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Gold Lyre Ring

Chushev Hermes & Lyre Blue Chalcedony Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
Chushev Hermes & Lyre Blue Chalcedony Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

Chushev Hermes & Lyre Blue Chalcedony Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

By Chushev

Located in Canoga Park, CA

This exquisite intaglio is masterfully engraved onto a blue chalcedony gemstone. The gem is set in an 18K gold ring. The shoulders of the ring are embellished with a classic "Green M...

Category

2010s Classical Greek Signet Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Gold

Recent Sales

Art Nouveau Giardinetti Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring, Solid 9K Rose Gold Lyre Ring
Art Nouveau Giardinetti Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring, Solid 9K Rose Gold Lyre Ring

Art Nouveau Giardinetti Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring, Solid 9K Rose Gold Lyre Ring

Located in Rottedam, NL

A head-turning antique Victorian diamond and ruby giardinetti ring! Giardinetti stands for “little garden” is one of the most romantic historic ring setting styles that symbolizes a ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Lapis Lazuli Signet Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Lyre Men's Fine Jewelry
Lapis Lazuli Signet Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Lyre Men's Fine Jewelry

Lapis Lazuli Signet Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Lyre Men's Fine Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage nugget signet ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.

Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Yellow Gold Banged Agate Art Deco Greek god Hermes Men's Ring 14k MythologyCameo
Yellow Gold Banged Agate Art Deco Greek god Hermes Men's Ring 14k MythologyCameo

Yellow Gold Banged Agate Art Deco Greek god Hermes Men's Ring 14k MythologyCameo

Located in Greensboro, NC

Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $60 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Design: Greek god Hermes Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Informat...

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21st Century and Contemporary Signet Rings

An 18th century sapphire cameo depicting Hercules
An 18th century sapphire cameo depicting Hercules

An 18th century sapphire cameo depicting Hercules

Located in London, GB

An 18th century sapphire cameo depicting Hercules, the oval sapphire weighing 7.90 carats and finely engraved with the profile of Hercules facing right, rub-over set to a yellow gold...

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Antique 18th Century English Classical Roman Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Georgian 18K Gold Hercules and Omphale Tassie Intaglio Ring
Georgian 18K Gold Hercules and Omphale Tassie Intaglio Ring

Georgian 18K Gold Hercules and Omphale Tassie Intaglio Ring

Located in Venice, CA

This 18k gold ring features an intaglio attributed to James Tassie, circa 1760-1780. The deep, red cast glass intaglio is embossed with an image of Hercules and Omphale, standing in ...

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Antique 18th Century Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Late 16th Century Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Athena & Poseidon
Late 16th Century Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Athena & Poseidon

Late 16th Century Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Athena & Poseidon

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: Late 16th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 7 ¾ Dimension: 2,9 x 2,1 cm Weight: 5,9 gr Dating back to the end of the sixteenth century, this ring features an ancient gol...

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Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Signet Rings

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Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rock Crystal Roman Intaglio Ring of Jupiter 2nd-3rd Century A.D.
Rock Crystal Roman Intaglio Ring of Jupiter 2nd-3rd Century A.D.

Rock Crystal Roman Intaglio Ring of Jupiter 2nd-3rd Century A.D.

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D. Provenance: Italy Ring size: 7 ½ Weight: 12,82 gr The ring features a gold setting in which is set a convex rock crystal intaglio dated to the Roman ...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Renaissance Gold and Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Homer
Renaissance Gold and Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Homer

Renaissance Gold and Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Homer

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: Late 16th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 8 Weight: 18.2 gr This Renaissance cameo can be attributed to the end of the 16th century, is made of agate, and inserted in a...

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Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 18k Gold

A Roman Silver Gilt Ring With A Chalcedony Athene Intaglio  1st-2nd Century A.D.
A Roman Silver Gilt Ring With A Chalcedony Athene Intaglio  1st-2nd Century A.D.

A Roman Silver Gilt Ring With A Chalcedony Athene Intaglio 1st-2nd Century A.D.

Located in Firenze, IT

The shank broadening at the shoulders to a flattened oval bezel, the oval intaglio engraved with Athene Finger size 9 Diam of intaglio 10mm

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, Silver

Victorian Moonstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Neoclassical Intaglio Ring
Victorian Moonstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Neoclassical Intaglio Ring

Victorian Moonstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Neoclassical Intaglio Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering an elongated oval shaped moonstone cabochon measuring 24.0 x 15.0 mm Translucent colorless body with vivid blue adularescence and carved intaglio Depicting a Neoclassical w...

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Antique 1870s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chushev Chnoubis Carnelian Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
Chushev Chnoubis Carnelian Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

Chushev Chnoubis Carnelian Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

By Chushev

Located in Canoga Park, CA

This exquisite intaglio is masterfully engraved onto rich carnelian gemstone and features the Gnostic deity, Chnoubis. The stone is set in an 18K signet ring. Production time for th...

