Antique 18ct White Gold & Platinum Edwardian Peridot & Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this stunning Edwardian cluster ring, featuring a magnificent peridot centre stone that captures...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Solid Natural Emerald Diamond Vintage Style Solitaire Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Refined look with this Natural Emerald Diamond Vintage Style Ring, designed to highlight elegance and intricate detail. Featuring a striking emerald set prominently at the center, th...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Emerald Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Enchantingly elegant, this Natural Emerald Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Ring blends vibrant color with luminous beauty. A rich green emerald pairs gracefully with glowing opal, cre...
Emerald, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Solid Gold Emerald and Pearl Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gracefully timeless, this Natural Emerald and Pearl Vintage Style Cluster Ring blends classic elegance with refined charm. A vibrant emerald takes center stage, beautifully complemen...
Pearl, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
9K Yellow Gold Pearl and Emerald Vintage Style Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous round pearl with vibrant round emeralds, each sets in graceful prongs to form soft, petal-like curves. The gentle glow of the pearl meets the lush green sparkle of emerald...
Emerald, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Pearl Emerald Diamond Victorian Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Delicately feminine and rich in vintage charm, this Victorian inspired floral ring features luminous pearls nestled within vivid emerald petals accented by shimmering diamonds. The g...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Natural Emerald Pearl Three Stone Cluster Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gracefully composed around three natural emeralds, this Emerald Three Stone Ring is framed with luminous pearls in a romantic Victorian-inspired design. Crafted in solid 9K yellow go...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Emerald and Pearl Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
At its heart shines a rich green emerald, symbolizing renewal and love. Surrounding the center stone, delicate pearls form a graceful floral motif, adding a soft, romantic charm. Int...
Emerald, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,600 / item
Emerald Three Stone Milgrain Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gracefully designed around three vivid emeralds, this Emerald Three Stone Ring captures the romance of antique-inspired jewelry in warm 14K yellow gold. Delicate milgrain detailing f...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Natural Emerald and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring features a stunning emerald at the center, symbolizing the eye-catching allure of a peacock’s plumage. The design is enha...
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,360Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Solid Emerald Diamond Victorian Style Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by the timeless romance of the Victorian era, this vintage-style five stone band ring showcases vivid green emeralds set in a graceful curved row across warm yellow gold. De...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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
14K Yellow Solid Gold Natural Emerald Vintage Style Filigree Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three vibrant emeralds take center stage, their rich green hue enhanced by intricate filigree detailing along the band. The vintage-inspired design adds delicate artistry and classic...
Emerald, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid Emerald and Diamond Vintage Style Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant emerald glows at the center of this creative vintage-style halo ring, radiating fresh green brilliance. Surrounding diamonds form a sparkling halo, unfolding like sunflower...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid Emerald and White Sapphire Vintage Style Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Two square emeralds define this creative vintage-style band ring, glowing with rich green elegance. Between them, three paired white sapphires add crisp brilliance and refined balanc...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$499Sale Price|20% Off
Certified Natural pave diamond emerald 925 silver gold plated eternity band ring
Located in Delhi, DL
This beautiful eternity band consists of following: Diamond type- Pave diamond Diamond origin- Natural earth mined (Conflict free) Diamond weight- 2.70ct Metal- silver Metal purity- ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold Plate, Silver
9K Yellow Gold Natural Emerald Pearl and Diamond Vintage Style Dragonfly Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by nature’s delicate beauty, the dragonfly’s wings are adorned on both sides with vibrant emeralds, luminous pearls, and sparkling diamonds. Each gemstone adds texture and b...
