14K Gold 5.12tcw Oval Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Ring, Star Style Unisex
Located in Jupiter, FL
Make a bold statement with this exquisite emerald and diamond women's ring, a true embodiment of elegance and sophistication. At the heart of the design, a stunning 4.89-carat oval-s...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Alex Jona Cabochon Tanzanite White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold ring centering a cabochon Tanzanite weighing 7.67 carats surrounded by a constellation of white diamonds weigh...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI 14K 4.63 Ct Emerald&Pink Diamonds Antique Art Deco Style Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI 14K 4.63 Ct Emerald&Pink Diamonds Antique Art Deco Style Engagement Ring* A natural Zambia green emerald weighing 4.63 ct is set on a 14K white gold arc deco design band wi...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 7.77 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond White Gold Cabochon Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
GIA certified natural purple pink cabochon star sapphire diamond ring. 7.77 carat oval center sapphire with a halo of 12 old European cut diamonds in a 14k white gold setting. Circa ...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rectangle Faceted Emerald Shape Green Sapphire Cabochon 14K Gold Diamond Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This exquisite ring features a stunning emerald-shape green sapphire as the centerpiece. The sapphire is beautifully complemented and accentuated with sparkling diamonds. Crafted in ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Rectangular Shape Blue Sapphire Faceted Cabochon Slice 14kGold Diamond Halo Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This striking ring is finely crafted in 14k gold. The centerpiece is a large, rectangular blue sapphire. The frame is adorned with a delicate border of sparkling diamonds (0.29ct) 1...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Bezel Blue Stone Detailed Work Frame Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Blue Stone - Oval Cabochon - Bezel Set - Blue Color - 17.2x14.9mm (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 3.60 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Fitted on a...
Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring 14kt Yellow Gold Natural Untreated Ruby Cabochon
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning ruby & diamond cocktail ring made with oval cabochon (100% natural and untreated ruby) in 14KT yellow gold. GRAM WEIGHT: 4.58gr METAL: 14KT yellow gold NATURAL DIAMOND(S) ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18 Carat Blue Sapphire Cabochon and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
18 Carat Blue Sapphire Cabochon natural Diamonds 4.5 ct of brilliant Round cut diamonds. 3 Marquise shape Emeralds on each side. 18 K yellow gold 26 Grams Unisex ring Ring size 6...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique English 15k Yellow Gold Ruby Cabochon and Old Mine-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully balanced example of late Victorian craftsmanship, this antique English ring is finely fashioned in rich 15-karat yellow gold and centered by a vibrant ruby cabochon of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 15k Gold
Peter Suchy 2.42 Carat Alexandrite Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
GIA certified Alexandrite and diamond three-stone engagement ring. Oval cabochon Alexandrite center stone with two round accent diamonds with a halo of round diamonds.
Alexandrite, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
New Platinum Gubelin 5.63ct Triangle Cabochon Sapphire Pear Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This uniquely designed and very well made three-stone ring is newly crafted in solid platinum and features a magnificent, Gubelin certified, natural sapphire stone perfectly claw-pro...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18k White Gold Gubelin Round Cabochon Ceylon Sapphire & 0.63ct Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous sapphire and diamond ring was crafted from solid 18k white gold. It features a Gubelin certified round cabochon cut sapphire neatly prong set at the center of a halo of...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Alex Jona Cabochon Tanzanite White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Solitaire Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold ring centering a cabochon Tanzanite weighing 6.32 carats. The shoulders are set with 84 White diamonds weighin...
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cushion Shape Cabochon Blue Opal 14K White Gold Cocktail Diamond Halo Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant 14K Gold Blue Opal Ring. This exquisite ring features a captivating blue Opal set in a sleek, modern design. The Opal is encased in a polished gold bezel, enhancing its deep ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Round Shape Blue Sapphire Faceted Cabochon Slice 14K Gold Diamond Halo Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring. This exquisite piece features a large, round blue sapphire set in a halo of sparkling diamonds. The sapphire is faceted, enhancing its deep blue...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Shape Cabochon Green Aquamarine 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking Aquamarine and Diamond Ring, featuring a captivating round green Aquamarine set in 14k Yellow Gold, elegantly accented with white Diamonds. 10MM Aquamarine.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Shape Faceted Blue Sapphire Cabochon Diamond Halo 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking round blue sapphire 20x15 MM ring surrounded by diamonds and set in 14k gold. The gemstone is faceted and encircled by a delicate gold band.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Black Onyx Cabochon Diamonds Swirl Scroll 14K Rose Gold Diamond Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking and unique ring. This piece features a bold black onyx set in a 14k rose gold band. The stone is adorned with intricate circular accent diamonds (0.30ctw), adding a touch ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Oval Shape Cabochon Mandarin Black Onyx & White Diamond 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.20x2.00x3.10cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "108 White Diamonds 1.13 CT 1 MXMT 21.83 CT 18 Onyx 4.23 CT 18KR 10.73 GM (WOIT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Elegant Cabochon Opal with Zircon Halo Ring Mothers Day Gift in 925 Silver
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Cabochon Opal with Zirconia Halo Ring in 925 Solid Sterling Silver.
