French 1950s Turquoise Cultured Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. Thin antique ring, its ring is joined retaining in its center a cultured pearl shouldered by 2 pearls of tinted turquoise.
Pearl, Turquoise, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Edwardian Ruby & Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Edwardian Ring 15ct Gold Tested Circa 1900 This beautiful 15ct gold Edwardian seed pearl and ruby Ring is a stunning piece of jewellery that exudes elegance and sophistica...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Vintage pearl diamond 18k white gold pave cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage pearl and diamond pavé cocktail ring is a striking statement of elegance and craftsmanship.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Mother of Pearl Signet Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking Danish Modernist ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring a bold rectangular black Mother of Pearl shell inlay with natural iridescent tones.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby and Pearl 15 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Surrounding the row of bright red rubies are shimmering pearls. Modelled in 15carat gold and made in Birmingham, England.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold
18K White Gold White Pearl Ring with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold White Pearl Ring with Diamonds 1 White Pearl (13mm) 141 Diamonds - 1.610CT 18K White Gold - 6.940GM
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Victorian Enamel and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This black enamel band is modelled in 9carat gold and holds three seed pearls in starburst settings.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold
Leo Pizzo South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
18k gold ring by Leo Pizzo, with 13mm South Sea pearl, and approx. 0.72ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
18K White Gold Golden Pearl Ring with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Golden Pearl Ring with Diamonds 2 Golden Pearl (11mm) 70 Fancy Diamonds - 0.850CT 61 Diamonds - 0.960CT 18K White Gold - 5.350GM
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
$6,200Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade 18K White Gold Emerald, Pearl & Black Onyx Ring
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an emerald, black onyx & pearl gemstone.
Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold
19th Century Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold 3 Rings Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The three rings meet at the base to form one and are separated in their upper part by 2x2 small gold pearls. Total weight of the sapphires : 0.38 carat approximately.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Coral & Pearl Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Decorated with a lovely, gold boat shape- set with pretty, natural coral & seed pearls.
Coral, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Leo Pizzo Tahitian South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
18k gold ring by Leo Pizzo, with 14.2mm South Sea Tahitian pearl, and approx. 0.60ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Tahiti Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with a pearl and diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Turquoise & Pearl Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Set with four centre turquoise stones & two natural seed pearls either side. The stones are mounted in an 15ct yellow gold, tapered band.
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 15k Gold
Cultured Pearl Marquise Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.5 Grams Stone: Cultured Pearl, Ruby and Diamonds Diamond Count: 6 round brilliant Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Cl...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with South Sea Cultured Pearl in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Elevate your elegance with the Pearl Ring by Joop. Crafted in 18 Karat red gold, this exquisite piece features a lustrous South Sea cultural pearl, embodying timeless sophistication.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$17,500 / item
Pearl Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Bombe Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 18-karat white gold. It is hand set with 34.42 carats pearl and 2.62 carats of glittering diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$942Sale Price / item|44% Off
Yellow sapphire and pearls 14k solid gold ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural sapphire, diamonds and pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage Italian Gold Ring with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
At the heart of this exquisite piece are lustrous pearls, their smooth and glowing surfaces perfectly complementing the rich tones of the gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
KABANA 14k Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Solitaire Ring Size 7.75
By Kabana
Located in Miami, FL
The Kabana Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Solitaire Ring (Size 7.75) is a refined piece of jewelry that embodies elegance and simplicity.
Pearl, Rose Gold
Antique Pearl and Diamond Shamrock Ring of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A charming antique ring from 1890–1900, designed as a shamrock composed of lustrous pearls, with sparkling diamonds accenting the stem, all mounted in solid 18k gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Mikimoto Vintage Pearl Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in 台東区, JP
The combination of radiant pearls, vivid enamel and warm yellow gold reflects Mikimoto’s timeless aesthetic and exceptional craftsmanship.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$24,300 / item
Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Gold Flower Statement Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 18-karat white gold. It is hand set with 23.62 carats pearl, .67 carats sapphire and 3.32 carats of glittering diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Pearl Diamond 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Ring Diamond 10-0,01 ct Diamond 29-0,2 ct Pearls d 10,0-11,0 1-0 ct Weigth 7,68 grams Size 6.5 US With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKIN...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Mikimoto Diamond South Sea Pearl Heart White Gold Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in Southampton, PA
This exquisite Mikimoto ring showcases the refined beauty of an exceptional 10mm South Sea pearl, beautifully framed in lustrous 18k white gold.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
1970s Cultured Pearl and 1.04 Carat Diamond White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1970s cultured pearl and 1.04 Ct diamond, 14k white gold twist ring; part of our diverse pearl jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Champagne Diamond Turquoise and Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
Indulge in the opulent allure of this antique 14 karat gold ring, a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Gold
1970s Hematite Cultured Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, owl hallmark. Important cocktail ring, it is decorated with three contrasting gems : an important facetted hematite in the center retained with claws, sh...
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Hematite, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Tahitian Pearl and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Darnestown, MD
Vintage [Tahitian] pearl and diamond cocktail ring in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Pearl & Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Daisy Cluster Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct yellow gold Edwardian daisy ring, a stunning example of craftsmanship from a byg...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Calla Lily Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Pearl Calla Lily Ring Size 6.5- This lovely calla lily ring features two white pearls (7 mm x 6 mm) set in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold and ...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
$5,000
Pearl Geometric Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Geometric Ring. A sculptural geometric ring featuring a black cultured pearl with round cut bezel set diamonds at the edge.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Filigree Coral Cameo Diamond Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Vintage-inspired 14K white gold filigree ring featuring a red undyed coral cameo, accented with seed pearls and sparkling diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rachel Koen Amethyst and Pearl Cocktail Ring 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
One Lovely Ladies 14k white gold ring with natural pearls and an amethyst stone.
