Antique Georgian Memorial Ring for a General
Located in Stamford, CT
Why do we offer this Georgian Memorial Ring? Because it honors a person who served to protect his
Antique 1810s British George III Band Rings
18k Gold
Antique Georgian Memorial Ring for a General
Located in Stamford, CT
Why do we offer this Georgian Memorial Ring? Because it honors a person who served to protect his
18k Gold
Georgian Diamond and Carved Agate Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1780, 22k, England. This exceptional Georgian memorial ring features 1.50 carats of finely
Agate, Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dated 1808 12 K Amethyst Mourning Band with Jet surround
Located in Baltimore, MD
This Georgian memorial ring commemorates the death of JAMES YOUNG who DIED 24 AUGUST 1808, AGED 64
Amethyst, Gold
Antique Georgian Memorial Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1780 - 1810 Yellow Gold Memorial Ring, most likely British and testing as 15k, the top
Gold, 15k Gold
Georgian miniature mourning ring, memorial ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Georgian miniature mourning ring in low-grade gold. Oval in shape, this ring features a polychrome
Georgian Mourning Memorial Gold and Hair Navette Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850 14 - 15k Yellow Gold Mourning Memorial ring, in a Navette shape measuring 1 1/8 inch in
Gold
Georgian diamond and enamel memorial ring, circa 1790.
Located in London, GB
Georgian diamond and enamel memorial ring. Centrally composed of an oval plaque of dark blue engine
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Late Georgian Onyx and 9 Carat Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
face on this ring is engraved with "Rev T Barnaby died 1 Feb 1830 aged 68". Ring Size: H 1/2 or 4
Onyx, Gold
Museum Quality Antique Georgian Black Enamel Pearl Memorial Ring
Located in London, GB
Georgian pearl and black enamel memorial ring. Set to centre with an oblong crystal slice covering
Pearl, Gold
Antique Georgian Enamel Gold Memorial Ring Symbolizes Remember Me
Located in Stamford, CT
An 18th century ring of spectacular design in an elongated oval form displays a bow of white hair
Crystal, 15k Gold, Enamel
Georgian crystal and enamel memorial ring, circa 1759.
Located in London, GB
Georgian crystal and enamel memorial ring. Set with one central octagonal faceted rock crystal in a
Crystal, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Georgian Gold and Enamel Memorial Skeleton Ring, circa 1731
Located in London, GB
Georgian gold and enamel memorial skeleton ring. A solid D-shape gold band featuring an elongated
Yellow Gold
Georgian 1800s Memorial Black and White Enamel Mourning Ring Size L (51.5)
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning yet sentimental 18ct yellow gold mourning ring taken from the Georgian era
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Georgian Crystal and Enamel 18 Carat Engraved Memorial Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This memorial band is a wonderful example of a Georgian piece of jewellery. The man detail in this
Crystal, 18k Gold, Enamel
Georgian crystal, garnet and enamel memorial ring, English, circa 1775.
Located in London, GB
Georgian crystal, garnet and enamel memorial ring. Set with a circular border of sixteen cushion
Crystal, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Enamel
A fine and rare Georgian hair and ruby memorial ring, English, circa 1760
Located in London, GB
Georgian hair and ruby memorial ring. Set with a border of thirty two cushion shape French cut
Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Era Ring circa 1825 18 Karat Yellow Gold Memorial Hair Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Antique Georgian era memorial ring (circa 1825) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Natural pearls
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Enamel pearl diamond Gold memorial ring
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond and pearl 'urn' memorial ring. Set with ten round rose cut diamonds in silver
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
Amethyst Memorial Ring for the Right Honourable George Grenville (British Prime
Located in London, GB
Amethyst memorial ring for the Right Honourable George Grenville (British Prime Minister, 1763-1765
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold Black White Enamel Mourning Band Ring, Early 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This Georgian-era memorial band ring, crafted in 18-karat gold, dates to London, 1801 and
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Unavailable
Georgian in Memory of Locket Memorial Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A superb Georgian memorial ring dedicated to "Mrs Janet Patrick, died 20th July 1825". The band is
18k Gold
Unavailable
Antique Georgian Pearl Hair Memorial Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A gorgeous Georgian memorial ring dating from the early 19th Century, circa 1820. It features a
Pearl, 15k Gold
Unavailable
Wide Georgian Blue Enamel Memorial Ring
Located in New York, NY
C.1821. A wide Georgian blue enamel memorial ring. The gothic script reads 'In Memory Of' through
18k Gold
Georgian Garnet Black Enamel Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Middleton, WI
This beautiful antique Georgian memorial garnet and gold ring is fully hallmarked for having been
Garnet, 18k Gold
Georgian Emerald Diamond Memorial 18 Karat Ring Dated 1770
Located in Napoli, IT
Georgian Mourning ring Sweet petit mourning ring from the Georgian period – dated 1770 Crafted of