Opal, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
Art Deco Fine Natural Emerald 6Ct Cabochon Ring Flanked by Bezel Set Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A very fine Original Art Deco 6 ct Certified Natural Columbian Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Ring set in Platinum. A stunning emerald stone is flanked by two dazzling bezel set old mi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Anello in Stile Vintage in Oro Rosa e Rubini Cabochon
Located in Cattolica, IT
Un delizioso anello in oro rosa 18 Kt e Rubini taglio Cabochon del peso di 0.78 carati. Questo anello è realizzato interamente a mano. Ha un caratteristico design in stile anni '60. ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.86 CTW Opal Cabochon Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped opal cabochon measuring 6.0 x 8.0 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color - bezel set With a halo surround of old mine cut diamonds w...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K gold ring with a 2.54tcw natural sugarloaf cabochon cut emerald and diamond
Located in Jupiter, FL
Indulge in unparalleled glamour with our exquisite emerald and diamond cocktail ring, featuring a captivating Sugarloaf-cut emerald bezel-set at its center, commanding attention with...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
55 Carat Pear Shape Emerald Cabochon & 5.5 Ct Diamond Ring /Pendant 14 Kt Gold
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring convertible to Pendant 55 Carat Pear Shape Emerald Cabochon & 5.5 Ct Diamond Ring /pendant 14 Karat White Gold Approximately 5.5 Carats of Diamond , ...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Opal 14k Gold Ring, Multicolor Opal Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Round opal 14k gold ring. Opal engagement ring. Opal Geometric ring.
Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold
$343Sale Price / item|42% Off
Oval amethyst ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval amethyst ring in 925 silver. Metal: 925 silver Weight 2.38 gr depends from size Gemstones: Amethyst: oval cabochon shape, purple color, VS transparent clarity, weight 2.5 ct a...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver
$343Sale Price / item|53% Off
Oval citrine ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval citrine ring in 925 silver. Metal: 925 silver Weight 2.38 gr depends from size Gemstones: Citrine: oval cabochon shape, color yellow, VS transparent clarity, weight 2.5 ct app...
Citrine, Diamond, Silver
Vintage Coral Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a vibrant coral and diamond eternity ring. This vintage piece features an alternating pattern of marquise-shaped cabochon corals and pairs of round transitional-cut diam...
Coral, 18k Gold
$945Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal and Diamonds 14k Gold Ring. Round Halo Opal Gold Ring!
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal engagement ring. Round opal ring. October birthstone opal ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage Platinum Jelly Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A 2.89ct oval opal cabochon centers this vintage platinum ring, displaying green, blue, violet, and red flashes within a translucent, subtly golden body. The high domed stone is secu...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$4,060
18k Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Bold and Elegant. Set with a Cabochon-Cut Ruby. Encircled by Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds. Gold Setting. 21st Century. Size - 3.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1940s Jade and Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with a Cabochon Jade. Circa 1940s Size 6, resizable
Jade, 14k Gold
Antique sardonyx and diamond ring
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian half-hoop ring comprised of banded agate with diamond accents, in 15k gold. * Free shipping * Includes letter of authenticity for insurance purposes * Please do not hesi...
Agate, Diamond, 15k Gold
Vintage Teddy Goodluck Sterling Silver Turquoise Ring
Located in New York, NY
This substantial Teddy Goodluck ring centers on a large freeform turquoise cabochon displaying blue-green coloration with naturally varied matrix. The stone is framed by a broad ster...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Vintage Yellow Gold Jade Oval Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring features an elegant jade oval cabochon set in 13k yellow gold, showcasing the stone’s smooth texture and rich green color. The warm gold setting enhances the jade’s...
Jade, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Taffin Moonstone Enamel Ring
By Taffin
Located in New York, NY
A striking moonstone set in a sleek, modern design. This sculptural ring by Taffin embodies contemporary elegance with its bold form. Crafted in smooth 18k gold, the ring features a ...
Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Stephen Dweck Sterling Coral Flower Ring
By Stephen Dweck
Located in Flushing, NY
Stephen Dweck Sterling Coral Flower Ring Marked: Stephen Dweck STERLING Approximate Dimensions: 7.25 (Size) 1.4 inches (Length) 20.8 grams in weight.
Coral, Silver
Vintage 24k Yellow Gold 4.8ct Jadeite Jade Ring
Located in New York, NY
A 4.8ct oval jadeite cabochon centers this vintage 24k yellow gold ring, its domed green surface contrasting with the rich gold mounting. Eight broad prongs surround the stone, formi...
