Victorian 14K Gold Amethyst Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Set in 14K yellow gold. Circa 1880-1900.
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Amethyst Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Set in 14K yellow gold. Circa 1880-1900.
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Triple Cultured Pearl Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
14K gold ring with three beautiful cultured pearls in a simple setting.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold
$1,371 / item
14k gold ring with 5 river pearls
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
N 18, named Anna, is a sculptural ring inspired by the ethereal grace of Anna Pavlova and the rich visual language of the Russian Seasons ballets. Its form echoes the flowing movemen...
Pearl, 14k Gold
FERRUCCI 18k White Gold Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Ring, 1.72ct
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
A Silver gray Tahitian pearl and white diamonds ring from the collection "Purity Di Perle" from FERRUCCI ., in a modern swirl design to compliment the delicate unique class of a soph...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Gold, White Gold
Diamond Ruby Emerald Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Precious ring in 14kt gold and details in white gold composed of a central pearl surroundes by a crown of diamonds, rubies and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,658Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Pearl Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A magnificent 18k white Gold ring set with a South Sea Pearl 13mm and Sparkling round brilliant cut Diamonds 1.25 cts.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Black Tahitian Pearl Contemporary Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Black Tahitian Pearl: 1 round= 10.8mm Dimensions: the ring measures 19.4mm wide at the top Size: 7.5 (complimentary sizing available) Weig...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage pearl diamond 14k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Twenty-eight tapered baguette and round brilliant diamonds, totaling approximately 2.00 carats in H-I color and VS-SI clarity, are channel-set in 14k yellow gold to frame the pearl i...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro French Solitaire Gold Ring with Pearl
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The pearl's smooth, creamy surface contrasts beautifully with the detailed relief work on the white gold, which forms a delicate flower motif surrounding the pearl.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Orb Harness Ring in 18k Gold & Grey Tahitian Pearl by Hannah Martin London
Located in Geneve, CH
Pearl Orb Harness Ring in 18k Gold & Grey Tahitian Pearl by Hannah Martin London.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Cultured Pearl 14k White Gold 1970's Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Decorate your hands with this beautifully made ring. Bring this 1970's ring back to life and add it to your jewelry collection. This cocktail ring is made to be shown off as it is la...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
【Caelmare】Cameo Halo Turquoise & Baby Akoya Statement Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material Akoya Pearl, Natural Turquoise, and 18k Gold Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 3.5-4 mm Quality: AAA Nacre: Very Thick Color: White L...
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central pearl and diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Pearl Rose Gold Three Stone Ring 14K
Located in Montgomery, AL
Ring Details Material: 14K Rose Gold Era: Victorian 1840 - 1900 Weight: 3.4 Grams Finger Size: 7 1/2 Sizable Upon Request Accented by the following gemstones 1 - 7.8mm Round Creme' ...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning antique pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$377Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage Style Peridot and pearl Silver, Gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Weight: 4 gr (depends from size) Central gemstone: peridot, round cabochon cut, 0.5 ct, transparent, green Freshwater cultivated pearl - 5 mm., white color, button form 💍This ring...
Pearl, Peridot, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
$377Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage Style Opal and pearl Silver, Gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Weight: 4 gr (depends from size) Central gemstone: Opal, round cabochon cut, 0.5 ct, transparent, multicolor Freshwater cultivated pearl - 5 mm., white color, button form 💍This ri...
Opal, Pearl, Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Freeform Mother of Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Freeform Mother of Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a freeform mother of pearl centerpiece with natural shape, luster, and ...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
large 18k gold cocktail ring, set with a 20.2mm South Sea pearl, approx. 2.75ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Solitaire Pearl Prong Set Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 3.7 Grams Pearl Diameter: 8.3 mm Pearl Count: 1 white akoya pearl Ring Size: 6.5 (resizable) please message us to resi...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Amethyst and Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Bradenton, FL
14K Gold band cabochon set pear form Amethyst Ring, Size 5..
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold
1980s Golden Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring 18k Gold
Located in Napoli, NA
* Ring size: 7 * Total weight: 7.40 grams * Pearl: Australian golden brown pearl, approx. 10 mm * Diamonds: Brilliant-cut diamonds, approx. 1.05 carats total * Metal: 18k yellow go...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Interconnected Double Pearl Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.8 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (resizable) Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone: 2 Akoya Pearls Pearl Diameter: 6.7 mm Condit...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold White Pearl Tortoise Ring
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18 K White Gold White Pearl Tortoise Ring 40 Diamonds 0.17 CT 2 Rubies 0.01 CT 7 White Pearls 0.30 CT 18 K Rose Gold 3.54GM The pearl meaning is centered around purity, balance, an...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.27ct Diamond & Pearl 14k Gold Cocktail Ring, Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.27 Carat diamond and pearl, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set cocktail ring; part of our diverse pearl jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Classical Pearl Diamond White Gold Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14K Weight 16.45 grams Size 53 Diamond 82-Bril.Cut-0.53 ct G/VS1A Pearl 1-11 ct With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva bas...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gold Coral Design Pearl & Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Mid Century Design 9ct Gold Coral design Central Pearl and Rubies. Central Cultured pearl size - 7.5mm ( milimeters) Rubies x 5 size - 2.5mm (millimeters) Size - 18mm ( inner dia...
