18K Yellow Gold Retro Freshwater Pearl & Diamond Cocktail Ring, USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 Karat Yellow Gold Flat Freshwater White Pearl Diamond Ring. The ring features a center pearl set in an open bezel with leaf-like open designs and six round diamonds added for deta...
Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring, Bezel Set, 22.5mm
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Mabe Pearl Pearl Size: 22.5 mm Round Setting: Bezel Set Weight: 7.0 Grams Ring Size: 7¾
Pearl, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Black Pearl Ring with Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Black Pearl Ring with Diamonds 1 Black Pearl (12-13mm) 8 Fancy Diamonds - 1.310CT 131 Diamonds - 1.310CT 18K White Gold - 5.170GM This exquisite ring features a capt...
Diamond, Black Pearl, White 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
Mabé Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14 karat yellow gold mabé pearl and diamond vintage ring featuring a lustrous mabé pearl accented with approximately 0.50 carats total weight of diamonds, graded H–I color and SI cla...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Ruby, Diamond & Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 15ct Gold Ring 15ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Beautiful Victorian Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Edwardian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet ring holds two rows of pearls and in-between them are a row of three rose cut diamonds which add the perfect amount of sparkle to this ring. Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2 Width:...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Set with Eight Different Natural Pearls
Located in Berlin, DE
18ct yellow gold ring set with eight different natural pearls.
Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
$1,100Sale Price|20% Off
Handmade 14k Yellow Gold Baroque Freshwater Pearl & .06 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Eagan, MN
The ring has a split band with a swirling design and boasts 2 barogue freshwater pearls that are approximately 7.5 x 5.5 mm. Plus it also has two 2mm brilliant cut diamonds on eith...
Pearl, Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Ruby Diamond & Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 15ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Chester 1885 Beautiful Victorian Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Akoya Pearl and Diamond Cluster Flower Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.9 Grams Stone: Akoya Pearl and Diamonds Diamond Count: 6 Round Brilliant Diamonds Diamond Color: G Diamond Cla...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14kt Yellow Gold Mabé Pearl Cocktail Ring, 1970s Modern
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and chic vintage mabé white pearl and 14kt yellow gold cocktail ring, in the Modern design style, '70s Modern period, circa mid to late-20th century, 1960s, 1970s.
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Estate 14K Yellow Gold Freeform Baroque Pearl Ring Size 5.5
Located in Addison, TX
This elegant ring showcases a naturally formed freeform baroque pearl with beautiful iridescence, securely held in a sculptural 14K yellow gold setting featuring decorative claw-styl...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Louis Vuitton Gold Tone Pearl Ring, Early 2000s, Size N
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Portland, England
Elegant vintage Louis Vuitton ring featuring a gold-tone metal setting, beautifully accented with two luminous pearls.
Pearl, Gold Plate
Pearl and 0.15ct Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Bypass Ring, Circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The diamonds gather in a tight, asymmetric grouping rather than a symmetrical halo, giving the ring a relaxed, organic feel instead of a formal, centered look. The high-polish 18K go...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a luminous south sea pearl accented by diamonds totaling approximately 0.30 carats.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mabe Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring 14K Gold 12.4mm Statement Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
A striking and elegant vintage 1980s Old Money Mabe pearl and diamond statement ring, masterfully crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, showcasing bold proportions and luxurious mid-late...
Natural Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gol...
Antique Art Nouveau Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning 1930s antique pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
14K Yellow Gold 0.45ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MF31-050126
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A minimalist 14K Yellow Gold setting highlights the beauty of the 14mm Pearl center stone.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.15ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MF28-043026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 18K Yellow Gold, it features a 5mm wide band and an 18mm top height.This jewelry piece is offered in estate condition and includes a gift box.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,596Sale Price|20% Off
Baroque Pearl Diamond Sapphire Ring in 18K Rhodium Black Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The pearl's lustrous surface reflects an iridescence that contrasts wonderfully with the 18 karat rhodium black gold setting, lending it a contemporary edge.
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Rhodium
13.7mm South Sea Pearl and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed South Sea Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Center securely nestled with a Hand set 13.7mm South Sea Pearl, enhanced with Hand set Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.70 tota...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Pearl Diamond White 18K Gold Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 18K Matching Earrings Available Weight 6,43 grams Size 7 US Diam. 34-0,42 ct Diam. 2 -Bril.Cut-0.11 ct G/SI1A PEARL d10,5-11,0 1-9,16 ct With a heritage of anc...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Pearl Diamond White 18K Gold Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 18K Matching Earrings Available Weight 6,43 grams Size 7 US Diam. 34-0,42 ct Diam. 2 -Bril.Cut-0.11 ct G/SI1A PEARL d10,5-11,0 1-9,16 ct With a heritage of anc...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
Diamonds Emeralds Pearl White Rose Gold Fantastic Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic 14kt pink and white gold ring with diamonds, emeralds and a central Australian pearl of 2.80 mm.
Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
.40 Carat Diamond South Sea Pearl White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Stunning south sea drop pearl and diamond cocktail ring. Set with one round baroque white pear in a 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold 1.50ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MF21-050426
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 1.50 carats highlight this pieces stylish leaf shaped motifs. A 12mm Pearl at the center provides this piece with a luminous quality.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K White Gold 1.25ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MF16-043026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Curved lines add elegance and movement to this pieces 18K White Gold setting, which is elevated by sparkling Diamonds totaling 1.25 carats.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1950s Diamond Cultured Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. A delightful antique ring featuring a creamy-white pearly button cultured pearl on top, flanked on either side by 2x2 rose-cut diamo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s 18K Yellow Gold South Sea Cultured Pearl & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage 18K yellow gold cocktail ring centered by an impressive approximately 14 mm South Sea cultured pearl, displaying a soft silvery-white body color and beautiful natu...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tortue Diamond Mother Of Pearl Rose Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Tortue Ring by Cartier.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier Juliette Diamond & Cultured Pearl Ring in 18k White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Feasterville, PA
Diamonds envelop the full dome and extend down the sides, creating a continuous diamond presence around the band. Crafted in 18k white gold, this piece is set with approximately 5.0...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl Half Circle Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This ring features a 14.00mm South Pearl that came from the depths of the South Sea.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold and Rose Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic retrò ring in 14 kt white gold and rose gold mounted with a central pearl surrounded by flowers of diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Victorian 14K Gold Chrysoprase, Pearl & Diamond Ring, Circa 1837
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This delicate Victorian European ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and weighs 3.7 grams, offering a refined balance of elegance and historical charm.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
1900s Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This very good antique seed pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,824Sale Price|20% Off
Caviar Pearl Diamond Yellow 18K Gold Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18K Weight 21,16 grams Size 8 US Diamond 28-0,11 ct Pearls d 5,0-5,5 38-49,4 ct With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva b...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
10K Yellow Gold Garnet and Seed Pearl Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This is a vintage cluster ring featuring garnets and seed pearls in yellow gold, with a classic Victorian-inspired look.
Garnet, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Glamour Swirl Ring with Diamond Accents
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Beaming 18k yellow gold spirals around a single Tahitian pearl for this ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Elegant Pearl Ring with Side Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: 18K White Gold Main Stone: Pearl Main stone carat weight: 1.50 carat Sidestones: 2 pcs Sidestone carat weight: 0.05 carat Side tone shape: Round Brilliant Total Jewelry wei...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
18k Black Rhodium White Gold Baroque Pearl & 1.01tcw Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is a bold and highly distinctive pearl piece, centered by a dramatic baroque pearl accented by 1.01ctw of diamonds graded H color and SI1 clarity in black rhodium white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Mings Silver Pearl Diamond Cluster Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 11.2 Grams Stone: Silver Pearls and Diamonds Diamond Count: 3 round brilliant Diamond Color: G-H Dia...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Opal and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Combining the opal’s ethereal glow with the soft luster of pearls, this ring captures timeless elegance and romantic charm.
Opal, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.75ct Diamond and Pearl Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Tustin, CA
Indulge in timeless elegance with our 5.75ct Diamond and Pearl Ring, exquisitely crafted in 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage 6.7mm Pearl 0.45 Carat Diamond Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 6.7mm Pearl 0.45 Carat Diamond Ring 14k Gold. Very beautiful and well made ring featuring approx 0.45 carat in total diamond weight surrounding the center Pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Sapphire Cabochon Pearl Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A smooth sapphire cabochon rests at the center of this romantic Sapphire Floral Ring, beautifully handcrafted in 14K yellow gold. Framed by delicate diamond leaves and luminous pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Akoya Pearl Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Textured Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A unique cocktail ring featuring 13 extremely fine Japanese Akoya pearls. The pearls measure 6.5mm each and all have extremely fine nacre quality and luster, along with a strong rosy...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ring with Sapphires & Pearls
Located in New York, NY
Unbranded Ring Material: 14k Yellow Gold Condition: Pre-Owned Sapphires:0.72ctw Ring Dimension: Ring size: 7 Width: 18.9mm Band Width: 3.3mm Band Thickness: 1.1mm Weight: 8.1gr C...
Pearl, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Freshwater Pearl Diamond Ring, Retro Design, USA
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat White Gold Freshwater Pearl Diamond Ring. The ring features a 9mm center freshwater pearl with baguette and round diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Golden South Sea Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is a bold and highly luxurious pearl piece, centered by a remarkable 14mm golden South Sea pearl accented by 1.21ctw of diamonds graded I color and SI1 clarity in r...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silve Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by a frame of diamonds and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold French Stamped, Natural Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl Ring 18ct Yellow Gold French Stamped Circa 1910 This exquisite 18ct yellow gold, French stamped pearl ring is a timeless piece of jewellery that exudes elegance and...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 19th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
A small gold pearl surmounts the gems on either side. On either side, two chased gold clasps mark the start of the wide ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mings Pearl Cluster Ring 14K Yellow Gold Size 7
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 9.3 Grams Ring Size: 7 (resizable) Stamped: "MINGS" "14K" Ring Height: 22.8 mm tall Condition: Preow...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22k Gold Mabe Pearl Signature Cocktail Ring by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
Mabe Pearl Signature Cocktail ring is set in 22k gold featuring a double band for added drama.
Pearl, Gold, 22k Gold
Vintage Baroque Pearl and Diamonds Cocktail Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Baroque Pearl and Diamonds Cocktail Ring 14k Gold. Very detailed designer copyrighted design featuring tree wood and four round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.20ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MF08-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This enchanting ring is unlike anything youve seen before. A luminous 19mm Pearl contrasts beautifully against the dramatic 18K Yellow Gold setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 2.50ct Diamond and Pearl Ring MF21-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 18K White Gold, it features a 5mm wide band and a 15mm top height.This jewelry piece is offered in estate condition and includes a gift box.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pearl Cluster Foliate Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by romantic heirloom jewelry, this Pearl Cluster Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and adorned with luminous natural pearls arranged in a graceful floral cluster.
Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Victorian Ruby and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet ring holds a total of approx 12pts of rubies. There also pearls set into the ring. The 9carat gold is beautifully crafted with lovely detail.
Pearl, Ruby, 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.
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