Swarovski Azore Blue Crystals Dots Clear Large Flower Cocktail Ring Size L 52
By Swarovski
Located in Wokingham, England
Swarovski Azore Blue Crystals Dots Clear Large Flower Cocktail Chunky Statement Ring, Size L 52 Very excellent condition. Come with original box and tag. 100% Genuine. Size: L, 52...
Gold Plate
Large Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Citrine Ring
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
A real Statement Piece! Contemporary Bespoke 18kt Yellow Gold bezel set Emerald cut Ring with elegant Split Shank. The Center Emerald cut Citrine is beautifully proportioned and i...
Citrine, Emerald, Topaz, Tsavorite, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Ruby Pave Diamond Bypass Large Cocktail Ring 4.53cttw Sz 7.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A gorgeous vintage bypass ring from one of the most bold periods in the jewelry world… c. the 1980’s - 1990’s. It is crafted in 18K yellow gold and pave set with approximately 2.20c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Large Natural Coral Gold Diamond Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Large 10k gold ring with natural coral - 27mm x 19mm and diamonds approx.0.78ctw. Ring size 4 1/4, ring top is 34mm x 25mm. Weight 13.5 grams. Tested 10k gold.
Coral, Diamond, Gold
Luca Carati Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White & Rose Gold 1.33Cttw
By Luca Carati
Located in New York, NY
Luca Carati 18K rose and white gold diamond large floral circle design cocktail ring.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Mings Longevity Large Rectangular Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.8 Grams Ring Size: 8 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 23.2 mm tall Condition: Preow...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Waves Large White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Diamond Large Ring by Cartier. This ring comes with a Cartier box. With 86 Round brilliant cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, E color total weight approximately 4.30...
Diamond, White Gold
Angela Cummings Large Aquamarine Yellow Gold Ring
By Angela Cummings
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Large Aquamarine Ring by Angela Cummings. With 1 large round aquamarine 3.50ct Measurements: Size: 6 Weight: 16.4 grams Width: 14mm Stamped Hallmarks: Cummings 18k 1...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold
Hermes Diamond Large Amethyst Rose Gold Ring
By Hermès
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Diamond Large Amethyst Ring by Hermes. With 130 round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity G color total weight 1.30ct 1 large amethyst 17mm x 23mm Details: Ring Size: Eu...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Chanel Diamond Large White Gold Flower Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Large Flower Ring by Chanel. With round brilliant cut diamonds E color VVS2 clarity total weight 2.50ct .50ct in the middle comes with GIA certificate VVS1 cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1960s Large Flower Diamond Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Impressive Ring with 2.25c atw. of beautiful diamonds set among textured 18k yellow gold petals. US size 6 (it might a tiny bit off because of the balls to keep it from flipping) ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Logo by Angeletti Rose Gold Ring Large Size
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Logo by Angeletti Rose Gold Ring Large Size. The Logo Collection is inspired by the "A", the Initial Letter of the Brand. The Most Contemporary and Signature Collection by Angelett...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 10K Gold Large Coral Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
A Spectacular 10 Karat Gold Coral Ring. Makes a statement, this is a large Ring. Stunning Early Craftsmanship. If you have an appreciation for fine early Jewelry take a good look at...
Coral, Yellow Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Large Pink Oval Cabochon Chunky Cocktail Ring, US 5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Textured Large Pink Oval Cabochon Chunky Statement Cocktail Elegant Modenist Ring, Size 5, Gold Tone Very good condition.
Gold Plate
Modern Large Tanzanite Diamond Gold Flower Statement Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Impressive three dimensional flower cocktail ring featuring open gold work and pave diamond petals with a centralized 54 carat cabochon tanzanite.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Large Foil Lapis Navy Cabochon Cocktail Ring, US 5
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Wokingham, England
Yves Saint Laurent YSL Arty Vintage Unisex Large Lapis Navy Blue Foil Cabochon Cocktail Chunky Statement Ring, US 5, Gold Tone Very good condition.
Gold Plate
14k Rose Gold 6.6ctw Large Oval Morganite w/ Large Fiery Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Morganite - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Pink Color - 12x10mm - 4.6ct (approx.) (14) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set -Fi...