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
18th Century Memorial Ring of Blue Enamel, Rose Cut Diamonds and Gold
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
An 18th Century Memorial ring in the form of a blue enamel urn set at the front and shoulders with
Diamond, Gold
Antique Georgian Blue Enamel and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
C.1828. A Georgian blue enamel and diamond ring. The center face features 'forget-me-not' flower
Diamond, 18k Gold
Georgian Memorial Ring with Painted Sepia Urn
Located in Houston, TX
A Georgian memorial ring set in 14K yellow gold, featuring a miniature painted in sepia, depicting
14k Gold
Scarce Antique Georgian Memorial Ring for a Child
Located in Stamford, CT
this ring. Memorial rings were intimate and rich with meaning. They were created to keep the memory of
Crystal, 15k Gold
Georgian Memorial Ring with Black Enamel and Plaited Hair
Located in Houston, TX
A Georgian 14K gold memorial ring with high relief carving, decorated with a black enamel frame
14k Gold
Georgian Memorial Ring with Enamel and Diamond in 18 Kt Gold
Located in Stamford, CT
!!! That is jewelry history for you. A memento mori with family memory. With this memorial ring you make
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Turquoise Pearl Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Georgian memorial ring in 18K gold with pearls and turquoise in an ornate chased setting. The lock
Natural Pearl, Turquoise, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique Enamel Pearl Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely ornate Georgian memorial ring, the shaft is enameled to show "In Memory Of" in gold letters
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Georgian Gold Memorial Ring "Affection Weeps"
Located in Stamford, CT
This is one the first Georgian memorial rings I added to my heart because the affection and
Rock Crystal, 15k Gold
Antique Royal Navy Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Rare Georgian memorial ring decorated with a rope and anchor, the symbol of the British Royal Navy
Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
Georgian Amethyst and Enamel 18 Karat Gold Navette Sepia Mourning Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A truly wonderful Georgian memorial ring. The navette shaped face is elegantly outlined by 24
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Antique Gold Memorial Ring Caroline of Brunswick Wife of George IV
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely ornately chased 18K gold Georgian memorial ring dedicated to Queen Caroline of Brunswick
18k Gold
Georgian memorial skull ring, circa 1777.
Located in London, GB
Georgian memorial skull ring. A gold D-shape shank, engraved to the exterior with a stylised skull
Georgian Enamel and Hair Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Elegant black enamel and woven hair memorial ring set in 18K gold. It is engraved "Rev R Heber 10
18k Gold
Antique Georgian Rosecut Diamond Enamel 1798 Memorial Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique rosecut diamond enamel memorial ring made in 14k yellow gold dated 1798. The ring is an
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
Late Georgian Locket Front 9 Carat Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A perfect example of a locket front memorial ring. The front panel of this ring holds a woven lock
Crystal, 9k Gold
Antique Georgian Garnet 18 Karat Gold Enamel Memorial Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique 18k yellow gold Georgian ring centering on a large garnet surrounded by enamel and rosecut
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
circa 1820, Georgian Yellow Gold and Garnet Memorial Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A Georgian Era ring in 14k Yellow Gold, set with a Cabochon Garnet, the top of the ring measures 1
Garnet, 14k Gold
Antique Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Georgian 18K gold memorial ring set with a curl of hair and adorned with four rose diamonds. The
Diamond, 18k Gold
Georgian Memorial Memento Gold and Gem Set Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1827 18K Yellow Gold Memorial, Memento Ring, measuring 5/8 X 1/2 inch across the top, set
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Georgian Crystal and Enamel 18 Carat Engraved Memorial Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This memorial band is a wonderful example of a Georgian piece of jewellery. The man detail in this
Crystal, 18k Gold
Georgian Yellow Gold and Enamel Hand Chased Memorial Memento Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1840s 18K Yellow Gold memorial memento Band Ring, measuring 3/8 inch wide and having very
18k Gold
Antique Memorial Pearl Hair Gold Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely Georgian natural pearl and plaited hair ring set in 12K yellow gold. The various shades of
Natural Pearl, Gold
Blue Enamel Seed Pearls Gold Memorial Ring
Located in London, GB
An antique memorial ring or love token ring, with the design picked out in natural half seed pearls
Natural Pearl, Gold
Antique Gold, Enamel and Pearl Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Elegant 18K gold memorial ring with an elaborate enameled band and woven hair surrounded by pearls
Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
18th Century Urn Motif Memorial Ring with Diamond and Amethyst Surround
Located in Baltimore, MD
Exquisitely crafted hair paint memorial ring of an urn embellished with gold and surrounded by
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Memorial Ring for Englishman Thomas Parr Dated Dec 23 1807
