Skip to main content

Gold Onyx Class Ring

Vintage Class of 1944 US Naval Academy Yellow Gold Onyx Ring
Vintage Class of 1944 US Naval Academy Yellow Gold Onyx Ring

Vintage Class of 1944 US Naval Academy Yellow Gold Onyx Ring

Located in New York, NY

A historic U.S. Naval Academy class ring, crafted in 13k yellow gold and set with a polished cabochon black onyx.

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

1936 Art Deco 10K Yellow Gold Black Onyx Men's Class Ring, 6.3g
1936 Art Deco 10K Yellow Gold Black Onyx Men's Class Ring, 6.3g

1936 Art Deco 10K Yellow Gold Black Onyx Men's Class Ring, 6.3g

Located in Palm Desert, CA

This vintage “1936” class ring is a remarkable piece of history, crafted from 10K yellow gold and bearing an M&M maker’s stamp, signifying its authenticity and quality.

Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

Recent Sales

Tiffany & Co. Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold and Onyx College Class Ring, circa 1922
Tiffany & Co. Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold and Onyx College Class Ring, circa 1922

Tiffany & Co. Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold and Onyx College Class Ring, circa 1922

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring. Truly a great piece at a great price! Weight: 10.6 grams Dimensions: 3/4" (length) 5/8" (height)...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

10 Karat Gold Onyx Inlay Cleveland 1948 High School Traditional Graduation Ring
10 Karat Gold Onyx Inlay Cleveland 1948 High School Traditional Graduation Ring

10 Karat Gold Onyx Inlay Cleveland 1948 High School Traditional Graduation Ring

Located in Milford, DE

A classy 10K gold 1948 class ring with onyx inlay. The face features a motif of a man and inscribed "Grover Cleveland High School" and "Pro deo et patria."

Category

Late 20th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 10k Gold

You May Also Like

10K Yellow Gold Art Deco Sardonyx Ring, Circa 1940s, Size 9.25
10K Yellow Gold Art Deco Sardonyx Ring, Circa 1940s, Size 9.25

10K Yellow Gold Art Deco Sardonyx Ring, Circa 1940s, Size 9.25

Located in Palm Desert, CA

Evoking the elegance of a bygone era, this 10 karat gold Art Deco sardonyx ring dates to the 1940s and showcases timeless geometric styling. At its center sits a rectangular sardonyx...

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Army Air Corps Signet Ring
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Army Air Corps Signet Ring

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Black Onyx Army Air Corps Signet Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage black onyx and 14 karat yellow gold Army Air Corps signet ring with a 14 karat white gold applied decoration; part of our diverse mens jewelry and estat...

Category

Vintage 1950s British Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cushion Signet Ring, 8k Yellow Gold, Niccolo Onyx 12.0 x 10.5 mm with Engraving
Cushion Signet Ring, 8k Yellow Gold, Niccolo Onyx 12.0 x 10.5 mm with Engraving

Cushion Signet Ring, 8k Yellow Gold, Niccolo Onyx 12.0 x 10.5 mm with Engraving

By Victor Mayer

Located in Pforzheim, DE

Victor Mayer Cushion Signet Ring 8k Yellow, Niccolo Onyx approx. 12.0 x 10.5 mm with heraldic engraving About the creator Victor Mayer Victor Mayer is internationally renowned for e...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring Size 7.25  #18528
14 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring Size 7.25  #18528

14 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring Size 7.25 #18528

Located in Washington Depot, CT

14 Karat Yellow Gold Onyx and Diamond Ring Size 7.25 JAGi Certified This lovely ring features one oval black onyx gemstone (8.1 mm x 6.2 mm) and 22 round brilliant cut diamonds set ...

Category

20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Onyx and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Vintage Onyx and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Vintage Onyx and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

The onyx in this signet ring is in lovely condition and it so glossy! The stone is set within the 9ct gold band. Fully Hallmarked London 1973. Ring Size: O 1/2 or 7 1/2 Stone Dim...

Category

Vintage 1970s British Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold

Handmade Art Deco Ring from 1928 Solid 10Kt. Multi Colored Gold Size 3 with Onyx
Handmade Art Deco Ring from 1928 Solid 10Kt. Multi Colored Gold Size 3 with Onyx

Handmade Art Deco Ring from 1928 Solid 10Kt. Multi Colored Gold Size 3 with Onyx

Located in Long Beach, CA

LADIES RING STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco METAL / MATERIAL: 10Kt. Solid Gold with Onyx Inlay CIRCA / YEAR: 1928 STONE: Onyx SIZE: 3 This classic Art Deco ring is hand constructed for ...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco More Rings

Materials

10k Gold

14 Karat gold Victorian Carved Agate Cameo Ring 1800s
14 Karat gold Victorian Carved Agate Cameo Ring 1800s

14 Karat gold Victorian Carved Agate Cameo Ring 1800s

Located in Wallkill, NY

Stunning floral and birds make up the surround on this 14K gold ring. Center is a Victorian woman. Victorian later soldered onto a modern shank. The ring is large in scale measuring ...

Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Early Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Agate, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Signet Men Ring 5.5ct. natural Onyx solid 18K Gold ØUS9.75 / 3.5 gr.
Vintage Signet Men Ring 5.5ct. natural Onyx solid 18K Gold ØUS9.75 / 3.5 gr.

Vintage Signet Men Ring 5.5ct. natural Onyx solid 18K Gold ØUS9.75 / 3.5 gr.

Located in SE

ϟiignet Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural black Onyx stone stone rectangular cut and polished 14 x 12 mm x 2 mm deep/ about 5.5 ct . Made ca. 1950s -1960...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage 14KT Yellow Gold Sardonyx Intaglio Signet Ring, Circa 1940
Vintage 14KT Yellow Gold Sardonyx Intaglio Signet Ring, Circa 1940

Vintage 14KT Yellow Gold Sardonyx Intaglio Signet Ring, Circa 1940

Located in Napoli, IT

Magnificent vintage gent signet ring, 1940 circa Substantially hand crafted of solid 14 KT gold – weighs 18.3 grams Large sized with a current finger size UK size: Z+2 ½ - US size: 1...

Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Signet Rings

Materials

14k Gold

Vintage Carved Agate 14 Karat Yellow Gold Crest Unisex Signet Ring
Vintage Carved Agate 14 Karat Yellow Gold Crest Unisex Signet Ring

Vintage Carved Agate 14 Karat Yellow Gold Crest Unisex Signet Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering a cartouche-shaped agate tablet carved with a heraldic crest intaglio Opaque dark grayish blue and measuring 10.0 x 12.5 mm - intaglio is dark blue Depicting a shield flan...

Category

Vintage 1960s Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Onyx and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Vintage Onyx and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Vintage Onyx and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This signet ring holds a glossy onyx stone and a diamond set within it. The diamond measures 2pts. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1985. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 8 Onyx Dimensions: 12x10mm H...

Category

Vintage 1980s British Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold

Vintage Onyx and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Vintage Onyx and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Vintage Onyx and 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

The Onyx stone is set within the 9ct gold band with decorative shoulders. Fully hallmarked 1988. Ring Size: S or 9 Stone Dimensions: 12x9mm Weight: 3.2g

Category

Vintage 1980s British Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold

Antique Penn Club of Philadelphia Gold and Onyx Signet Ring
Antique Penn Club of Philadelphia Gold and Onyx Signet Ring

Antique Penn Club of Philadelphia Gold and Onyx Signet Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1930s Penn Club of Philadelphia 10k Yellow Gold and Onyx Signet Ring, the top measures 3/4 X 5/8 inch, a deep carved intaglio of the Penn Club and the wording, " Dum Clavum Ten...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 10k Gold

1954 Signet Men Ring 4.5ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 9.25 US / 4.25gr
1954 Signet Men Ring 4.5ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 9.25 US / 4.25gr

1954 Signet Men Ring 4.5ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 9.25 US / 4.25gr

Located in SE

ϟiignet Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural black Onyx stone stone transitional rectangular cut and polished 15 x 12 mm x 2.3 mm mm deep/ about 4.5 ct . Swe...

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique 10K Yellow Gold Swivel Ring with Onyx and Cameo, Art Deco
Antique 10K Yellow Gold Swivel Ring with Onyx and Cameo, Art Deco

Antique 10K Yellow Gold Swivel Ring with Onyx and Cameo, Art Deco

Located in Sewickley, PA

A beautifully crafted yellow gold swivel ring, featuring an octagonal rotating bezel that flips to reveal two contrasting faces. One side showcases a sleek black onyx panel, centered...

Category

Late 20th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 10k Gold

Vintage Ring Black Onyx Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7.5 / 2gr
Vintage Ring Black Onyx Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7.5 / 2gr

Vintage Ring Black Onyx Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7.5 / 2gr

Located in SE

Vintage Unisex type Ring set with bezel set cabochon cut natural Black Onyx stone accented with old European cut Diamonds in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Yellow Gold band and crown...

Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

People Also Browsed

1979 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Harvard Signet Class Unisex Ring
1979 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Harvard Signet Class Unisex Ring

1979 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Harvard Signet Class Unisex Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering an oval-shaped face featuring an intaglio of the Harvard University crest Depicting a shield with three books with the motto 'Veritas' meaning "Truth" Accented by a laurel...

Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Magic Glo 1.56 Carat Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Men's Ring
Magic Glo 1.56 Carat Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Men's Ring

Magic Glo 1.56 Carat Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Men's Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

Bold and masculine Magic Glo men's square top diamond ring. 1 round brilliant cut center diamond set in a 14k yellow gold setting with 16 round brilliant cut accent diamonds in the f...