Coral, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold
14K White Gold Vintage Diamond & Pearl Ring 7.1g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies vintage diamond and pearl ring in 14k white gold setting. Stamped 14k and weighs 7.1 grams gross weight.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late Victorian Peridot Pearl Gold Twin Heart Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 19th century Ring Size: 7 Weight: 7,3 gr The ring, dated to the second half of the 19th century, is composed of a yellow gold frame forged to form two twin hearts in the ce...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Black Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18k gold Black Tahitian cultured pearl ring with white rose cut diamond accents is sophisticated and timeless.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Gold Amethyst, Diamonds And Pearl Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 14K Gold Amethyst, Diamonds and Pearl Ring. It depicts a Violet flower shaped ring with four petals made of amethysts adorned by a diamond in each cardinal point ( 0.60 ca...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Modern flower ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
15.5mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A perfectly round 15.5mm South Sea pearl is featured in this gold cocktail ring. The lustrous pearl is surrounded by 2.40 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$4,200 / item
Turquoise Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold. It is hand set in 2.2 carats pearl, .35 carats turquoise and .46 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
Pearl and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Handcrafted in rich 12.5 grams of 18K yellow gold with 0.15 carat Diamonds, the warm golden setting enhances the natural glow of the pearls while adding depth and sophistication to t...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Cultured Gray Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This second hand gray pearl ring features a wide band holding a round gadrooned motif at the top, adorned in the center with a pear...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15.5mm Tahitian Pearl Diamond 18K Gold Flower Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The pearl's deep and lustrous color draws immediate attention.
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Diamond Pearl Precious Stone Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Enhance your look with this charming ring in 14Kt white gold and rose gold, composed of diamonds and blue sapphires and emeralds which surround 3 little pearls with a diameter of 2/3...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold
Golden South Sea Pearl, Fresh Water Pearl, Yellow Sapphire Ring in 18k Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
South Sea Pearl, Fresh Water Pearl, Yellow Sapphire 3.50 carats and Diamond 0.58 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.5 cm Length: 2.8 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight:...
South Sea Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Pearl, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by a flower of diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cultured Pearl and Diamond Grape Cluster Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.9 Grams Stone: Cultured Pearl and Diamonds Diamond Count: 4 Round Brilliant Diamonds Diamond Color: G-H Diamo...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
~4.5mm Cultured Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.7 Grams Stone: Cultured Pearl and Diamonds Diamond Count: 8 Round Brilliant Diamonds Diamond Color: G-H Diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Cultured Pearls Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This elegant, modern yellow gold ring features a front adorned with various openwork bands crafted from smooth yellow gold and engr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian pearl mourning 9k yellow gold silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The pearls are set within a traditional silver-topped setting, a technique commonly used during the Georgian period to enhance the brightness of gemstones, while the ring itself is c...
Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
【Conchéa】Flaming Bloom 3-Way Conch & Sapphire Jewelry — 3.6ct
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material Conch Pearl, 18K Gold, Natural Diamond, and Emerald Dimensions - Conch Pearl Shaped: Natural Symmetrical Drop Size: 3.60ct Color: Flamingo...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold cocktail ring, with center 13.9mm South Sea pearl, surrounded with approx. 1.80ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Yoko London South Sea Pearl Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
Pieces in the Novus collection are recognised by their smooth minimal lines which showcase the natural radiance of the pearls against striking gold silhouettes. Beauty in the simplis...
South Sea Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 14k Rose Gold Turquoise and Seed Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring is crafted in 14k rose gold and set with turquoise accented by seed pearls.
Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1940s Pearl 1.34 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning and unusual pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Dome Ring #17737
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Dome Ring - Make a statement with this gorgeous mabe pearl ring.
Pearl, 14k Gold
18k, Black Pearl, Diamond & Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
"Twist band ring with a 12mm black pearl and four small round cut diamonds; marked ""18k"" inside the band; insurance appraisal paper included size: 4.25 dimensions: (ring) weight...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold and Pearl Ring by Lapponia, 1970s
By Lapponia
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vintage ring in 18 karat gold set with a large cultured pearl. The pearl sits prominently at the centre of the design, framed by sculpted gold forms that rise asymmetrically around...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Edwardian pearl diamond 18k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in warm 18k yellow gold, the setting complements both the diamonds and the pearl, enhancing their natural beauty with rich golden tones.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Diameter: 10.8 mm Diamond Count: 24 Diamond Color: G-J Diamond Clarity: VS2-I1 Diamond Carat Weight: 0.45 carats Total We...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yoko London South Sea Pearl Ring in 18k White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
Pieces in the Yoko London Novus collection are recognised by their contemporary styles which showcase the natural radiance of the pearls they feature. Beauty in the simplistic, this ...
South Sea Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
1961 Vintage 18k White Gold Cultured Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive pearl cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Double Layer Gold Beaded Freshwater Pearl Open Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
SKU: FT-0002 Material 18K Gold Vermeil and Freshwater Pearl Diameter approx. 18mm Ring Width approx. 8mm Freshwater Pearl beads approx. 4mm; gold vermeil beads approx. 4mm
Freshwater Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Vermeil
Vintage gold ring with amethyst and pearls, Great Britain.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Vintage gold ring with amethyst and pearls, Great Britain.
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,240Sale Price|33% Off
Beautiful South Sea Pearl & Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Estate Cocktail Ring 12.5mm Pinkish White South Sea Pearl 1.08ct Brilliant Round Diamonds G Color VS Clarity The Top is 27mm 18kt Yellow Gold Size 6.5 and is Resizable 8 grams We...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k yellow gold ring features a bold baroque pearl accented by diamonds in an asymmetric bypass design.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
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.
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
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.
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.