Mings Akoya Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Black Pearl Ring Size 10 #18350
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Black Pearl Ring Size 10 This elegant ring features one black pearl (12 mm) set in classic 14K white gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Almandine Garnet & Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The ring features stunning oval-shaped almandine garnets that exude a rich, pinky hue, perfectly complemented by delicate natural seed pearls that adorn the design. The yellow gold...
Garnet, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Na Hoku Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring 14K White Gold
By NA HOKU
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: NaHoku Metal: 14K White Gold Tahititan Pearl Diameter: 9.3 mm Diamond Count: 1 Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: SI2-i1 Diamond Carat Weight: 0.07 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mings Akoya Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.3 Grams Ring Size: 7.75 (resizable) Ring Measurements: 17 mm x 17 mm Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condit...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Akoya Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 8.9 Grams Ring Size: 5 (resizable) Ring Measurements: 22 mm x 22 mm Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Conditi...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Ring with Pearl and Old-Cut Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This delicate 18K gold ring features a pearl beautifully set at the center, framed by two clusters of old-cut diamonds on each side.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Old Cut Diamond Pearl Ring 0.20 ct Yellow Gold about 1910 fine white/pink Pearl
Located in Viena, Viena
timeless and beautiful the pearl ring with two fine old European cut diamonds total approx. 0.20 ct, W/SI-P1, 3 mm diameter, great brilliance, a white cultured pearl of 5 mm diameter...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold 17.8mm Mabe Pearl Leaf Detailed Prongs Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Genuine Cultured Mabe Pearl - Large Round Shape - Prong Set - White Pearl w/ Light Pink Overtone Color - Nice Luster - 17.8mm (approx.)
Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Akoya Pearl and Sapphire Cluster Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Total Weight: 13.0 Grams Pearl Count: 12 pearls Pearl Diameter: ~6 mm Sapphire Count: 9 sapphires Ring Size: 5.25 (resizable) p...
Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Steven Battelle Baroque Pearl Silver/18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A very large and lustrous 30mm + fresh water white baroque pearl is held in a tall and irregular 18K bezel surrounded by hammered texture bezel accent in this organic design. The ha...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 9ct Gold, Victorian Pearl & Garnet Cluster Ring, Engraved 1861
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet Pearl Ring 9ct Gold The engraving reads: J H J A Aug 7th 1861 A charming Victorian ring crafted in 9ct gold, centred with a garnet framed by eleven pearls in a cl...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold
White Cultured Pearl Cluster Diamond and Ruby Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 18.3 Grams Pearl Diameter: ~5.3 mm - ~6.5 mm Pearl Count: 19 white cultured pearls Ruby Count: 4 round rubies Ruby...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Solid 14k Yellow Gold Tahitian Gray Pearls Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 14K Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 12.28 Grams Ring Size: 5.0 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pearl and Diamond 18ct White Gold Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Crafted in 18 carat white gold, this vintage ring features a captivating design, combining the elegance of pearls with the brilliance of diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Baroque Pearl Emerald and Diamond Petite Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
A petite white baroque pearl ring in 18K solid yellow gold, handcrafted to order by VimleshBadaya in Jaipur, India.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Amethyst Pearl Rose White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic ring in rose and white gold, 14 kt, embellished with diamonds 0.56 ct, amethysts from ct 3.00 / g 0.60, beads and an elegant central pearl of g 4.24 / mm 14.
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl
$1,560Sale Price|20% Off
Champagne Color Double Pearl Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The yellow gold setting accentuates the pearls' innate beauty, creating a harmonious and mesmerizing composition.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Amethyst, Seed Pearl and Peridot Suffragette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Ring 15ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1875 Maker's Mark C.N Step back in time with this exquisite 15ct yellow gold ring, a true testament to Victorian ...
Peridot, Pearl, Amethyst, 15k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1950s Cultured Pearl and 1.23 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive pearl and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Cultured Pearl, Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ornate Pearl Ring Size 7 #19292
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ornate Pearl Ring Size 7 This beautiful ornate ring features a stunning pearl in the center, set in 14K yellow gold!