Category

Late 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.07 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Art Deco Men's Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
2.07 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Art Deco Men's Ring in 18K Yellow Gold

2.07 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Art Deco Men's Ring in 18K Yellow Gold

Located in Wan Chai District, HK

This stunning art deco fashion ring is the perfect choice for adding a touch of sophistication and glamour to your look. The ring features a 207 carat emerald cut emerald set in a di...

Category

Late 20th Century Hong Kong Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara

Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara

$53,288

W 1.58 in L 5.71 in

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...

Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver

Gold posy ring, 'Rather die then faith deny', circa 18th century.
Gold posy ring, 'Rather die then faith deny', circa 18th century.

Gold posy ring, 'Rather die then faith deny', circa 18th century.

Located in London, GB

Gold posy ring, 'Rather die then faith deny'. A smoothly conforming yellow gold D-shape band engraved to the interior 'Rather die then faith deny' in elegant script, approximately 6....

Category

Antique 18th Century Georgian Wedding Rings

Vintage Certified 12.01ct Color Change Green-Brown Cat's Eye Diamond Men's Ring
Vintage Certified 12.01ct Color Change Green-Brown Cat's Eye Diamond Men's Ring

Vintage Certified 12.01ct Color Change Green-Brown Cat's Eye Diamond Men's Ring

Located in Wan Chai District, HK

This bold, contemporary dome ring will not go unnoticed! One of the most sought-after colored gemstones in the world, the Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye possesses not just one, but two rare ...

Category

1990s Hong Kong Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Cat’s Eye, Diamond, Chrysoberyl, Yellow Gold

1.25 Carat Natural Diamond 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Men's Ring
1.25 Carat Natural Diamond 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Men's Ring

1.25 Carat Natural Diamond 14 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Men's Ring

Located in Los Angeles, CA

1.25 Carats Natural Diamond 14K Solid Yellow Gold Men's Ring Amazing looking piece! Total Natural Round Cut Diamonds Weight: Approx. 1.25 Carats (color H / Clarity SI1) Width of t...

Category

2010s American More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black Diamond Men's 18k Gold Engagement Ring by Oltremare Gioielli Made in Italy
Black Diamond Men's 18k Gold Engagement Ring by Oltremare Gioielli Made in Italy

Black Diamond Men's 18k Gold Engagement Ring by Oltremare Gioielli Made in Italy

Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI

Experience timeless elegance with our Made to Order Men's gold band, featuring a natural Black Diamond 1.2 Ct. Inspired by Rome's Domus Aurea grotesque decorations, this ring seamles...

Category

2010s Italian Classical Roman Engagement Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Chased Gold Men’s Ring
Antique Diamond Chased Gold Men’s Ring

Antique Diamond Chased Gold Men’s Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1890 This highly unusual antique 14K gold ring is chased with two profile busts of an Egyptian pharaoh and stylized floral designs. The ring is prong set with a sparkling...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond

Men Ring natural 10.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Size US8 / 13gr
Men Ring natural 10.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Size US8 / 13gr

Men Ring natural 10.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Size US8 / 13gr

Located in SE

Ring for Men, "Gypsy Style ", featuring bezel set natural untreated semitransparent Blue Sapphire, flanked with 4 diamond cut Diamonds in white Gold clusters. Not hallmarked, metal...

Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Hand Engraved Eternity Princess Cut Ruby Men's Wedding Ring
18K Yellow Gold Hand Engraved Eternity Princess Cut Ruby Men's Wedding Ring

18K Yellow Gold Hand Engraved Eternity Princess Cut Ruby Men's Wedding Ring

Located in Los Angeles, CA

DeKara Designs Custom Metal- 18K Yellow Gold, .750 Stones- 8 Princess Cut Natural Rubies, 1.60 Carats. Size-7-13 Entirely Handmade Art Deco Inspired Hand Engraved 18K Yellow Gold...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1960's Nephrite Jade 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage U.S. Navy Signet Ring
1960's Nephrite Jade 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage U.S. Navy Signet Ring

1960's Nephrite Jade 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage U.S. Navy Signet Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Centering an oval-shaped nephrite jade tablet measuring 11.0 x 9.0 mm Translucent mossy green with subtle mottling and bezel set Accented by a raised hidden halo of gold stars fully ...

Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Gold Onyx Class Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Gold Onyx Class Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate gold onyx class ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and white gold. You can easily find a 2 antique edition and 10 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a gold onyx class ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Finding an appealing gold onyx class ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Vitale 1913 and Van Cleef & Arpels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Take a look at a gold onyx class ring featuring onyx from our inventory today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes square cut and cabochon alternatives. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a gold onyx class ring, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a Gold Onyx Class Ring?

Prices for a gold onyx class ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $425 and can go as high as $6,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,408.

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.