Diamond, Morganite, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Large Tanzanite Ring 4.20 Carat AAA Diamond Tsavorite Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Oval Tanzanite Ring Diamonds and Tsavorite. Very Brilliant color Tanzanite AAA Top Quality deep Blue tone 4.20 carat. Oval Shape 18k White Gold 6.20 grams. Total all natural Di...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
30 Ct Oval Amethyst & 25 Ct Emerald Large Cocktail Ring in Platinum, 32gm, Size6
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 30 Ct Oval Amethyst & 25 Ct Emerald Large Cocktail Ring in Platinum, 32 gm, Size 6. This beautiful cocktail ring features a large, high-quality oval amethyst weighing a...
Amethyst, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Garrard White Gold Wings Classic Large Diamond Ring
By Garrard & Co. Ltd.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An exquisite 18k white gold diamond ring by Garrard from the Wings Classic collection. The ring exhibits a wing design that spreads over two fingers and is pave set with 147 round br...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Blue Topaz Ring
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
A real Statement Piece! Contemporary Bespoke 18kt Yellow Gold bezel set Emerald cut Ring with elegant Split Shank. The Center Emerald cut Blue Topaz is beautifully proportioned an...
Citrine, Emerald, Topaz, Tsavorite, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Large 9.53ct Smoky Quartz
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K yellow gold vintage ring with the original large smoky/champagne quartz stone. The quartz is a large emerald cut measuring about 15.5mm x 12mm with light golden tan color. The mo...
Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,500Sale Price|55% Off
NWT $43, 500 18KT Gold Important Large 40CT Fancy Large Aquamarine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering are a Rare Important Pair of Spectacular and Beautiful IMPORTANT & EXQUISITE 18KT Gold Large Gorgeous Aquamarine and Diamond Ring. Ring consists o...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Pasquale Bruni Diamond Citrine Large White Gold Ring
By Pasquale Bruni
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond and London Blue Topaz Large Ring by Pasquale Bruni. With Round brilliant cut diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approx. 1.92ct Large Golden Citrine 16...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Peridot & Diamond Large Dome 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Bold and beautiful large dome cocktail ring features peridots of various sizes against a black rhodium background for striking contrast and flush set diamonds, creating a stunning lo...
Peridot, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.50 CTW Large Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
18k yellow gold 1.50 CTW large diamond crossover ring. The diamonds in this ring are all round, the width of the ring is 19.8 mm, the ring size is a 7, and it has a total weight of 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mens Large Multi Diamond Row 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 9.75 Ring Height: 18 mm tall Total Weight: 18.4 Grams Diamond Count: 25 brilliant cut Diamond Total Carat Weight: ~2.50 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$29,400Sale Price|40% Off
NWT $49, 000 18KT Gold Important Large 18CT Fancy Large Aquamarine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Beautiful 18KT Gold Rare Important Large Magnificent Fancy Aquamarine and Diamond Ring!!! Magnificent Large Aquamarine Center Stone accompa...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold
Pomellato Iconica Rose Gold and Diamond Large Ring
By Pomellato
Located in Geneva, CH
Launched in 2015 as a celebration of its 50th anniversary, the Iconica collection from Pomellato is a tribute to the Milanese designer’s goldsmithing heritage. Our pre-owned 18-kara...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Large Italian Modernist 18 Karat Gold Openwork Spiral Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A striking Italian Modernist statement ring crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold. This dramatic sculptural design features an intricate openwork composition of hand-textured gold str...
Gold, 18k Gold
Large Estate Diamond 18K White Gold and Blackened Gold Panther Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegant estate panther ring, diamond set 18K white and blackened gold. Marks: 18K, 750, jeweler's mark, numbered Size 7.5 US 23mm by 14mm Excellent condition The panther epitomizes p...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
19.36 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Made in 18k yellow gold, this large cocktail ring is not for the faint of heart.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ming's Hawaii Large Pierced Oval Phoenix Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.1 Grams Ring Size: 6 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 31.3 mm tall Condition: Preowned, ...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
TURGO Large Cabochon Citrine Ring 18K Yellow Gold 30.4 Grams
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage statement ring by TURGO, masterfully crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and centered with an impressive 28.75 carat citrine cabochon. The magnificent oval cabochon displays a ...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Aquamarine & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Large Aquamarine & Diamond Ring 1 emerald cut aquamarine surrounded by 8 round cut diamonds set in 14k white gold. Ring Size: 6.25 Resizable free of charge
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pave Diamond Large Flower Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pave diamond large flower ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 218 round white diamonds totaling of 4.75 carats. Approximate total weight 14.45 grams. Standard Ring...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,106Sale Price|50% Off
Vintage Boulder Opal ring silver large 8.5 US size gold ring natural gemstone
Located in Berlin, DE
Vintage 18K yellow gold plated and matte finish silver ring with natural Australian Boulder Opal opal origin - Lightning Ridge, Australia boulder opal measures - 0.16 x 0.35 x 0.63...