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is an historical memorial ring of a known Englishman, Thomas Parr, with a monument to his name
Enamel, 18k Gold
Antique Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Georgian memorial ring set with a braided lock of hair and inscribed ;Mary Barnardiston obt 29
Crystal, 15k Gold
Georgian 22K Memorial Ring with Pearl Surround, Hallmarked 1833
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely late Georgian 22 carat gold ring that is hallmarked Birmingham 1833. The ring has a surround
Pearl, 22k Gold
Antique Georgian 1763 Amethyst Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1763 Yellow Gold Memorial Ring, centrally set with an Amethyst and having Black Enamel
Amethyst, 14k Gold
Antique Georgian 18K Gold and Black Enamel Memorial Band Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This exquisite memorial ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, is a beautiful and poignant piece
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Memorial Swivel Ring Glorifying Christ London 1831
Located in Stamford, CT
Rare antique Georgian Memorial Swivel Ring Glorifying Christ London 1831 made within a year of the
Crystal, Onyx, 18k Gold
Antique Amethyst Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely Georgian ring of amethysts set in 15K gold with the center holding a lock of hair. The ring
Amethyst, 15k Gold
C1830 Onyx White Relief "forget me not" Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Georgian memorial or love onyx ring with fancy scrolled shoulders set in black and white onyx with
Onyx, 18k Gold
Georgian Memorial Ring
Located in New York, NY
15K Georgian memorial ring. A central rectangle braided hair locket is surrounded by 24 seed pearls
Pearl, 15k Gold
Antique Georgian Memorial Ring with Platted Hair in 14ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Such an exquisite antique memorial ring that was hand crafted in the Georgian era. This Georgian
Yellow Gold
Georgian Emerald Diamond Gold Memorial Ring
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular Georgian memorial ring with emerald and diamond. The large navette-shaped center
Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold
18th Century Georgian Navette Pearl Memorial Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An incredible antique navette memorial ring with a finely painted oval panel set within a halo of
Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
1780s Georgian "She Was Beloved" Navette Memorial Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A stunning Georgian navette memorial ring. The head, behind glass, features a white enamelled urn
White Diamond, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian Enamel Gold Memorial Ring “General Loftus Anthony Tottenham”
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Superb Georgian mourning ring dedicated to General Loftus Anthony Tottenham (1723-1811) of
18k Gold
Georgian Irish memorial ring from the Usher family circa 1733
Located in Dublin 2, D
Georgian Irish memorial ring with rock crystal and black enamel in yellow gold. Centred with a
Rock Crystal, 15k Gold
18th Century Georgian Diamond Navette Memorial Ring Pensez A Moi
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A stunning 18th Century navette memorial ring dating from circa 1780. Behind a domed glass
Diamond, 15k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian Amitie Marquise Shaped Seed Pearl Memorial Ring in Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This ring is such an exquisite example of an antique memorial ring that was hand crafted in the
Gold
Antique 18th Century Enamel Pearl Memorial Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This wonderful 18th memorial Century ring is ALL about the details. The head features a single
Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
Georgian Locket Memorial Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This cute antique memorial ring features an eye-shaped front locket compartment. The shoulders
18k Gold
Georgian Hand Chased Gold Memorial Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This glorious 19th Century memorial ring features deeply chased detail to the outer band, with
18k Gold
Georgian Garnet Locket Memorial Gold Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This marvellous 18th Century memorial ring features a halo of garnets, around a central locket
Garnet, 15k Gold
Georgian Memorial Mourning Ring; Seed Pearls, Black Enamel, 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
This Georgian memorial mourning 14 karat yellow Gold ring features black enameling around the
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel, Rose Gold
Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Diamond Pearl Ruby Enamel Gold Brooch by Carlo Giuliano
By Carlo Giuliano
Located in London, GB
Highly Important Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Portrait Brooch by Carlo Giuliano recognized to be arguably the most significant 19th century Egyptian Revival jewel. An important Egyptian...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Old Mine Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Antique Diamond Bangle Bracelet A 14 karat gold bangle set with 19 graduating old mine diamonds weighing approximately 7.6 carats Diameter: 2.5"
Diamond, 14k Gold
English Early Victorian Gold, Blue Enamel, and Rose-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique early Victorian gold, diamond, and enamel ring featuring a rose-cut diamond center in a tapering gold mount decorated with a blue enamel foliate pattern, in 15k gold. Eng...
