Georgian Old Cut Diamond Three-Row Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: H-J, Clarity: VS-SI Tested As: 18ct Gold & Silver Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Antique Early 1800s Georgian Cluster Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Old Cut Diamond Three-Row Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: H-J, Clarity: VS-SI Tested As: 18ct Gold & Silver Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Old Mine Cut Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning cluster ring holds old mine cut diamonds. The central cluster totals approx 35pts. Either side of the cluster holds a trio of diamonds totalling 15pts per side. The hea...
Diamond, Gold
Georgian 18k Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring, Italy, Circa 1790s
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring consists of a hard stone cameo dated to the 18th – 19th century, which is set in a yellow gold setting. The cameo features a profile portrait of a man, whose distinctive fac...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Diamond and Silver Upon Gold Cluster Ring, Circa 1830
Located in London, GB
An antique Georgian diamond cluster ring, with a rectangular old mine-cut diamond in the centre, with a two row cluster of old mine-cut diamonds, in silver-upon-gold crown settings, ...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Georgian Inspired 2.65ct Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k Gold
Located in London, GB
A sparkly Georgian inspired old cut diamond solitaire ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Georgian Gold, Diamond, Seed Pearl, and Blue Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
A true antique Georgian period (late 18th century) 10 karat yellow gold, diamond, seed pearl, and blue enamel mourning ring.The central urn motif set with one pear shaped old mine cu...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel
Georgian Old European Cut Diamond Ring in 14k Pink Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Pink Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 8.75 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 5.2 Grams Diamond Count: 1 old European cut Diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.8 grams Size: K (50) Face Dimensions: 16mm x 15mm Band Width: 1mm Centre Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.30ct (spreads 0.50ct) Remaining Diamond Weigh...
Pink Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Georgian Circa 1780 18K Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Urn Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Magnificent Georgian period Urn ring set with natural untreated Ruby and Diamond, possibly Burma, in 18 KT and silver Elaborate scroll work with the Urn in the middle beautifully ado...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Georgian Brown and White Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully rare Georgian cluster ring. This antique piece piece features a central arrangement of natural brown old mine cut diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Georgian Diamond Cluster Ring, 18K Gold & Silver, Circa 1800, Europe
Located in Napoli, IT
Georgian treasure Magnificent and rare example of Georgian / Regency period Diamond cluster ring, 1800 ca Skilfully hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold and silver portion in the gloriou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Georgian Mourning Ring in Original Box, Circa 1760
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Such pictorial mourning jewels were commissioned to commemorate the deceased and reflect the 18th-century fascination with classical symbolism, sentiment, and allegory. The ring is ...
Gold
Antique Georgian Style Bloodstone Intaglio Rose Gold Signet Ring, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Classic Georgian style antique bloodstone intaglio and 9K rose gold signet ring.
Rose Gold
Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a marvellous Georgian cluster ring, meticulously crafted from 18ct yellow gold and silver.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Georgian Era Silver Navette Ring. Diamond Filigree Engagement 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Era: Georgian, circa 1800 Material: Silver on 14k yellow gold Ring Size: Currently a size 5.25, this ring can be resized at no additional cost.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.8 grams Ring Size: I (48) Face Dimensions: 24mm x 9.3mm Diamonds: Approx. 1.20 carats Tested As: 18ct Gold & Silver Period: Georgian Box: The ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian 18K Gold Table Cut Ruby Ring, Late 18th Century, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Late-1700s (Georgian era) Italian gold ring with table cut rubies in closed setting.
Ruby, Gold
Antique Georgian 18K Gold & Silver Diamond & Blue Glass Scorpio Firmament Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian diamond, Bristol blue glass, silver and rosy yellow gold ring, comprising forty-four rose cut diamonds, and a panel of Bristol blue glass, set in silver, to an 18 karat ro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Georgian Old Cut Diamond Cluster Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have wonderfully handcrafted Georgian cluster ring. This oversized antique piece focuses on intricate design with a centralised bright white old mine cut diamond being surrou...
Diamond, Gold
Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Seven-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.0 grams Size: M (53) - Resizable Band Width: 3mm - 2mm Diamond Dimensions: 3 (4.5mm), 4 (3.5mm) Tested As: 18ct Gold Box: The Vintage Jeweller R...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
The design has a distinctly hand-made quality, with closed-back style construction and a lively arrangement of mixed antique stones that is very typical of early Georgian jewellery. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Authentic Georgian 18K Gold & Paste Citrine Ring — Rare Large-Scale Size 9
Located in Northampton, MA
An exceptionally beautiful Georgian-era ring (circa 1780–1820), crafted in rich 18k gold and set with its original hand-faceted paste “citrine” of remarkable brilliance.