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Steven Battelle Large Pink Pearl Silver/22K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A lustrous 19 mm pink freshwater round button pearl is highlighted in a 22K gold fine "pasir" granulated octagonally cupped gold bezel setting in this attractive design.
Pearl, 22k Gold, Silver
Tahitian Black Pearl Solitaire Ring in 14k White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Austin, TX
A striking black pearl commands the center of this solitaire ring, set against a sleek 14k white gold band.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Textured Antique "Brutalist" Style Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Accent
Located in Austin, TX
A striking, grey-blue mabe pearl is nestled within a highly textured, organic yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cultured Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage pearl ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gucci vintage mother of pearl diamond 18k yellow gold clover ring
By Gucci
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Four heart-shaped petals of carved mother of pearl meet at the center to form a clover, each one framed in a thin rim of polished yellow gold, and a tight cluster of four round brill...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South-Sea Pearl, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central south-sea pearl surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Austin, TX
The pearl carries overtones of green and eggplant and is blemish-free.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond ring features three pearls of 10mm diameter. The pearls are untreated. They display a fine nacre and their natural color and luster have not been enhan...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Mermaid Diamond Eye Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Measurements: 14.4 mm x 14.4 mm x 4.5 mm Diamond Count: 1 Diamond Color: H Diamond Clarity: SI Diamond Carat Weight: 0.01 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14kt White Gold Rhodolite Garnet & Pearl Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant 14kt White Gold Toi et Moi Ring featuring Rhodolite Garnet & Pearl – Size 6.5 This beautifully designed Toi et Moi (""You and Me"") ring symbolizes love and duality, featurin...
Pearl, Rhodolite, Garnet, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Emerald and Seed Pearl Ring, Circa 1880
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The emeralds bring a rich touch of green color and classic gemstone beauty to the delicate yellow gold setting. Accenting the emeralds are 10 seed pearls, adding soft luster and grac...
Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Mobe Pearl and Diamond Ring Size 4.5- This stunning ring features one Mobe pearl (11 mm) surrounded by six baguette diamonds and 20 round brilliant cut ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Angara Freshwater Cultured Pearl Solitaire Bypass Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bypass band wraps around the pearl, drawing more attention to it. Crafted in 14K white gold, this pearl bypass ring is sure to fetch you compliments.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Mabe Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
The gold bezel highlights the Mabe pearl's gem qualities of exceptional color and luster.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring Size 7.5 #15882
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring Size 7.5- This elegant ring features one Mabe pearl (13 mm x 13 mm) set in beautifully detailed 18K yellow gold.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and Pearl
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Italian Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and Pearl is a captivating piece that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Siberian Amethyst Diamond Pearl Cocktail Ring, 14K Gold, Estate Gem
Located in New York, NY
AND STUNNING SILVERY WHITE PEARLS - ALL SET IN AN EXUBERANT 14 KARAT YELLOW GOLD COCKTAIL RING - AN OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A GEM QUALITY RING FROM ONE OF THE FINEST CALIFORNIA FAMILIES!
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
15 Carat Oval Amethyst and Pearl 18K Gold Retro Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18K yellow gold retro-inspired statement ring features a deeply saturated 15-carat oval amethyst measuring 20.3x15.5mm, prong set at center with six cultured pearls nestled in pairs ...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,180Sale Price|20% Off
Mabé Freshwater Pearl, 14k Gold and Sterling Silver Contemporary Cocktail Ring
By Vicki Orr Designs
Located in Naples, FL
Freshwater Mabé Pearl set in a 14k yellow gold modern bezel on a wide sterling silver square shape ring band.
Freshwater Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling S...
Yoko London Freshwater Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
- 10-11mm Freshwater Pearl - 12 Diamonds (Total carat weight: 0.23ct) - 18 Karat Yellow Gold - UK Size N (USA Size 7)
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gol...
18K Rose Gold, Diamond, Ruby, and Pearl Butterfly-Form Ring
Located in Queens, NY
18K Rose & White Gold Diamond Ruby Pearl Butterfly Ring, designed as a butterfly, featuring twenty one white gold pave and bezel set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total of ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Tahitian white & Black Pearl Toi et Moi Crossover Ring – 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A bold toi et moi crossover ring in 18K yellow gold, featuring two beautiful Tahitian pearls–one white and one black for a stunning contrast.
