GIA Certified 0.7 Carat Oval Halo French Pave 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Discover a remarkable diamond ring that exemplifies luxury and brilliance, featuring a stunning oval diamond of 0.7 with a pristine D and an impressive VS2. This exquisite piece is e...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Oval Halo French Pave 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Discover a remarkable diamond ring that exemplifies luxury and brilliance, featuring a stunning oval diamond of 2.01 with a pristine H and an impressive SI2. This exquisite piece is ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Oval Halo French Pave 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Discover a remarkable diamond ring that exemplifies luxury and brilliance, featuring a stunning oval diamond of 1.01 with a pristine H and an impressive I1. This exquisite piece is e...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
L'Essentielle Wedding Ring in 18k Yellow Gold by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
L'Essentielle Wedding Ring in 18k Yellow Gold by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Ring Size: Made to measure. Please contact us to specify your desired size. Mate...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1950s Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. A retro vintage ring in gold, the top is a dome with geometric lines openworked with arabesques, a gold pearl and scrolling decoratio...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French Pearl and Diamond and Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is hallmarked to the outer surface of the shank with the French hallmark for 18k gold (eagle's head).
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$8,905Sale Price|20% Off
French Cocktail Ring Emerald Cabochon Diamonds Rose Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
French Cocktail Ring Emerald Cabochon Set with Diamonds Pink Gold Discover our beautiful French cocktail ring that is sure to captivate all eyes.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Love Collection Diamond Pave Set 18K Rose Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A timeless Love ring by Cartier, expertly crafted in solid 18K rose gold. This elegant design from the iconic Love collection is adorned with brilliant pavé-set diamonds...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French 1970s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Original retro ring, it is asymmetrically set with 5 brilliant-cut diamonds in an openwork decor and presenting 2 intertwined drap...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1960s Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This elegant vintage signet ring is set with an onyx stone in a closed setting on the top. The band is striated gold. Height: 12.2 mm approximately, wid...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,622Sale Price|20% Off
French Engagement Ring Green Sapphire Diamonds Rose Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
French Engagement Ring in Rose Gold with a Green Sapphire and Diamonds. French Collection by Mesure et Art du Temps. 18 carat rose gold ring surmounted by a green sapphire 0.4 cm wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique French 18KT Gold Signet Ring, Knight's Helmet & Heraldic Shield
Located in Braintree, GB
An antique French 18KT gold signet ring, the oval head intaglio engraved with a heraldic shield below a knight's helm. Early 20th century, and struck with the French eagle's head mar...
18k Gold
Retro French Yellow Gold Ring with Agate Cameo
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Retro French Yellow Gold Ring with Agate Cameo is a striking piece that captures the elegance and refinement of vintage jewelry. Crafted from luxurious 18kt yellow gold, this rin...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1930s Red Gem 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This thin antique ring is composed of a synthesis ruby of barrel shape, crimped closed and decorated on both sides of openwork arab...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amitié Diamond Ring in 18k Gold and Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Amitié Diamond Ring in 18k Gold and Diamonds by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hermes Niloticus Ombre Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Size 6.5
By Hermès
Located in New York City, NY
The ring's foundation is forged from the finest 18k white gold, known for its pristine brilliance and enduring allure.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tourbillon Pink Sapphires Ring in 18k Yellow Gold by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Tourbillon Pink Sapphires Ring in 18k Yellow Gold by MARIANNE CANARELLI. Dimensions: Available upon request.
Pink Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Tourbillon Blue Sapphires Ring in 18k Yellow Gold by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Tourbillon Blue Sapphires Ring in 18k Yellow Gold by MARIANNE CANARELLI. Dimensions: Available upon request.
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nefertiti Ring in 18k Gold, Diamonds & Yellow Sapphires by MARIANNE CANARELLI
Located in Geneve, CH
Nefertiti Ring in 18k Gold, Diamonds & Yellow Sapphires by MARIANNE CANARELLI.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow gold half-eternity ring with diamonds and rubies, 18K
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Description — Elegant yellow-gold demi-alliance set with alternating diamonds and rubies, this ring combines classic refinement with a touch of color.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18th Century 18K Gold Ring Miniature Grisaille Portrait on Porcelain
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This substantial ring was created in the 3rd quarter of the 18th century out of solid 18K yellow gold. The ring is set with a three quarter portrait of a gentleman wearing an elegant...
Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Onyx Chrysoprase and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold, it features a striking combination of black onyx and vibrant chrysoprase inlay, perfectly juxtaposed to create a bold yet sophisticated look.
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Majestic emerald diamond ring 18k yellow gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Enter the world of enchantment with this dreamy and alluring yellow gold emerald ring, capturing hearts with its irresistible charm. At the heart of this exquisite jewelry piece lie...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18ct White Gold French Marquise Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct White Gold French Stamped Circa 1950’s A truly fabulous, French vintage piece. Set with gorgeous, white, brilliant cut, natural diamonds. Dis...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.20 Carat Diamond and 18k Rose Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The emanating segmented setting is further ornamented with a rope twist design to the lower portion, in junction with the shoulders. The gold diamond solitaire ring is hallmarked to...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Trinity Ring, 18K White, Rose, Yellow Gold, Diamonds, 2014
By Cartier
Located in Lisboa, PT
An authentic Cartier Trinity diamond ring crafted in 18 kt white gold, rose gold and yellow gold (750‰), featuring the maison’s iconic three interlocking bands pave-set with brillian...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '1 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds . Experience the Difference! Product details: Center...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Sheet: Finger Size: FR 55 / US 7 (resizable upon request) Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰), French assay marks Center Gems: 1 round pink sapphire (≈ 0.20 ct) Surround: 9 p...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tank Moonstone 18k White Gold Ring Size 6.75 EU 53
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection: Tank Style: Moonstone Ring Material: 18k White Gold Gemstones: Natural cabochon moonstone Moonstone Measurements: Approximately 8 mm × 8 mm Top Measurement...
Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Paris 18K Gold and Diamond "Maillon Panthère" Bombé Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Created in France by Cartier, Paris, this "Maillon Panthère" bombé ring is composed of 18K gold and diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Cocktail Ring White Gold Turquoise and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This exquisite French Cocktail Ring is a striking blend of classic elegance and bold design. Crafted from 18kt white gold, the ring showcases a stunning combination of turquoise gems...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier LOVE 18k Pink Gold Band Ring Size US 4.5 EU 49
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: LOVE Band Ring Material: 18k pink gold Hallmarks: Cartier 750 49 MB2616 Design: Iconic LOVE collection screw motif Measurements: Band approximat...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 18K Gold Diamond Ring with Old European Cut Stones
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This antique 18K gold ring features an elegant elongated openwork design set with old European cut diamonds. The central bezel-set diamond is framed by two additional old-cut stones,...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise Ring 18K White Gold Size US 7.5 Cert 2007
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■ Item Number: - ■ Retail Price: - ■ Brand: Cartier ■ Product Name: Tank francaise Ring ■ Reference Number: - ■ Material: 750 K18 WG White Gold ■ Weight: Approximately 9.8 grams ■ Ri...
18k Gold, White Gold
Atta Diamond Ring, 18k Recycled Gold, Champagne Diamonds by Capucine H
Located in Geneve, CH
Atta Diamond Ring by Capucine H Dimensions: Made to size Materials: 18k recycled gold, champagne diamonds 0.55 carats, hand- engraved Inspired by Atta ants, famous for their key rol...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Diamond 18K White Gold 1895 3.5mm Width, 6 Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Estate Cartier six diamond 18K white gold 3.5mm width 1895 ring 20th Century An iconic, timeless classic 18K white gold six diamond 1895 ring by Cartier.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Piaget 18K White Gold Round Diamond Rolling Possession Band Ring
By Piaget
Located in Chicago, IL
Piaget 18K White Gold Round Diamond Rolling Possession Band Ring Crafted in luxurious 18K white gold, this Piaget Rolling Possession band ring features a bold design fully set with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
An 18k gold three stone ring with diamond
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-karat rose gold ring with three old-cut diamonds in white gold chatons (2 x 0.15 and 1 x 0.87 = 1.17 carats F-G, Si), France. weight: 4.1 g ring size: 17.25 mm / 7 US width: 2...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Spiral 18k Gold Pink Tourmaline Organic Spira Ring By Capucine H
Located in Geneve, CH
Spira Tourmaline Ring by Capucine H Dimensions: Made to size Materials: 18k recycled gold, 1.4 carats tourmaline Inspired by the fern's fiddlehead, that suspended moment just before...