Citrine, 18k Gold
Georgian Gold and Reversable Carved Intaglio seal Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1810 - 1830 9k Yellow Gold Intaglio Seal ring, a 2 sided carved Carnelian stone that turns or spins around measuring 9/16 x 3/8 inch and features an animal depiction on one si...
Carnelian, Gold, 10k Gold
Antique Georgian Mourning Ring with Urn Motif in Enamel & 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This Georgian mourning ring, dated 1771, is a moving piece of 18th-century history.
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 1850s Georgian Mourning Braided Hair Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
An antique Georgian mourning ring, circa 1850, from the antique fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Gold Georgian Sovereign Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This chunky signet is modelled in 9ct gold and holds a rather special Georgian Sovereign.
Gold
Antique 19th Century Georgian Style Cabochon Garnet 14K Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique Georgian style oval cabochon garnet 14K yellow gold signet ring with gold rope twist halo detail 19th Century Beautiful antique oval garnet signet ring with a lovely, u...
Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Rose Diamond and Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Rose Diamond and Gold Ring. A classic period antique ring with a central rose diamond surrounded by a cluster of smaller rose diamonds on a 10K Gold mount. Approx 1.5 carat w...
Diamond, 10k Gold
Antique Georgian 15K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Cluster Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian diamond, pearl, silver, and yellow gold ring, comprising one Peruzzi cut diamond, and eight half pearls, in silver and 15 karat yellow gold.
Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 18th Century Georgian Rare Heart Motif Diamond 14K Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Enchanting and romantic, large antique 18th century Georgian period heart motif rose cut diamond 14K gold and silver topped gold engagement ring Composed of a central Rose cut diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Georgian 15ct Gold Sard Intaglio Ring of Athene, Late 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Sard intaglio of Athene holding Nike. The “large” intaglio is set in 15 ct gold ca 1820. Measurement of bezel:19 x 17 mm Size 7
Gold
French Georgian pearl ring in 18 karat gold, rectangular shape, natural pearl
Located in PARIS, FR
French Georgian pearl ring in 18 karat gold, rectangular in shape and centered with 6 fine pearls held by gold threads in an oval star decoration, on a background of small matte gold...
Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Mourning Ring with Black Enamel, Circa 1810
Located in Firenze, IT
This ring is a late English Georgian mourning band, made of yellow gold and black enamel, to commemorate M.
Enamel
Late Georgian Mourning Band Ring Size U (63)
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.5 grams Band Width: 6mm Ring Size: U (63) Hallmarked: London 1814 Period: Georgian Tested As: 15ct Gold Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Georgian cluster carnelian diamond ring in 18k gold and silver
Located in PARIS, FR
Antique Carnelian diamond ring in 18 karats gold and silver. Circular ring centered with an orange cabochon-cut carnelian, set in silver. The back is closed and reflects a luminous s...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian 18k Yellow Gold Rose Cut Garnet and Jade Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
A rare and striking Georgian-era navette ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold with ornate openwork shoulders.
Garnet, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian 1770s Enamel and Hair Miniature Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold Georgian mourning ring. The face of the ring features a wonderful hair work urn which sits underneath a willow tree and is set on an ivory plaque.
Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Good Era: Georgian Year: Early 1800s Metal: 18k Rose Gold Diamonds: 10 Carat Weight: 0.55 Total Cut: Rose Color: Champagne Clarity: I1-3 Ring Size: 8 Sizing available Ri...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold
Gold Silver And Diamond Georgian Fede Engagement Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
A 19th century ring in 585 thousandths gold, enamel and silver set with brilliants, with the French inscription "mon coeur est à vous" translated in "my heart is yours". Finger si...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian Mourning Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Blue Enamel and Hairwork
Located in NEWARK, GB
The ring has chunky gold shoulders, yellow gold with warm rosey tones and a closed back setting.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2.32ct 14K Dark Green Emerald Georgian Styled Black Rhodium Solitaire Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is an elegant, natural emerald solitaire emerald-cut engagement ring/right-hand ring in 14K yellow gold, with a black rhodium rim.
Emerald, Rhodium, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Georgian 18K Gold Blue Enamel Cross Diamond Pearl Ring, Circa 1790
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Treasure This quite outstanding antique ring is genuine Georgian period, 1790/1800 ca Marvellous large Marquee shaped with a very flat profile when worn It displays the skilful ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Georgian 18k Gold and Silver Large Oval Carnelian Signet Ring, UK
Located in Firenze, IT
In silver and yellow gold with large, oval carnelian seal engraved with a heraldic crest. Top size 31mm x 25mm Size 9 Weight:32.71gr
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Large Antique Georgian Sun in Splendor Carnelian Intaglio 14K Gold Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine large antique 14K yellow gold and carnelian Sun in Splendour intaglio Georgian signet ring Early 19th Century Superbly carved oval carnelian intaglio of an ornate heraldic cres...
