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Essex Crystal Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Yellow Gold Dog Cocktail Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal Yellow Gold Dog Cocktail Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Yellow Gold Dog Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An impressive Essex crystal reverse intaglio and 9 karat yellow gold 'dog' cocktail ring; part of

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Essex Crystal and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An impressive Essex crystal reverse intaglio and 9 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our

Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

Past Sights Beautiful example of Victorian period Essex Crystal reverse intaglio ring depicting

Category

Antique 1860s European Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Crystal, 18k Gold

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Gold Dog Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Gold Dog Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Gold Dog Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

The domed round shape rock crystal reverse intaglio painted to depict a Yorkshire Terrier. Mounted

Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Recent Sales

Exquisite Essex Crystal and Diamond Ring
Exquisite Essex Crystal and Diamond Ring

Exquisite Essex Crystal and Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

intaglio in Essex crystal. The process to make a piece like this is a long and highly skilled effort of

Category

Antique 1850s British Early Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Essex Crystal Horse Ring in Rose Gold
Essex Crystal Horse Ring in Rose Gold

Essex Crystal Horse Ring in Rose Gold

Located in PARIS, FR

Essex crystal horse ring in rose gold 18 karats. Antique Edwardian ring decorated with a crystal of

Category

Antique 1890s European Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Hand Painted Essex Crystal Ring Depicting a Robin, 1860
Antique Hand Painted Essex Crystal Ring Depicting a Robin, 1860

Antique Hand Painted Essex Crystal Ring Depicting a Robin, 1860

Located in Baltimore, MD

9K marquis shaped Essex crystal ring, c 1860 featuring a portrait of a red robin perched on the

Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 10k Gold

French Essex Crystal Ring Sterling Silver
French Essex Crystal Ring Sterling Silver

French Essex Crystal Ring Sterling Silver

Located in Stamford, CT

An extremely rare reverse crystal ring (reverse crystal intaglio) of a Venetian male celebrating

Category

French Signet Rings

Antique Cartier Rock Crystal Quartz 14 Karat Gold Fox Essex Crystal Ring
Antique Cartier Rock Crystal Quartz 14 Karat Gold Fox Essex Crystal Ring

Antique Cartier Rock Crystal Quartz 14 Karat Gold Fox Essex Crystal Ring

By Cartier

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Featuring a 13.5 mm round and domed rock crystal quartz cabochon Reverse carved to depict a

Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Crystal, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Essex Crystal Conversion Ring Horse Fox Dog Vintage 14k Gold Jewelry
Victorian Essex Crystal Conversion Ring Horse Fox Dog Vintage 14k Gold Jewelry

Victorian Essex Crystal Conversion Ring Horse Fox Dog Vintage 14k Gold Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Unique Victorian Essex Crystal ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Four Essex crystal panels

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Essex Crystal Sporting Motif Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal Sporting Motif Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Sporting Motif Ring

Located in New York, NY

A charming little reminder of the Victorian era's interest in all things sporting, this lovely ring

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian More Rings

Materials

Crystal, 14k Gold

Essex Crystal Victorian Gold Navy Flag Ring
Essex Crystal Victorian Gold Navy Flag Ring

Essex Crystal Victorian Gold Navy Flag Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

With a domed round rock crystal reverse intaglio painted to depict three colors Navy flag To a

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, Crystal, 18k Gold, Gold

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Gold Horse Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Gold Horse Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Gold Horse Ring

Located in Southampton, PA

14k Yellow Gold Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Horse Ring. With domed round shape rock

Category

Antique 1880s British More Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 14k Gold

1960s Sapphire Diamond Essex Crystal 14 Karat Gold Vintage Blue Bird Bypass Ring
1960s Sapphire Diamond Essex Crystal 14 Karat Gold Vintage Blue Bird Bypass Ring

1960s Sapphire Diamond Essex Crystal 14 Karat Gold Vintage Blue Bird Bypass Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering a 14.0 mm round reverse carved Essex crystal with a hand-painted relief Depicting an

Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Westminster Terrier Stuart Crystal Ring "Best in Show"
Westminster Terrier Stuart Crystal Ring "Best in Show"

Westminster Terrier Stuart Crystal Ring "Best in Show"

Located in Stamford, CT

look as if he were saying "what did I do now?" The ring, an Essex Crystal or Reverse Crystal Intaglio

Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Georgian Era Mourning Ring
Georgian Era Mourning Ring

Georgian Era Mourning Ring

Located in Brisbane City, QLD

with the initials 'TG', under what is likely an Essex crystal. The ring in unmarked however is likely

Category

Antique 1780s English Georgian More Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold

Victorian Essex Crystal Dog Ring
Victorian Essex Crystal Dog Ring

Victorian Essex Crystal Dog Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

The domed round rock crystal reverse intaglio painted to depict a Yorkshire Terrier Later gold

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Reverse Crystal Intaglio West Highland Terrier Ring
Reverse Crystal Intaglio West Highland Terrier Ring

Reverse Crystal Intaglio West Highland Terrier Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

look as if he were saying "what did I do now?" The ring, an Essex Crystal or Reverse Crystal Intaglio

Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Essex Crystal Running Dog Hound Ring in 18K & 14K Gold - Antique Conversion #2
Essex Crystal Running Dog Hound Ring in 18K & 14K Gold - Antique Conversion #2

Essex Crystal Running Dog Hound Ring in 18K & 14K Gold - Antique Conversion #2

Located in Danvers, MA

dog 'Essex Crystal' has been converted into a charming ring. His brother has also been converted and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Essex Crystal Running Dog Hound Ring in 18K & 14K Gold - Antique Conversion #1
Essex Crystal Running Dog Hound Ring in 18K & 14K Gold - Antique Conversion #1

Essex Crystal Running Dog Hound Ring in 18K & 14K Gold - Antique Conversion #1

Located in Danvers, MA

ring is a larger size) - Please Note: it is best to avoid getting your Essex Crystal Piece wet, as

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18K Gold Essex Crystal Dog Pendant or Custom Ring or Brooch
Antique 18K Gold Essex Crystal Dog Pendant or Custom Ring or Brooch

Antique 18K Gold Essex Crystal Dog Pendant or Custom Ring or Brooch

Located in Danvers, MA

This fine example of a Victorian period reverse carved and painted "Essex Crystal" Dog set in 18K

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Antique Essex Crystal Ruby Diamond Horses Head Ring
Antique Essex Crystal Ruby Diamond Horses Head Ring

Antique Essex Crystal Ruby Diamond Horses Head Ring

Located in Newcastle Upon Tyne, GB

An impressive and fine Essex crystal ring. Featuring a beautifully detailed image of a horses head

Category

Mid-20th Century British Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Essex Crystal Equestrian Gold Horse Ring
Antique Essex Crystal Equestrian Gold Horse Ring

Antique Essex Crystal Equestrian Gold Horse Ring

Located in Rottedam, NL

A very rare Essex Crystal ring dating to the mid/late 1800's. The ring is made of solid 14 ct gold

Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Edwardian Signet Rings

Materials

Crystal, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold

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Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr

Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr

Located in SE

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Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Steven Battelle 11.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon 18K Gold Ring
Steven Battelle 11.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon 18K Gold Ring

Steven Battelle 11.5 Carats Rainbow Moonstone Cabochon 18K Gold Ring

By Steven Battelle

Located in Soquel, CA

A magical high dome 12 x 14 mm rainbow moonstone cabochon enchants surrounded by an organic line texture wide sculpted bezel in this classically simple 18K gold ring design. The mute...

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21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17
Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

Cartier Baignoire Mini 18K Yellow Gold Bangle Watch 17

By Cartier

Located in Jersey City, NJ

Sold out worldwide with a waitlist extending over a year, this petite timepiece is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Skilfully created in the house's Swiss atelier, it boasts 18-karat ...

Category

2010s Wrist Watches

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace
A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace

Located in London, GB

A Victorian gold and turquoise serpent necklace, the flexible tapering yellow gold body formed of three rows of scale-like collets each set with a round cabochon-cut turquoise, the h...

Category

Antique 1840s British Early Victorian Link Necklaces

Materials

Turquoise, Gold

1935 Nordic Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US /4.8gr
1935 Nordic Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US /4.8gr

1935 Nordic Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US /4.8gr

Located in SE

Poison Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with crown being a hidden compartment 13 mm x 11 mm x 5.5 mm deep covered with secure and tight hinged lid decorated with rose cut Garnet. Unisex...

Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Hematite, 18k Gold

Henry Blank & Co. 1925 Essex Glass Hunting Trumpet Horse Pin In 14Kt Yellow Gold
Henry Blank & Co. 1925 Essex Glass Hunting Trumpet Horse Pin In 14Kt Yellow Gold

Henry Blank & Co. 1925 Essex Glass Hunting Trumpet Horse Pin In 14Kt Yellow Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Essex Glass Hunting Trumpet Horse Pin designed by Henry Blank & Co. Beautiful antique piece from the American art deco period, created in Newark New Jersey by the firm of Henry Blan...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold
Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold

Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold

By Daizy Jewellery

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k gold ring with heart natural garnets. Heart garnet eternity ring band. Valentines gift jewelry. Full circle of hearts. January birthstone ring. Heart Garnet gold ring. Love ring....

