First Dibs Returns
20th Century Italian Neoclassical Silver Bowls
Sapphire, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Gothic Revival More Jewelry
Sterling Silver
2010s Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
Early 2000s Unknown Contemporary Wedding Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
People Also Browsed
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
2010s African Arts and Crafts Wall Lights and Sconces
Clay, Earthenware
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Organic Modern Center Tables
Travertine
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Travertine
2010s American Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Brass, Bronze, Nickel
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
21st Century and Contemporary British Georgian Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
Antique Late 19th Century Fireplaces and Mantels
Carrara Marble
21st Century and Contemporary Swedish Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Textile
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Fireplaces and Mantels
Carrara Marble
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Chestnut
2010s Egyptian Modern Daybeds
Upholstery, Pine
Antique 19th Century French Louis Philippe Fireplaces and Mantels
Marble
2010s Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Recent Sales
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Citrine, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Citrine, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
10k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Rose Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Band Rings
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings
Pearl, Turquoise, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings
Yellow Gold
Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Band Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1860s British Art Deco Bridal Rings
Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 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.
- What is similar to first dibs?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 2, 2023
“First pick,” “exclusive access” and “right of first refusal” are all phrases that are similar to “first dibs.”
First dibs, which means to have the rights to something or the first choice of something, reportedly emerged in the United States in the early 1930s. (In the United Kingdom, the first recorded occurrence of the slang phrase took place during the late 1800s.) To verbally call first dibs on something means that you’re laying claim to it. Who doesn’t want first dibs?
1stDibs has become the global destination for those who must have “first dibs” on treasures from around the world that would otherwise be inaccessible. There is nothing similar to 1stDibs. Since our founding in 2000, we have captured the magic of the Paris flea market, connecting those seeking the most beautiful things on earth with highly coveted sellers and makers in furniture and home decor, art, fine jewelry and fashion.
1stDibs works with a range of trusted prestigious sellers, who are respected professionals in their fields, and the company is committed to shoppers’ satisfaction and peace of mind with every single purchase.
Read More
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Experts Talk Engagement Ring Trends and Shopping Tips
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
How to Buy a Vintage or Antique Engagement Ring
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.