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
$35,000
H 2.76 in W 3.55 in D 2.76 in
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Tiara Haircomb Necklace, circa 1880s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Victorian Opal and Diamond Crown Haircomb Necklace, ca. 1880s A very unusual and stunning Victorian crown, set with fiery opal cabochons and old-mine cut diamonds, from the 1880s. T...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Silver
Antique 2.74ct dormeuse old european cut diamond earrings
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A pair of antique, Early 20th Century, silver and gold two-stone old European diamond dormeuse earrings. This earring style has become so popular lately that it's becoming harder to ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late 1980s Thierry Mugler Velvet Lace-Up Pointed Strapless Bustier Corset Black
By Thierry Mugler
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From the late 1980s, this black velvet Thierry Mugler lace-up corset is a major addition to any wardrobe or collection. Designed by Manfred Thierry Mugler, this shapely corset featur...
Victorian Memorial Memento Gold Enamel Hair and Gem Set Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1880s Victorian Memorial, Memento 15 Karat Yellow Gold Ring, Measuring 4 M.M. wide, intricately detailed with woven Hair within the ring, further decorated in Black Enamel and ...
Diamond, Pearl, 15k Gold
Pierre Balmain Couture Ballgown 1955 Iconic Gown Dress
By Pierre Balmain
Located in Berlin, BE
'La Robe Broderie À Ramages' PIERRE BALMAIN PARIS Made In France, ca.1955 Majestic evening gown in silk and cream satin with the most astonishing embroiderery by PIERRE BALMAIN Haut...
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. Circa 1830 This beautiful antique ring dates from the George IV/Regency Period. ...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Roman Nicolo Intaglio Of A Cupid Circa 1st-2nd Century A.D.
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: I-II century A.D. Top size: 16 mm x 13 mm (intaglio: 14 mm x 10 mm) Ring size: 7 Weight: 12 gr The ring is characterized by a nicolo from the Roman era, dating back to the ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 17.91 Carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA certified 17.91 carat Old Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in Platinum Old Cushion Diamond Ring features a Center Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond with beautiful vintage carving ...
Diamond, Platinum
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian opal and diamond tiara/necklace, consisting of seven knife-edge gold bars graduating from the centre, each set with two round cabochon-cut opals and an old-cut diamo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
C1820 18K Onyx Forget Me Not Mourning Ring w Intricately Carved Shoulders
Located in Baltimore, MD
A c1850 18ct gold ring set with an onyx that has a finely carved intaglio of a pansy. Victorian's loved symbolism. The Victorian secret message which is a pun on the word Pansy me...
Onyx, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Gold, Black Enamel & Old Cut Diamond Mourning Ring, C 1884
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Although Mourning Jewelry has a long & fascinating history, going back to as far as Middle Ages, its popularity reached its peak during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
$1,782Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Mermaid and Snake Pendant Necklace Pearl Antique 14 Karat Gold Rare
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare antique Victorian Mermaid and Snake Pendant Necklace depicting a snake or serpent wrapped around a mermaid holding a pearl in her hand. This is extraordinary imagery ...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, 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.