Opal, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Large Ametrine and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Weight: 14.9 grams Ring Size: 9 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone: Ametrine Ametrine Measurements: 18.03 mm x 13.6 mm x 8.61 A...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold 42.26ctw Large Checkerboard Cushion Kunzite Pink Stones Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Kunzite - Large Checkerboard Cushion Cut - Dual Prong Set - Powder Pink Color - 18.6x18.4mm - 28.95ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Pink Stones -...
Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Large 67ct Pear Cut Amethyst Solitaire Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Amethyst - Large Huge Pear Cut - Dual Prong Set - Rich to Medium Purple Color - 24.4x32.1x18mm (approx.) - 67ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yello...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Citrine With Multiple Gemstones Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bradenton, FL
18k yellow gold Citrine and diamond ring, The dimensions of the oval Citrine are approximately 30 mm x 15 mm. Approximately 12 carats. 18K tested. Approximate size 6.5.
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Large 13.92mm Tahitian Pearl w/ Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Genuine Tahitian Pearl - Large Round Shape - Dark Grey color w/ very nice luster - 13.92mm (approx.) (24) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Solid White Gold 3.21ctw Diamond Tiered Cluster Larger Center Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G Color - I1 Clarity - 6.17mm - 0.91ct (approx.) (18) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - P...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Large Geometric Baguette Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This baguette, diamond ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing approximately 5.61 total carats of SI-V Quality white diamonds. This ring is comfortable and can be sized "up...
Diamond, White Gold
18k Gold & Platinum 6.24ctw GIA Large Pear Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Rubellite Tourmaline - Large Elongated Pear Cut - Prong Set - Rich Purple Red - 6.05ct (exact) ** See Sapphire Certification Details Below ** Numero...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Tankissi Diamond Large Amethyst Yellow Gold Ring Paper
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Amethyst Tankissi Large Ring by Cartier. With 2 baguette cut diamonds VVS1 clarity, G color 1 Oval Amethyst 12mm x 10mm Details: Size: European 52, US 6 Weigh...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Solid Gold 11.80ctw Large Oval Peridot Diamond Daisy Flower Setting Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Peridot - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Deep Green Color - 14.92x12.88mm - 10ct (approx.) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave &...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$24,720Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Large Round Citrine Fashion Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This estate David Webb cocktail ring is an exquisite blend of timeless design and craftsmanship. The focal point of this elegant piece is a stunning 24mm wide citrine gemstone. Set i...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Emerald-Cut Citrine Ring by FFF in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
The citrine is held in a simple four-prong setting that allows the stone to catch the light from every angle. The gold mounting has clean stepped lines typical of 1970s American jewe...
Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Solid White gold 15.09ctw Aquamarine & Diamond Halo Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Aquamarine - Rectangular Cut - Prong Set - Greenish Blue Color - 14.45ct (exact. stamped) (32) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pron...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, White Gold
White Gold Black Enamel and Diamond Large Scale Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Made of 18K white gold with black enamel accents and set with 16 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing an approximate total of 1.00CT of overall G Color and VS1 Clarity. This large s...
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
14k Yellow Gold Large Oval Sapphire Square Step Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Deep Blue Color - 7.08 x 5.12mm (approx.) - 1.0ctw (approx.) (8) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Square Step Cu...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 7.73ct Royal Purple Amethyst & Diamond Large Geometric Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Amethyst -Emerald Cut- Bezel Set - Deep Royal Purple Color - 13.1x10mm (approx.) - 7.33ct (exact) (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Pear-Shaped Garnet Ring
Located in Woodland Hills, CA
This bold, solid 14k yellow gold ring features a large, translucent, 14x10.3mm, horizontal, pear-shaped garnet with a proprietary "double rose cut" by German gemstone company, Claudi...
14k Gold
Ming's Hawaii Large Pierced Oval Cutout Bamboo Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Hawaii Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.3 Grams Ring Size: 6.25 Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 31.5 mm tall Condition: Preown...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Bird on a Plum Large Rectangular Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.6 Grams Ring Size: 8.75 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Height: 23 mm tall Condition: Preo...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold & Platinum 1.92ctw Diamond Large Boxy Geometric Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (64) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Very Clean Nice Fiery Brilliant White Diamonds - 1.92ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 18K Yellow Gold w/ ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.
A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.
Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.
Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.
Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.
During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.
So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic.
Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.
These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.
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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.