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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

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

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

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

Original Poodle Motif Essex Glasses Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind 1950s Ring
Original Poodle Motif Essex Glasses Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind 1950s Ring

Original Poodle Motif Essex Glasses Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind 1950s Ring

By BERCA

Located in Valenza, IT

Essex Glasses or Reverse Painting Under Crystal featuring a black poodle motif in a diamond and

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Signet Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Rock Crystal, 9k Gold

Original Hounds Motif Essex Glasses Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind 1950s Ring
Original Hounds Motif Essex Glasses Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind 1950s Ring

Original Hounds Motif Essex Glasses Diamond Yellow Gold One-of-a-Kind 1950s Ring

By BERCA

Located in Valenza, IT

Essex Glasses or Reverse Painting Under Crystal featuring two hounds in a diamond and yellow gold

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Signet Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Rock Crystal, 9k Gold

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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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 18k Gold

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

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

Located in SE

Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century European Baroque Revival Solitaire Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring
Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring

Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring

Located in Cairo, EG

Large rose cut diamond diameter 10mm×8mm in octagon shape excellent spark white color no inclousion with total estimate diamond weight of 3.5 carats centered in 14k gold solitaire ri...

Category

Mid-20th Century Solitaire Rings

Victorian Coral and 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Victorian Coral and 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring

Victorian Coral and 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

The pop of the coral against the 15ct gold is absolutely stunning. The ring holds five stones in total and are held is very simple settings. Ring Size: O or 7 1/4 Band Width: 7mm

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Coral, 15k Gold

Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick
Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick

Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick

$2,756Sale Price|20% Off

H 0.95 in W 3.15 in D 2.37 in

Rare circa 1900 Sterling Silver Diamond and Enamel Powder Compact with Lipstick

Located in GB

Wimbledon Furniture We are delighted to offer For sale this stunning circa 1900 French or Italian Sterling silver Diamond & Enamel powder compact with lipstick A very good looking a...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Vanity Items

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

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

Garnet, 18k Gold

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 ...

Category

Antique 1890s Brooches

Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Unisex Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold, Signet Ring for Her
Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Unisex Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold, Signet Ring for Her

Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Unisex Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold, Signet Ring for Her

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

Dainty Heart Cut Ruby Unisex Ring, Signet Ring for Her in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.25 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style, every occasion or any o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vivienne Westwood SS 2020 Cocoon Dress Stunning Gown
Vivienne Westwood SS 2020 Cocoon Dress Stunning Gown

Vivienne Westwood SS 2020 Cocoon Dress Stunning Gown

By Vivienne Westwood

Located in Berlin, BE

Vivienne Westwood SS 2020 Dress New, unworn Cut from beautiful flower jacquard fabric, tailored with voluminous elements and frayed gathered seams for a patchwork effect. The cotton...

Category

2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns

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

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

1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes
1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes

1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes

By Madame Gres

Located in Studio City, CA

A 1981 Madame Gres haute couture dark scarlet silk taffeta skirt and blouse ensemble with matching high-heeled shoes size 6 1/2. Features the iconic Mme Gres gathered/balloon sleeve,...

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1980s French Cocktail Dresses

Cartier 1960's Diamond Opal Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Cartier 1960's Diamond Opal Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring

Cartier 1960's Diamond Opal Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring

By Cartier

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering an oval cut opal cabochon measuring 8.75 x 13.5 mm Black in body color with strong blue/green play-of-color Set with yellow gold talon prongs with halo surround Comprised o...

Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Hermes Mercury Roman God Bloodstone Intaglio Ring Gold Victorian Hand Carved
Hermes Mercury Roman God Bloodstone Intaglio Ring Gold Victorian Hand Carved

Hermes Mercury Roman God Bloodstone Intaglio Ring Gold Victorian Hand Carved

Located in New York, NY

This is a rare and wonderful antique Belle Epoque, Victorian ring with a beautiful hand carved Intaglio of a Roman Warrior God with a winged helmet, Mercury or Hermes, in Bloodstone....

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Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Signet Rings

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Quartz, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Reverse Carved Rock Crystal Equestrian Pin
Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Reverse Carved Rock Crystal Equestrian Pin

Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Reverse Carved Rock Crystal Equestrian Pin

Located in New York, NY

Edwardian Platinum Diamond and Pearl Reverse Carved Rock Crystal Equestrian Brooch c.1910 Essex crystal jewelry utilizes reverse glyptography — the art of gemstone carving — to crea...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Pearl, Rock Crystal, Platinum

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Black Enamel and Pearl Hinged Locket Mourning Ring
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Black Enamel and Pearl Hinged Locket Mourning Ring

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Black Enamel and Pearl Hinged Locket Mourning Ring

Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB

An antique gold, black enamel and pearl ring, comprising three seed pearls and black enamel, with a hinged locket compartment containing plaited hairwork, set in 18 karat yellow gold...

Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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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.