Pearl, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Emerald Cut Blue Topaz Vintage Style Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring features a natural square-cut Blue Topaz in a secure prong setting.Its vivid blue color offers a brilliant, eye-catching sparkle. Delicate floral filigree alo...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal Emerald Ruby Tanzanite Diamond Vintage Style Floral Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A breathtaking celebration of spring’s vibrant colors. The center features a mesmerizing opal surrounded by radiant emeralds, rubies, and tanzanites, arranged like colorful leaves i...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Tanzanite, 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...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, 14k Gold
$1,620Sale Price / item|20% Off
Regal Emerald Diamond Long Statement Ring for Women in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Regal Emerald Diamond Long Statement Ring for Women in 18K Gold featuring natural emerald of 0.84 carats and diamonds of 0.31 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every st...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Emerald Filigree Three Stone Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bringing together luminous natural opals, vibrant emerald accents, and sparkling diamonds, this Opal Emerald Ring features an elegant Filigree Three Stone Ring design crafted in soli...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Pearl Filigree Antique Style Three Stone Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gracefully composed with three vivid emeralds, this Emerald Three Stone Ring is accented by luminous pearls and intricate filigree in 14K gold.
Pearl, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vivid Oval Emerald Diamond Sun Ray Halo Unique Luxury Vintage 18 White Gold Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Vivid Oval Emerald Diamond Sun Ray Halo Unique Luxury Vintage Style White Gold Ring 18 Karat White Gold 10.00 CT Vivid Fancy Intense Green Oval-Shape Emerald Emerald is a very vivid,...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Sapphire Vintage Style Three Stones Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite ring features a vibrant natural emerald at its center, symbolizing love and vitality. Flanking the emerald, two deep blue natural sapphires represent wisdom and streng...
Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond and Emerald Ring Old European Cuts 1.50 Carat
Located in San Diego, CA
ANTIQUE EDWARDIAN DIAMONDS & EMERALDS ENGAGEMENT RING Style: Solitaire with Side Stones Metal: Platinum Head and 14k White Gold shank Size: 6 - sizable Total Carat Weight: 1.50 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Pearl Vintage Style Floral Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three vibrant emeralds form a striking vertical line at the heart of this vintage-style floral ring, radiating rich, verdant color. Opals crown both the top and bottom, their soft, i...
Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Emerald Cabochon Three Stone Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Sapphire Three Stone Ring centers a rich blue sapphire cabochon, flanked by one emerald cabochon on each side in warm 9K yellow gold. The balanced arrangement creates striking c...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Emerald and Amethyst Vintage Style Three Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Celebrate timeless elegance with this Natural Emerald and Amethyst Vintage-Style Three Stones Ring. Featuring a vibrant emerald at the center, flanked by two rich amethysts, this des...
Amethyst, Emerald, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A wonderful vintage three-stone ring. Centrally set with a stunning round emerald measuring approximately 70 points, flanked either side by 10 point round cut diamonds. The stones an...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold
Garnet and Emerald Vintage Style Three Stones Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Three captivating garnets, each set at the center of the design, creating a bold and beautiful focal point. Between each garnet, two vibrant emeralds delicately separate them, adding...
Emerald, Garnet, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$63Sale Price / item|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Citrine Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Citrine, Silver
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Amethyst Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Amethyst, Silver
Vintage Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 8 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This 8ct gold band has a ruby, emerald and sapphire set within it with diamonds in between. The three coloured stones measure 5pts each and the diamonds measure 3pts each. Ring Siz...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
$161Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Peridot Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Peridot, Silver
$63Sale Price / item|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Lemon Quartz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Quartz, Silver
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Lemon Quartz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Quartz, Silver
Silver925 Natural Smoke Quartz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Quartz, Silver
Silver925 Natural Blue Topaz Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Silver
Silver925 Lab Created Citrine White Topaz Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Topaz, Citrine, Silver
Silver925 Lab Created Amethyst White Topaz Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Amethyst, Topaz, Silver
$98Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural London Blue Topaz Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Lab Created Amethyst White Topaz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Topaz, Amethyst, Silver
Aquamarine Filigree Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Gracefully designed to symbolize a love meant to last, this Aquamarine Engagement Ring showcases a serene aquamarine set in yellow gold, allowing its refreshing blue hue to take cent...
