Vintage emerald eternity bands, diamond eternity bands and other eternity rings are available for sale on 1stDibs.
The design is simple and straightforward, yes, but eternity bands are not without nuance. Having originated in the courts of 18th-century Europe, the style is distinguished by a single continuous row of diamonds. This endless circle of light symbolizes a love that’s infinite and everlasting, making it ideal for a wedding band or for marking a milestone anniversary.
An eternity band is also a popular way to commemorate the birth of a child or some other special occasion, such as a 30th birthday or college graduation. A recent high-profile example: When Justin and Hailey Bieber posted photos of their vow renewal on Instagram in May of 2024, they were sporting matching diamond eternity bands. They were expecting their first child at the time, imbuing the rings with extra significance.
It is well known that royals set trends for engagement rings and other accessories, and they favor the style as well. Kate Middleton wears a diamond eternity ring that Prince William is believed to have gifted her after the birth of their first son, Prince George.
Eternity rings are most commonly set with round-cut stones. But if you’re feeling creative, you could opt for emerald, princess or Asscher cuts, say, or baguettes, the height of glamour and sophistication. Rose-cut diamonds, with their antique vibe and muted sparkle, are new favorites among the young and chic. You can also play with the orientation of marquise and oval stones, aligning them horizontally, or “east-west,” along the band instead of vertically. Or you might intersperse colored gems like sapphires or emeralds among the diamonds.
Find a collection of eternity bands for sale on 1stDibs. Our comprehensive guide to eternity rings can be found at The Study.
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.