Pearl, Black Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian 9 Carat Gold Turquoise and Pearl Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set with four wonderful cabochon cut turquoise with five seed pearls in between. Modelled in 9 carat yellow gold.
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning 18ct gold ring by Claude Wesel set with pearls
Located in Bruxelles, BE
18ct gold and pearls ring Model #3687 1979 4,4 gr Marked : Wesel - 0750 - artist's stamp CLAUDE WESEL (Belgium, 1942 -2014) studied at Maredsous Abbey School and in Brussels’ La Ca...
Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Italian White Gold Ring with Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The white gold band adds a sleek and sophisticated touch, perfectly complementing the brilliance of the diamonds and the delicate beauty of the pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIT Certified South Sea Pearl Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Magnificent ring come in 18k gold with a luxurious South Sea Pearl , extra fine quality , spectacular pure white , of 14mm , and Natural Diamonds , in perfect round brilliant cut, of...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
'Solandra' Tahitian pearl ring with diamonds in 18k yellow gold
By Ben Bunda
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A BUNDA Solandra Pearl ring, in 18ct yellow gold, set with diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Turquoise Citrine Cultured Pearls 14 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 14 karat yellow gold. A vintage flower ring, it forms a dome with a cultured half-pearl in the center, surrounded by a row of turquoise half-pearls, itself surrounded by 10 r...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Citrine, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,200Sale Price|50% Off
18K White Gold 9.5mm Lustrous South Sea Pearl & 0.14ct Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
The interplay of polished white gold, crisp diamond fire, and the pearl’s soft luminosity gives the piece a timeless yet contemporary presence.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mother of Pearl Topaz & Sapphire Ring 18K Gold For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Crafted in luxurious 18K gold, this elegant ring showcases a captivating mother of pearl centerpiece, beautifully complemented by a vibrant topaz, shimmering blue sapphires, and bril...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl, Topaz, White Gold, 18k Gold
Chic Rhodolite Garnet & Pearl Ring 18K Gold Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Rhodolite Garnet & Pearl Ring Crafted in luxurious 18K gold, this extraordinary ring features a luminous natural pearl surrounded by a vibrant arrangement of natural rhodolite g...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Rhodolite, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring, Late 20th Century, Unisex Design
Located in Sewickley, PA
Crafted in 14K Yellow gold, the ring features a large round white pearl with a soft, lustrous glow, serving as the focal point.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bi-colored 18k Gold Akoya Pearl Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
Located in Austin, TX
A lustrous 8.84 mm Akoya pearl sits at the center of this striking antique cocktail ring, framed by an intricate two-tone geometric halo.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire and Pearl Rectangular Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This ring is a true testament to the craftsmanship of the Edwardian era, combining the warmth of yellow gold with the cool sophistication of platinum. The juxtaposition of the vibran...
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
14mm Tahitian Pearl & 1.09 Carats diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Diamond Accents: The sparkling diamonds enhance the beauty of the pearl and create a dazzling overall effect. 18K White Gold Setting: The durable and elegant 18K white gold setting p...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Red Garnet & Pearl Vintage Style Cocktail 14K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A very charming cocktail ring featuring a central oval shaped 7×5 mm. garnet flanked by four additional garnet and pearls. The ring setting is well made in 14k rose gold with milgrai...
Garnet, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Rose Gold 1.80ct Diamond, Sapphire, and Natural Pearl Ring MF21-030226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This impeccably crafted ring is filled with dynamic details. Natural Pearls provide this piece with a luminous quality that is impossible to ignore.
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Diamond Pistachio Tahitian Pearl Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18 Karat Gold Diamond Pistachio Tahitian Pearl Ring highlights the classic beauty of Tahitian pearls made wearable for today's contemporary styles.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Ring, Bulgari Passo Doppio 18KT Gold and Cultured Pearl, 1998, Original Box
By Bulgari
Located in Braintree, GB
The polished gold dome makes the pearl the high point of the ring, and the pearl shows a soft rosé overtone and good lustre.
Cultured 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.
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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.