Aquamarine, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Natural diamonds ruby peridot sterling silver wedding engagement ring
Located in Delhi, DL
Stunning real natural diamond ruby peridot sterling silver ring consists of : Metal- Silver Metal Purity- sterling silver Diamond- Natural diamonds Diamond origin- Natural earth min...
Diamond, Ruby, Peridot, Sterling Silver
14K White Gold Peridot Vintage Style Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Freshly elegant, this Peridot Vintage Style Filigree Engagement Ring combines vibrant color with intricate craftsmanship for timeless appeal. A luminous peridot takes center stage, w...
Peridot, 14k Gold, White Gold
Amethyst Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A striking emerald-cut natural amethyst, showcasing its rich purple hue in a sleek, sophisticated shape. The sharp lines of the emerald cut enhance the gemstone’s brilliance, creatin...
Amethyst, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Gold Natural Garnet Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brings classic elegance to your jewelry collection. At its center lies an emerald cut deep red garnet, glowing with rich, romantic warmth that symbolizes passion and strength. The v...
Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold
Natural Amethyst Cabochon Serpent Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by timeless symbolism, this Coiled Serpent Ring features a captivating natural amethyst accented by vibrant natural emeralds, all set within an elegantly sculpted serpent de...
Amethyst, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Opal Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Capturing the delicate romance of the Edwardian era, this vintage-style tapered ring features a luminous emerald-cut natural opal at the center, accented by sparkling diamonds and fi...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.2 Ct. Amethyst Vintage Style Filigree Ring in Solid 9K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The Natural Amethyst Vintage Style Filigree Ring features a stunning emerald-cut amethyst at its center, exuding a rich pinkish purple hue. The amethyst is elegantly framed by intric...
Amethyst, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
9K Yellow Gold Peridot Vintage Style Floral Motif Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Bright and full of life, this vintage-style ring features a brilliant peridot set in classic prongs, glowing with a fresh green sparkle like sunlight through spring leaves. The band ...
Pearl, Peridot, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Vintage Style Filigree Solitaire Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A radiant emerald cut blue topaz shines at the center of this vintage-style filigree ring, glowing with a cool, sparkling brilliance. Set in a classic design, the stone is framed by ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1920s Peridot and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this stunning 1920s rectangular cluster ring, featuring a magnificent peridot centre stone t...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Peridot and White Sapphire Vintage Style Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant emerald cut peridot shines at the center of this vintage-style ring, radiating fresh, verdant brilliance. Its step-shoulder band is adorned with sparkling white sapphires, ...
Peridot, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K White Solid Gold Peridot and Pearl Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous emerald cut peridot takes center stage, beautifully complemented by the gentle glow of classic pearls. Delicate filigree detailing along the shoulders adds vintage-inspire...
Pearl, Peridot, 9k Gold, Gold, White Gold
9K Rose Gold Blue Topaz Vintage Style Filigree Solitaire Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Captures the grace of antique craftsmanship with a fresh, modern sparkle. At the center, an emerald-cut blue topaz glows with cool, crystalline brilliance—adding a touch of serenity ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K Gold Emerald & Diamond Earrings Ring Set, Europe
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Antique European Emerald and Diamond Earrings and Ring Set Rare Antique European Edwardian style Halo earrings and ring set. 14k rose and white gold (stamp 585).
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
9K Yellow Solid Gold Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Dreamily captivating, this Amethyst and Opal Vintage Style Cluster Ring blends rich color with luminous beauty. A regal amethyst anchors the design, while shimmering opals surround i...
Amethyst, Opal, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
London Blue Topaz Ring with Diamond Accents in 9KYellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Make a sophisticated statement with this captivating London Blue Topaz Ring. Radiating timeless design, this piece features an emerald cut topaz set in a warm, antique-inspired gold ...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow 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.
No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”
There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!
There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.
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.