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
French 20th Century Chiseled 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, horse head hallmark. Antique ring in rose gold, it is finely engraved with floral decorations. Width : 8,8 mm approximately, thickness : 0,6 mm approximat...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
BENJAMIN FINE JEWELRY 3.19 cts French Cut Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring
By Benjamin Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Our creations span from diamonds and emeralds to rubies and sapphires. 3.19 cts French Cut Ruby 18K Eternity Band Ring 18K, Yellow Gold Ruby : 3.19 cts White Diamond : 0.05 cts Or...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco pearl diamond ring in 18k gold, circular ring, Rose cut diamond, certif
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco pearl diamond ring in 18k gold. Circular ring centered with a 7mm pearl, surrounded by 16 rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Marguerite Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Details Style: Marguerite ring, floral cluster ring, halo ring Metal: 18K white gold, 750 fineness Center stone: Natural sapphire Sapphire weight: Approximately 3.00 carats...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s 0.35 Carat Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The engagement ring is hallmarked to the outer surface of the shank with the French maker's mark and the mark for 18k gold (eagle's head).
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.09 Carat Repurposed French Cut Diamond Band - Size 6
Located in New York, NY
Expertly crafted from repurposed french cut diamonds and on 18k yellow gold, these rings are both sustainable and stunning.
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Duchess Ring 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamonds and Rubies
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This refined antique Duchess ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold (750‰) and exemplifies the elegance of late 19th to early 20th century jewelry design. The composition features ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier "Corinthe" Emerald Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Monaco, MC
A luminous expression of Cartier's design mastery, this "Corinthe" cocktail ring showcases the maison's exceptional ability to balance color, form, and light. Crafted in warm 18k yel...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
French 1960s Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Retro Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. A charming vintage ring with a cushion-shaped band adorned with grooved motifs. At the center, a square setting holds an intermediate...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Wedding Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds by Moncomble Paris
Located in Geneve, CH
Wedding Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Diamonds by Moncomble Paris. Dimensions: Available upon request. Ring Size: Available in EU sizes 45 to 60. Please contact us to specify your des...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Style French Rose Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Antique Style French Rose Gold Ring with Diamonds features a captivating blend of timeless design and luxurious materials. Crafted in the romantic allure of rose gold, this ring ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Important Cocktail Ring – Tanzanite 33 ct & Diamonds, 18K White Gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
A rare and impressive creation, featuring a spectacular 33 carat tanzanite cabochon (Ø approx. 3 cm, height 1.5 cm). Its mesmerizing pleochroic hues — ranging from deep velvety blue ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
18k White Gold Invisible Mystery Set Ruby & Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (16) Natural Genuine Ruby - Square French Cut - Invisible Mystery Set - Vivid Deep Red Color - 2.5mm each (approx.) (38) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Daisy Ring with 8ct Cabochon Emerald and Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This striking 18K yellow gold daisy ring features a magnificent cabochon emerald of approximately 8 carats, displaying a deep, rich green color with natural internal characteristics ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cartier 18k White Gold Diamant Leger De Diamond Cluster Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier 18K white gold diamond ring from the Leger Diamant De collection is a stunning piece of jewelry that showcases the brand's commitment to excellence and luxury. The ring i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Puff Dome 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring Size 5.75 EU 51
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Style: Puff Dome Band Ring Material: 18k Yellow Gold Top Measurements: Approximately 21.1 mm across × 12.4 mm wide Ring Size: US 5.75 / EU 51 Weight: 10.9 grams Hallma...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1930s Red Gem 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Antique ring featuring a flat, navette-shaped synthetic ruby set in a chased setting. Height : 7,5 mm approximately, width : 13,5 m...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco aquamarine diamond cluster ring in 18k gold and platinum, Wedding ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco aquamarine and diamond ring in 18-karat gold and platinum. Antique ring set with a rectangular cushion-cut aquamarine in an icy blue hue. It is surrounded by rose-cut diamon...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Contemporary 18K Yellow Gold Reclaimed French Cut Diamond Half Band - Size 4
Located in Great Neck, NY
This beautiful contemporary reclaimed French cut diamond band ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1980s Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This vintage yellow gold ring is shaped like a band engraved with radiating motifs on the top and adorned with a faceted oval ruby ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18K White Gold Maillon Panthere Three Diamond Row Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A 3-row band inspired by feline allure. This famous Maillon panther design by Cartier features all round 18k white gold links pave-set with 1.53 carats of sparkling diamonds. This ri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.