Tiffany & Co. 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover the timeless elegance of this magnificent Tiffany & Co. pearl ring, expertly crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Pearl Solitaire Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 14k white gold ring features a single lustrous pearl in a classic solitaire setting.
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Solitaire Bypass Ring - 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Style: Solitaire Bypass Measurements Face Heig...
Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Solitaire Bypass Ring - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Style: Solitaire Bypass Measurements Face Heig...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamond Cut: Single Stone Note: (2) small Style: Solitaire with Accents Bypass Measurements Face Height ...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Solitaire Bypass Ring - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Style: Solitaire Bypass Measurements Face...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 14k Rose Gold Pearl Bouquet Ring
Located in New York, NY
This retro ring is crafted in 14k gold and designed as a charming bouquet of lustrous pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Bypass Ring 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamond Carat(s): .02ct...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Tourmaline Ring - 14k 1.32ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Tourmaline Carat(s): 1.32ctw Cut: Round Tot...
Pearl, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This elegant 14K yellow gold ring from the 1980s features a unique design, showcasing six lustrous pearls and seven small single-cut round brilliant diamonds, totaling approximately ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$180 / item
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Ring - 10k 2.00
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 3 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Diameter: 5.6mm Natural Dia...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Ring, 10.5mm Silver White Pearl, .65cttw, 9.25 Sz
Located in San Diego, CA
This exquisite 18kt yellow gold ring showcases a stunning 10.5mm silver-white pearl, surrounded by a glorious array of diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,400Sale Price|20% Off
Assael 18k White Gold Pearl Bubble Cocktail Ring
By Assael
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handmade in an 18k white gold setting. South pearls measuring 11.58mm and 10.24mm in diameter, respectively.
Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Pearl Ornate Scrollwork Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 18k white gold ring showcases a luminous pearl centerpiece accented by beautifully detailed openwork scroll motifs and hand-engraved detailing along the band.
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Mikimoto 14k Yellow Gold Pearl Bypass Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a bypass design set with lustrous pearls.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Pearl Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a large 18k white gold cocktail ring with a 14mm round pearl sat atop the ring while the accent diamonds seemingly flow out from beneath the pearl
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Ring, 13.5mm, 10.7g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies Tahitian pearl and diamond ring in 18k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Halo Ring - 14k .20ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw Cut: Round Br...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14 Karat Gold Pearl Turquoise Dragonfly Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
Head is crafted in 14K gold. The shank is tested as metal - doesn’t meet 9K gold purity.
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k .10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .10ctw Cut: Round Br...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Pearl and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking vintage ring designed in a cluster motif, featuring a central large pearl surrounded by smaller pearls and vibrant round cut rubies, set in a gold mount.
Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
14 Karat Gold Pearl Emerald Cocktail Ring, 1960s
Located in Wallkill, NY
14K gold 1960s Cocktail ring. Very Mad Men! Center Pearl flanked with accent emerald stones.
Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Pearl and Ruby Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds a pearl at the centre and four rubies surrounding it. The rubies total 40pts. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1968. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7 Face Diameter: 12mm Height Of...
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Pearl & Fancy Yellow Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This captivating cocktail ring presents a striking, modern silhouette centered upon a magnificent 12.50mm white South Sea cultured pearl. The luminous, high-luster pearl is framed by...
Yellow Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Pearl Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Sewickley, PA
This charming vintage ring features a luminous organic shaped pearl. The pearl is set within an elegant yellow gold scalloped bezel, adding a soft, decorative frame that enhances the...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold Pearl Ring – Classical Constantine Design
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The contrasting yellow and white gold adds depth and dimension, beautifully accentuating the pearls’ soft, creamy luster.
Pearl, Gold
Tasaki 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Cluster Floral Cocktail Ring
By TASAKI
Located in New York, NY
This striking ring by TASAKI showcases a cluster of lustrous white pearls, gracefully intertwined with polished 18k yellow gold.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Georgian 9 Carat Gold Pearl Cluster Locket Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This Georgian ring holds a lock of hair behind glazing. The shoulders of the ring are delicate and decorative. Behind the face of the ring is the inscription 'John Greenslade Ob 28 A...
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold
14k White Gold Pearl and Diamond Pave Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking statement ring crafted in 14k white gold, centered by a luminous pearl with a smooth, high-polish surface and soft natural luster.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Pearl and Colored Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 18k yellow gold ring features a soft, luminous pearl accented by 0.21 total carats of colored diamonds, creating a subtle yet eye-catching contrast.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, 1970s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold contrarie ring with white and black Tahitian pearls, and Amsterdam and baguette cut diamonds / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 6.5
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Pearl and Turquoise Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This charming vintage ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and showcases a delightful cluster design of natural pearls and vivid turquoise cabochons.
Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This captivating ring showcases a cluster of lustrous white pearls, each radiating a natural luster. Interspersed among the pearls are sparkling round-cut diamonds, totaling 0.24 car...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Pearl and Lapis Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This elegant vintage ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and features a charming cluster design of luminous white pearls and rich royal-blue lapis lazuli cabochons.
Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Pearl & Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This elegant 18-carat white gold ring represents a refined blend of timeless luxury and high-end craftsmanship.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,131Sale Price|20% Off
Engraved 18-Karat Gold Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
One of a kind pearl ring by Claris A. completely handmade. An intricate design of leaves has been cut out of the 18 KT blackened yellow gold main ring body.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Gold Pearl Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features cultured pearls and old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
18k White Gold Black Rhodium Gold Pearl & Chocolate Diamond Ring
By Iridesse
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous pearl and diamond ring is made in 18k white gold with black rhodium.
Brown Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Yellow Gold Pearl Full Eternity Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful pearl eternity band is modelled in 9 carat gold and holds a total of 21 pearls.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
White Gold Pearls Art Deco Two-Stone Bypass Ring - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Style: Two-Stone Bypass Measurement...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, Circa 1980
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A timeless example of classic jewelry design, this vintage ladies' ring is crafted in solid 14-karat yellow gold and showcases a luminous 13.5 mm round pearl as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
10k Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring, Elegant Design
Located in Sewickley, PA
Crafted in 10k yellow gold, the ring features a single round white pearl as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Statement Ring Ornate Leaf Motif
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the pearl is an intricate arrangement of finely detailed gold leaves, each delicately engraved to create texture and depth, forming a graceful, nature-inspired motif.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Pearl Cluster Textured Leaf Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (13) Genuine Cultured Pearls - Round Shape - White Color w/ Excellent Luster - Range from 5.5mm to 7.1mm (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Red Stones - Old Round Cut - Bright ...
Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s 18k Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring, 5.68g
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in polished 18k white gold, the setting enhances the cool tones of the diamonds while providing a sleek, elegant frame for the pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Cluster Ring, Italy 1890s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mounted in gold.Diameter of the top 17 mm Weight: 6.6 gr Finger size: 7
Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Toi et Moi 18k Gold Pearl Bypass Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Cartier ring from 1996 is a sculptural and refined design crafted in 18k yellow gold, showcasing two beautifully matched cultured pearls in luminous contrasting tones.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique diamond and pearl ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 18K Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Rope-Detail Cocktail Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Sheet: Finger Size: French 51.5 (US 6) – resizable on request Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750 ‰) Center Stone: 1 × Cultured pearl, high luster Accent Stones: 12 × Round bri...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Pearl and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Modelled in 9 carat yellow gold. Fully hallmarked 1979 Birmingham, England.
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pearl and Amethyst Vintage Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous pearl sits at the heart of this vintage-inspired ring, glowing like the first drop of morning light.
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,216Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Pearl And Enamel Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.8 grams. Ring size is US 7.75 We can make any size. The box is not included. Please contact for any questions.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond, and yellow gold ring, set with three half seed pearls, and two old single cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Period, 18 Karat White Gold, Pearl, and Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The piece is handcrafted from 18 karat white gold and has been set with single cut diamonds and a central cultured Akoya type pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French 1900s Lab Report Natural Gold Pearl Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Platinum ring, dog head hallmark. Charming antique ring from the beginning of the 20th century, it is adorned on the top with a certified natural pearl, with a bright golden center. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Elegant 14K White Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant pearl ring features a luminous round pearl as its centerpiece, displaying a soft, creamy white tone with subtle iridescent overtones.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Pearl 0.23 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage three-stone ring crafted in 18K gold. Circa 1980. The piece features: - 1 pearl, cultured - 2 diamonds, round brilliant cut, TW 0.23ct, W-STW, VS Weight: 4.05g S...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 10K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This is a sweet and classic vintage pearl ring with soft, feminine charm. Crafted in 10k yellow gold, this ring features a round cultured pearl at its center, displaying a soft cream...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl & Enamel Victorian Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Lattice Button
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Victorian Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Pearls Stone Note: minor wear Material Infor...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K White Gold Pearl & 1.87ct Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring – Size 5.25
Located in New York, NY
Title: A bold vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K white gold, featuring two luminous 10mm pearls set in an elegant bypass design.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White 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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
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.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
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.