Carnelian, Gold, 14k Gold
New Georgian Style Old Cut Diamond, Gold And Platinum Solitaire Ring, 2.72 Carat
By Moira Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A new Georgian style diamond, gold and platinum solitaire ring, set with a 2.72 carats, J colour, VS2 clarity, cushion shaped old-cut diamond, in a platinum topped, cut down setting,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Antique Georgian Foiled Sapphire and Rose Diamond Ring in Gold and Silver
Located in New York, NY
An antique Georgian period sapphire and diamond ring, the central foil-backed sapphire flanked by tapering rose-cut diamonds in a carved mounting, in sterling silver and 18k gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Georgian Diamond Agate 18K Yellow Gold Silver Antique Urn Cameo Mourning Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped agate tablet measuring 12.0 x 10.5 mm Semi-translucent cream to brown in color - carved with urn cameo Grooved with detail throughout - representing mourning...
Agate, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
Georgian 14k Gold and Silver Rose Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s
Located in Firenze, IT
The long marquise-shaped panel pavé set with collet set foiled back rose-cut diamonds, between flared shoulders, panel length 3cm, ring size 7 1/4
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
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.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Georgian 4.50 Ct Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, 18K Gold, Circa 1790
Located in Napoli, IT
Monumental Georgian Statement Outstanding and utterly beautiful this rare example from the Georgian period, 1790/1800 ca Comes to us in fine original, wearable, condition Flat wide c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Late 18th Century Georgian 18k Gold Moss Agate Ring, England, Size 6
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 18th century Provenance: England Ring size: 6 Weight: 2.9 gr Questo anello in agata muschiata, di provenienza inglese e databile intorno al 1780, è caratterizzato da un...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15ct Yellow Gold Georgian Rare Hessonite Garnet, Natural Seed Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Hessonite Cluster Ring 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1825 Behold this exquisite 15ct gold Georgian-era ring, featuring a daisy cluster design.
Garnet, Pearl, Hessonite, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Georgian 14 Karat Gold Ruby and Emerald Cross Motif Ring, circa 1800-1830
Located in Rotterdam, NL
An antique 14-karat gold ruby and emerald ring, dating from the late Georgian period, circa 1800-1830.
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Georgian Style 1.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have chic and stylish diamond solitaire ring. This piece borrows from styles and techniques mastered during both the Georgian and Victorian periods.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$4,796Sale Price|43% Off
Georgian Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Dazzling & Rare
Located in Northampton, MA
This Georgian-era (circa 1830) ruby and table-cut diamond ring was created entirely by hand over two-hundred years ago, though the shank itself is more recent (though still antique)...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl and Ruby Cluster Locket Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian pearl, ruby and yellow gold ring, comprising one cushion shaped ruby, and four baroque pearls, in 18 karat yellow gold.
Ruby, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully detailed three-stone ring meticulously crafted during the Georgian period.
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Georgian Garnet and Diamond Ring. 15K Yellow Gold Engagement Engraved Detailing
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in 15k yellow gold circa 1810, this ring is an elegant example of Georgian jewelry.
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Museum Quality Georgian Enamel Amethyst Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
George Nassau was an English country gentleman, and the brother of Henry, 5th Earl of Rochford. He was a historian and bibliophile and amassed an extensive library including many man...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Georgian jewelry is named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). A slew of beautiful pieces were produced during the period, and today antique Georgian rings, necklaces and other accessories are coveted by fine jewelry collectors.
There are certain features that distinguish jewelry from this era, including the fact that pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries were handmade (so don’t let the absence of a maker’s mark lead you to believe otherwise). Antique Georgian jewelry also has a certain “look.” It’s a bit gray because stones were often set in silver, and because stonecutting techniques were not as advanced as they are today, the gems do not possess the level of sparkle to which we have become accustomed.
Intricate metalworking techniques such as repoussé (the hammering of metal into ornate designs) and cannetille (a method of working the gold wire to make it look woven) allowed goldsmiths to really flex their muscles. These gold pieces, either on their own or combined with gemstones, made for highly original and dramatic jewelry. The era also saw pieces with ornately woven strands of human hair.
Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. These were often cut in the shape of a cabochon or teardrop. It was fashionable to combine garnets or rubies with seed pearls. In Georgian diamond rings, popular cuts for diamonds included rose, old mine and table. Around the 1780s, paste jewelry, or hand-cut glass on foil, was used to imitate diamonds.
Browse a collection of antique Georgian diamond rings, earrings, brooches and other authentic Georgian jewelry today on 1stDibs.
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.