinum ring,...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Argyle Pink Diamond White Diamond Platinum Band Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A wonderful addition to anyone’s jewellery box, this piece would make a delightful gift. - Round Brilliant Cut Argyle Pink Diamonds total 0.58 carat - Round Brilliant Cut White Diamo...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Tresor Paris Bespoke Halo Mount Emerald Shape Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tresor Paris
Located in London, GB
For those who prefer other metals, we also offer this design in platinum, yellow gold, or rose gold on request. Why Choose an Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring?
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Go...
Natural Argyle Pink Diamond White Diamond Platinum Band Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A wonderful addition to anyone’s jewellery box, this piece would make a delightful gift. - Round Brilliant Cut Argyle Pink Diamonds total 0.32 carat - Round Brilliant Cut White Diamo...
Pink Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
1.28 Carat Natural Santa-Maria Aquamarine and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.28 Carat Natural Santa Maria color Aquamarine and 0.73 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Aquamarines have been prized gems throughout human hi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
2.29 Carat Natural Untreated African Spinel and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful halo ring featuring a 2.29 Carat Natural Unheated Spinel and 0.69 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Spinel has been frequently confused with ruby, but it’s a gem...
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
Contemporary Platinum Yellow and White Diamond Bridal Ring, 0.74ct
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Each diamond is hand-selected by our experts. - Round Brilliant Cut Yellow Diamonds total 0.20 carat - Round Brilliant Cut White Diamonds total 0.54 carat (color E-F, clarity VVS-VS)...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified Yellow Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A perfect companion to gorgeous formal looks, this show-stopping ring would make a wonderful addition to any jewelry box. - Center Diamond, GIA certified Oval shape Yellow Diamond 1....
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
8.80 Carat Unheated / Untreated Yellow Sapphire Cocktail Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 8.80 Carat Natural Untreated Yellow Sapphire and 1.01 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardn...
Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
1.81 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.81 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire and 1.00 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as w...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
2.47 ct Marquise cut and round brilliant cut White diamond Cocktail Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
- Marquise White Diamond- 2.05 CT - Round brilliant-cut White Diamonds- 0.42 CT Made in Platinum HYT Jewelry is a Fine Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry company with offices worldwide.
White Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Paris Tutti Frutti St Petersburg Ring In Platinum With Carved Gems &
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
The designs are considered the perfect mix of east and west because they are made up of brightly colored gemstones (like sapphires, rubies and emeralds) carved using Indian technique...
Carnelian, Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
7.05 Carat Natural Blue Zircon and Diamond Three Stone Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 7.05 Carat Natural Blue Zircon and 0.19 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The ring is made in Japan. Ring size and stamping detailed below. Conta...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, Platinum
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.