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold

Signet Forget-Me-Not Ring  18ct Gold  Made to Order
Signet Forget-Me-Not Ring  18ct Gold  Made to Order

Signet Forget-Me-Not Ring 18ct Gold Made to Order

Located in London, GB

Crafted in 9ct and 18ct gold, the Forget-Me-Not Signet ring is a timeless symbol of love and remembrance. Inspired by Victorian sentimental jewelry, this ring features two letters of...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Ca. 1977 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Harem Dress w/Pagoda Sleeves
Ca. 1977 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Harem Dress w/Pagoda Sleeves

Ca. 1977 Pierre Cardin Haute Couture Black Harem Dress w/Pagoda Sleeves

By Pierre Cardin

Located in Studio City, CA

Ca.1977 Pierre Cardin black jersey harem dress with pagoda sleeves and attached belt. The dress is actually sewn closed at the hem with two openings for either leg. In excellent cond...

Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

Antique 1880s Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch
Antique 1880s Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch

Antique 1880s Old Mine Cut Diamond Russian Gold Brooch

Located in Cairo, EG

Antique 14k gold brooch on tremblant designe with old mine cut diamonds H colour white vs clearity and estimate diamond weight of 2.60 carats brooch was made in moscow 1890.c diring ...

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Antique 1890s Brooches

Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress
Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress

Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress

By Zuhair Murad

Located in Milano, Lombardia

LOVE LALI VINTAGE An incredibly rare dress from Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2006 This really is a work of art, a tasseled flapper style mini dress. The dress is sheer mesh and i...

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Early 2000s Evening Dresses

Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant
Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant

Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant

Located in Narberth, PA

A fob is an adornment or a seal that hangs from the ribbon or chain of a pocket watch. Its purpose is to decorate or add weight to the watch chain itself making it easier for the wat...

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Antique 1880s Victorian Necklace Enhancers

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Carnelian, 14k Gold

GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold

Located in Jaipur, RJ

Commanding in presence and refined in detail, The Imperial Light solitaire signet ring is a masterclass in contemporary opulence. At its heart gleams a breathtaking 3-carat natural r...

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2010s Indian Art Deco Signet Rings

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Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1784 Antique Royal Imperial Vienna Sorgenthal White Cat porcelain figure
1784 Antique Royal Imperial Vienna Sorgenthal White Cat porcelain figure

1784 Antique Royal Imperial Vienna Sorgenthal White Cat porcelain figure

Located in SE

Very rare Antique hard paste porcelain figure of a Cat made at the Royal Porcelain factory of Vienna in 1784 , Sorgenthal period (1784 - 1805). Detailed Overglaze hand - painted deco...

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Antique 1780s Austrian Artist Figurines and Sculptures

1925s Art Deco 2 Carat Emeralds 2.20 Carat Diamonds Platinum Ring
1925s Art Deco 2 Carat Emeralds 2.20 Carat Diamonds Platinum Ring

1925s Art Deco 2 Carat Emeralds 2.20 Carat Diamonds Platinum Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in platinum. Sublime art deco ring, its entire platinum setting is closed set on its top with a Colombian emerald- cut emerald and an antique- cut diamond. This duo of gems is s...

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Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

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Antique Georgian Star Sapphire Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14K Gold Ring Circa 1830
Antique Georgian Star Sapphire Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14K Gold Ring Circa 1830

Antique Georgian Star Sapphire Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14K Gold Ring Circa 1830

Located in New York, NY

Stunning Georgian Period cabochon star sapphire, diamond, cobalt blue guilloche enamel 14K gold ring. Circa 1830 This beautiful antique ring dates from the George IV/Regency Period. ...

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Antique 19th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings

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Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold

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Essex Crystal Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate essex crystal ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. You’re likely to find the perfect essex crystal ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. A essex crystal ring from BERCA — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Take a look at a essex crystal ring featuring Rock Crystal from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. See these pages for a cabochon iteration of this accessory, while there are also marquise cut cut and rose cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a essex crystal ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 7 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Essex Crystal Ring?

The price for a essex crystal ring starts at $1,700 and tops out at $5,508 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,760.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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 ringsvintage 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.

Questions About Essex Crystal Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Essex crystal is a type of jewelry that features a polished dome made of rock crystal. Jewelry makers reverse-carve an image into the flat base of the crystal, and the image then becomes visible inside of the dome. Find a selection of Essex crystal jewelry and decorative objects on 1stDibs.