Jade, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,798Sale Price|55% Off
Boulder Opal Ring Gold Statement Art Nouveau style ring large
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
Natural boulder Opal 14k yellow gold ring Opal origin - Australia Opal measurements - 0.16 х 0.59 х 1.18 in / 4 х 15 х 30 mm gemstone weight - 16.50 carats ring weight - 10.44 grams...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,890Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Opal and Diamonds Ring in 14k Gold. Gold Ring with Opal
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal and diamonds ring in 14k gold. Genuine opal ring. Gold ring with opal Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 2.4 g (depends from size) Main stone - opal, black with color play, o...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold
GIA Certified Platinum Jadeite Jade and Diamond Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
A platinum ring centered by an oval double cabochon jadeite jade of translucent green color, framed by a halo of square step-cut and round brilliant-cut diamonds. The substantial set...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
GIA Certified 14K Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
GIA CERTIFIED 14K GOLD EMERALD AND DIAMOND RING A 14K gold ring centered by a marquise-shaped cabochon emerald of transparent green color, bezel-set within a diamond surround and acc...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
11 Carat Jade Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail Ring Retro Art Deco
Located in New York, NY
INDULGE IN A SUPERB NATURAL 11 CARAT LAVENDER JADE AND SAPPHIRE RING IN 14K GOLD. THE ANTIQUE ART DECO - RETRO RING IS CENTERED WITH A STUNNING 11 CT LAVENDER JADE CABOCHON OF GREA...
Jade, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,203Sale Price / item|30% Off
Green jade 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Green jade 14k gold ring. Oval cabochon jade ring. Jade gold ring. Jade vintage style ring.
Sapphire, Jade, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Jadeite Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940
Located in London, GB
A vintage jade and diamond engagement ring in platinum, circa 1950. This ring features a central marquise shaped cabochon of 'imperial green coloured' jadeite, claw set in platinum ...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Antique 23k Yellow Gold Jadeite Jade Saddle Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique saddle ring is crafted in rich 23k yellow gold and centered by jadeite jade within a broad, sculptural profile. The high-karat gold gives the piece a deep warm tone, whi...
Jade, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Gypsy Set 3ct Star Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is a striking and highly distinctive gemstone piece, centered by a star sapphire cabochon that gives it both visual mystery and strong collector appeal. Star sapphi...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond Jade Platinum Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped jade cabochon measuring 13.0 x 10.0 mm Translucent medium green- bezel set with halo surround Comprised of old European cut diamonds bead set in semi-bezels ...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Vintage Ming's Yellow Gold Gray Jade Floral Accented Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage Ming's of Honolulu 13k yellow gold ring features smooth gray jade cabochons arranged in a bold, elongated profile. The soft translucent gray tone of the jade gives the r...
Jade, Yellow Gold
Vintage BVLGARI Sugarloaf Blue Topaz 18K Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Greenwich, CT
The ring is bezel set with a large sugarloaf cut blue topaz, a four sided cabochon rising to a pyramid point, held in a wide mount. The shoulders taper broadly from the bezel to the ...
Blue Topaz, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Coral Tubogas Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Vintage 18K Gold Coral Tubogas Ring Marked: 750 Approximate Dimensions: 8 - Adjustable (Ring Size) 5.71 x 3.80 mm (Coral) 11.1 grams in weight.
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1950s Type A Jadeite Jade Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
A striking 1950s platinum jadeite jade and diamond ring centered by a substantial oval jadeite cabochon, displaying a translucent green color and softly domed profile. The impressive...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
14K Gold Garnet Beads Moonstone Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
14K Gold Garnet Beads Moonstone Ring Approximate Dimensions: 6.75 (Ring Size) 18.42 mm (Width) x 18.12 mm (Depth) (Moonstone) 16.0 grams in weight. ** All dimensions listed above a...
Moonstone, Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum 7.52ct Colombian Emerald and 5.30tcw Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is an exceptionally important and highly collectible gemstone piece, centered by a remarkable 7.52 carat Colombian emerald surrounded by 5.30 carats total weight of...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
4.18 Carat Cats Eye Chrysoberyl Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This refined ring centers on a 4.18-carat cat’s eye chrysoberyl of vivid yellowish-green color. The stone displays a sharp, silvery chatoyant band—the classic “cat’s eye” effect—crea...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Platinum
Mid Century GIA 3.00 carat Burma no heat ruby platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Rubies of this caliber rarely come to market. This Mid-Century ring centers an oval double cabochon ruby weighing approximately 3.00 carats, GIA-certified as originating from Burma's...
Ruby, Platinum
IO SI 18K Gold Diamond Citrine Cocktail Ring
By io Si
Located in Flushing, NY
A signed IO SI ring crafted in 18-karat gold and centered by a cushion-cut citrine displaying warm amber tones. The gemstone is overlaid with a diamond-set square motif positioned di...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Jade Diamond Platinum Vintage Buckle Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped jade cabochon measuring 18.0 x 13.0 mm - translucent medium green Set in basket via wide tab prongs and flanked by pierced buckle motif shoulders Accented by...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold 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.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.