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2010s American Classical Greek Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique Signet Cameo Ring 5ct Banded Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø6US /3.2gr
Antique Signet Cameo Ring 5ct Banded Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø6US /3.2gr

Antique Signet Cameo Ring 5ct Banded Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø6US /3.2gr

Located in SE

Antique Unisex signet ring dating to ca. XIX -early XX cent. Solid 18K Yellow Gold with fine cameo on banded Red Onyx depicting young Greek or Roman Woman wearing diadem. Crown meas...

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Vintage 1910s European Greek Revival Signet Rings

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Onyx, 18k Gold

Chushev Hades Blue Sapphire Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
Chushev Hades Blue Sapphire Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

Chushev Hades Blue Sapphire Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

By Chushev

Located in Canoga Park, CA

This exquisite intaglio is engraved onto man made blue sapphire and features Hades, king of the underworld and ruler of the dead.. The stone is set in an 18K signet ring. Production...

Category

2010s Classical Greek Signet Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Chushev Demosthenes Lapis Lazuli Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
Chushev Demosthenes Lapis Lazuli Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

Chushev Demosthenes Lapis Lazuli Intaglio Gold Signet Ring

By Chushev

Located in Canoga Park, CA

This exquisite intaglio is masterfully engraved onto rich lapis lazuli gemstone and features the Ancient Greek statesman and orator, Demosthenes. The stone is set in an 18K gold sign...

Category

2010s Classical Greek Signet Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Gold

Chushev Blue Chalcedony Intaglio Gold Swivel Ring
Chushev Blue Chalcedony Intaglio Gold Swivel Ring

Chushev Blue Chalcedony Intaglio Gold Swivel Ring

By Chushev

Located in Canoga Park, CA

This exquisite intaglio is masterfully engraved onto rich blue chalcedony gemstone and features a boy with his dog. The stone is set in an 18K gold swivel ring. Production time for ...

Category

2010s Classical Greek Signet Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Gold

Hermes Mercury Hardstone Cameo Ring Classic Victorian Agate Gold Deeply Carved
Hermes Mercury Hardstone Cameo Ring Classic Victorian Agate Gold Deeply Carved

Hermes Mercury Hardstone Cameo Ring Classic Victorian Agate Gold Deeply Carved

Located in New York, NY

Indulge in a superb museum quality Victorian - Belle Epoque deeply carved hardstone Cameo Ring depicting an image of the god Hermes or Mercury in a spectacular high relief carved aga...

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Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold

Vintage 18k Gold Hardstone Intaglio Signet Ring
Vintage 18k Gold Hardstone Intaglio Signet Ring

Vintage 18k Gold Hardstone Intaglio Signet Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This 18k yellow gold ring is set with an oval black and white hardstone intaglio, depicting a classical male sculptor at work. The finely engraved scene shows the figure seated as he...

Category

20th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Eurydice 18th Century
Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Eurydice 18th Century

Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Eurydice 18th Century

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: Late 18th century Provenance: Italy Dimensions (cameo): 22 mm Ring size: 7  Weight: 18 gr This cameo of the late eighteenth century is made of agate and inserted in an esse...

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Antique Late 18th Century Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 18k Gold

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Natural Opal Faceted Bead Single Strand Necklace on Sale 14 K Gold Lobster Clasp

Located in New York, NY

Natural Opal single strand Bead Necklace with heavy 14 Karat yellow gold clasp 17" long 1 layers of Natural opal Beads approximately 70 ct opal These are faceted beads so has lot...

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2010s Beaded Necklaces

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Ancient Roman gold ring with agate intaglio of Minerva, circa 2nd - 3rd century
Ancient Roman gold ring with agate intaglio of Minerva, circa 2nd - 3rd century

Ancient Roman gold ring with agate intaglio of Minerva, circa 2nd - 3rd century

Located in London, GB

Ancient Roman gold ring with agate intaglio of Minerva. Set with an oval banded agate intaglio to centre of the standing goddess Minerva with long robes and helmet, holding a winged ...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Classical Roman Signet Rings

Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio
Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio

Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio

Located in Firenze, IT

Period: II century A.D Ring size: 8 Top size: 14 mm x 11 mm Weight: 6.8 gr This magical ring from the Roman era, dating back to the 2nd century, is characterized by a simple contemp...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

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Jasper, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 3ct Round-Cut Diamond Solitaire Signet Ring in 18K Yellow Gold

By VimleshBadaya

Located in Jaipur, RJ

Commanding in presence and refined in detail, The Imperial Light solitaire signet ring is a masterclass in contemporary opulence. At its heart gleams a breathtaking 3-carat natural r...

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Steven Battelle 12.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Ring
Steven Battelle 12.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Ring

Steven Battelle 12.6 Carats Rainbow Moonstone 22K Gold Ring

By Steven Battelle

Located in Soquel, CA

A luminous and flashing 12 mm high-dome cushion shaped cabochon rainbow moonstone rests in a vertical "4-point with jawan" Steven Battelle designed setting atop a tapered matte-finis...