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearls Size 7
By Mikimoto
Located in Fairfield, CT
Mikimoto Pearl Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold Cultured Pearls Size 7 This Mikimoto ring features a cultured pearl at the center, surrounded by a cluster of round brilliant-cut diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$960Sale Price|60% Off
18K White Gold 10.2mm Tahiti Pearl & 0.08ct Diamonds Sculptural Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
The pearl is cradled within a dynamic, multi-strand wavy band of solid 18K white gold, designed to evoke fluid motion and contemporary artistry.
South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Fashion Pearl Ring with Round Diamonds
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Fashion Pearl Ring with Round Diamonds. Stamped 14K 5.37 mm pearl size Size 7.75 2.2 grams total weight.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1871 Antique Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian seed pearl and 0.05 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our antique jewelry/estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Mother of Pearl Ring Band
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Material: 18K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Oval Blue Sapphire Accent Stones: Diamonds (total carat weight if known) Additional Material: Mother of Pearl Ring Size: 7.25 (custom sizi...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k yellow gold ring features a lustrous Tahitian pearl centerpiece, elegantly flanked by sparkling diamond accents.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Cultured Pearl White Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. This daisy ring is adorned in its center with a pearly white cultured pearl surrounded by brilliant-cut white sapphires held in place by prongs.
Sapphire, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exude timeless sophistication with this luxurious 14K yellow gold statement ring, showcasing a lustrous 10.70mm natural Tahitian pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mallorca Pearl And 1.00ct Diamond Solid Gold Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold 21.80GR • 1.00ct Natural Diamonds • Diamond Color-Clarity:...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
14 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl Ring Organic Freeform
Located in Wallkill, NY
14k Gold handmade Organic Mabe Pearl Ring Measures, .85 in top to bottom, .50 in wide.
Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Angel Skin Coral and Pearl Floral Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 11.3 Grams Stone: Angel Skin Coral Stone: Pearl Measurements: 29.6 x 22.6 x 23mm Size: 5.5 Metal: 13k Yellow Gold Matching earrings are available: BR-1851-040326-13 Item #: ...
Coral, Pearl, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.25ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MF15-062426
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A refined halo ring in 18K yellow gold, centering a luminous cultured pearl measuring approximately 13mm in diameter, encircled by a scalloped frame of round brilliant diamonds total...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Pearl Emerald Amethyst Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Victorian seed pearl and 0.13 carat emerald, 0.20 carat amethyst and 15 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse Victorian jewelry collections.
Amethyst, Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Colleen B. Rosenblat Keshi Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Colleen B. Rosenblat
Located in Hamburg, DE
The ring in 18k white gold, diamonds 1,59 ct. and a grey-pink keshi pearl is definitley an eye - cather.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Twin Pearl and 14K Yellow Gold Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Set in 14K yellow gold. Circa early to mid 20th century.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 9ct Gold Victorian Garnet & Pearl Dress Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet & Pearl Dress Ring 9ct Gold Tested Circa 1850 A conversion from an early Victorian brooch to a lovely statement ring.
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
Modern Precious White Pearl Diamond Fabulous White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Matching Earring Available) Diamond 39-Round 57-0,39-3/7A Diamond 3-Round 57-0,01-3/7A Pearl d11,5-12,0 1-11,75 ct Weight 5.23 grams Size 17 With a heritage of...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl and Round Diamond Accent Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Baroque Pearl: 14.15mm x 13.25mm Diamonds: 5 round cut= 0.18cttw Color: Light Brown Clarity: SI2-I1 Size: 7.0 (complimentary sizing availab...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nathalie Jean 18kt Yellow Gold Nakkar Ring with Japanese Cultured Pearl
By Nathalie Jean
Located in Milan, Lombardia
It is refined, immaculate and inimitable. Yellow gold exalts the mother-of-pearl’s iridescent beauty, with each Japanese cultured pearl meticulously chosen.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Kt White Gold Toi & Moi Pearl & Diamond Ring
By Orologio / Joël Glecer
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLD TOI & MOI RING WITH DIAMONDS AND PEARLS MATERIAL: 18kt white gold WEIGHT: 9.1 gr / 5.8 dwt DIAMONDS: Top Quality brilliant cut diamonds,0.48 g PEARLS: 9.7 mm S...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Raymond Templier Pearl Toi et Moi Ring in 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Raymond Templier Pearl Toi et Moi Ring in 18K Gold A Dialogue in Form As if two thoughts had met and decided to remain.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baroque South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold “Mountain” Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is accented by 0.50 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds set on the base of the pearl mountain. Made in 18k yellow gold. Ring Size: 6.50
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cultured Pearl 18 Karat Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This fine ring is adorned with a solitaire pearly white oriental cultured pearl, with an openwork design on either side of the profile.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Floral Pearl and Ruby Cocktail Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Austin, TX
The central 6.6mm cultured pearl anchors this striking antique cocktail ring, framed by a vibrant halo of rubies (likely synthetic). The ring is crafted by hand, right down to the hu...
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Silver Grey Tahitian Pearl 1.72 carats Diamonds Gold Ring
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...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Gold, Silver
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.
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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.