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21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Cocktail Rings

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Moonstone, Rainbow Moonstone, 22k Gold

Pink and Green Tourmaline Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Pink and Green Tourmaline Ring 18k Yellow Gold

Pink and Green Tourmaline Ring 18k Yellow Gold

Located in Honolulu, HI

Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.75 Total Weight: 10.1 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: pink and green tourmaline Condition: Preowned, Excellen...

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Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Solitaire Rings

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Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her

Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

Emerald ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with emeralds and diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to ...

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Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

A Roman Gnostic Intaglio In Agate 3rd Century AD Ring
A Roman Gnostic Intaglio In Agate 3rd Century AD Ring

A Roman Gnostic Intaglio In Agate 3rd Century AD Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

A very interesting gnostic intaglio made on a dark grey mottled agate. The front shows two snakes whose tails seem to turn into rods(?) which are then held in the mouths of the oppos...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

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Ancient Etruscan 22ct Gold Scarab Ring, Italy, Circa 4th-5th Century
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Ancient Etruscan 22ct Gold Scarab Ring, Italy, Circa 4th-5th Century

Located in Firenze, IT

A gold ring with a scarab of a bull. Etruscan, 4th - 5th Century BC. Ring size 8 The scarab measures 2cm x 1,4cm x 1.2cm The gold ring is original.

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

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A Roman Onyx Two Layers Of Gray And Blue Cameo Of Medusa Circa 2nd Century A.D.
A Roman Onyx Two Layers Of Gray And Blue Cameo Of Medusa Circa 2nd Century A.D.

A Roman Onyx Two Layers Of Gray And Blue Cameo Of Medusa Circa 2nd Century A.D.

Located in Firenze, IT

The ring, dated to the 2nd century, consists of a cameo made of onyx with shades ranging from grey to blue, which is set in a contemporary yellow gold setting. The cameo is decorated...

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Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Signet Rings

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Dubini Athena Ancient Silver Coin Medallion Emerald 18 K Yellow Gold Necklace
Dubini Athena Ancient Silver Coin Medallion Emerald 18 K Yellow Gold Necklace

Dubini Athena Ancient Silver Coin Medallion Emerald 18 K Yellow Gold Necklace

By DUBINI

Located in London, GB

This exquisite necklace showcases an authentic AR tetradrachm coin of Athena, dating back to circa 454-404 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold, adorned with double-set emerald and sapphire c...

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Located in Firenze, IT

Period: 17th century Top size: 18mm  Ring size: 8 Weight: 19 This XVII century erotic garnet intaglio, made of 18 carat gold, represents a peculiar erotic scene which is supposed ...

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Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring, circa 150-250 AD.
Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring, circa 150-250 AD.

Ancient Roman Hippocampus intaglio ring, circa 150-250 AD.

Located in London, GB

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Antique Intaglio Signet Ring Carnelian solid 20K Gold Ø US8 / 3.7gr
Antique Intaglio Signet Ring Carnelian solid 20K Gold Ø US8 / 3.7gr

Antique Intaglio Signet Ring Carnelian solid 20K Gold Ø US8 / 3.7gr

Located in SE

Signet intaglio Ring featuring natural Carnelian stone with naturalistic and symbolic intaglio of a middle aged Woman - Wife , Mother or Sister measuring 10 mm x 5 mm . The body of t...

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Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Signet Rings

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Carnelian, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Enamel and Pearl Yellow Gold Locket
Antique Victorian Enamel and Pearl Yellow Gold Locket

Antique Victorian Enamel and Pearl Yellow Gold Locket

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique enamel and pearl, 9 karat and 14 karat yellow gold pendant; part of our diverse Victorian gemstone jewellery and estate jewelry collection...

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Antique 1890s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

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Roman Garnet Intaglio (1st cent. AD) depicting a Cupid /Eros 18 kt Gold Ring
Roman Garnet Intaglio (1st cent. AD) depicting a Cupid /Eros 18 kt Gold Ring

Roman Garnet Intaglio (1st cent. AD) depicting a Cupid /Eros 18 kt Gold Ring

Located in Roma, IT

This 18 Kt gold ring has been set with an authentic Roman intaglio, on garnet, which depicts a winged Cupid leaning on a torch. The central stone is surrounded by 18 diamonds for a t...

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2010s Italian Contemporary Signet Rings

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Gold Lyre Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the gold lyre ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and yellow gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 7 antique edition and 2 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a gold lyre ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic gold lyre ring over the years, but those made by Chushev and Eytan Brandes are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A gold lyre ring can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but chalcedony rings, from our inventory of 1, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a cabochon version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes mixed cut and oval cut alternatives. When shopping for a gold lyre ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Gold Lyre Ring?

Prices for a gold lyre ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $580 and can go as high as $42,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $9,661.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

Finding the Right Rings for You

Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.

No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.

Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.

Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings. 

The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry. 

The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.

Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.