Antique Edwardian 18K Gold Amethyst & Pearl Ring Emerald Cut - c.1900
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this enchanting antique Edwardian 18ct gold amethyst & seed pearl ring made c.1900. The ring presents a fabulous central natural amethyst which has been wo...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Portuguese Gold Ring with Turquoise Pearls and Rose-Cut Diamonds
Located in Lisboa, PT
A sculptural and finely crafted Portuguese ring, executed in 800/1000 yellow gold, featuring two cabochon turquoise pearls nestled within an ornate basket-form setting.
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
Georgian Turquoise, Ruby and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This delightful cluster ring holds four bright turquoise and also gorgeous pearls. At the centre is a 4pt ruby. The ring is modelled out of 18ct gold and has beautiful ornate shoulde...
Pearl, Turquoise, Ruby, Gold
French Victorian secret opening locket ring with pearls in 18k gold
Located in PARIS, FR
The center is surrounded by 16 pearls. The ring's shoulders are finely crafted, taking the form of stylized leaves and a fleur-de-lis.
Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 14kt Gold Amethyst & Seed Pearl Ring, Size 6
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
With its vintage charm and stunning craftsmanship, this ring is a true statement piece. Material: 14kt Gold Stone: Faceted Amethyst, Seed Pearls Ring Size: 6 Top is 1 inches x 3/8 i...
Amethyst, Pearl, Gold
GIT Certified Golden South Sea Pearl Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning ring come in 18k gold with a lustrous Golden South Sea Pearl of about 12mm, extra fine quality, perfect shape and surface, and 78 pieces of Natural Diamonds of 0,90 carats, ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Cluster Ring with Cultured Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, BE
18k White Gold Cluster Ring with Cultured Pearl and Diamonds Center: Cultured Pearl Diamonds: 12 × Brilliant Cut Color: G–H Clarity: VVS2–VS2 Cut: Very Good Carat: 12 × 0.05 ct An e...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Akoya Pearl & Diamond Ring - 18k Round Brilliant .55ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $70 or Down 1 size for $50 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Akoya Pearl Color: White Size: 8.2mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .55c...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 10K Rose Gold, Glass Heart, and Seed Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Victorian rose gold, purple glass, and seed pearl cocktail ring.
Pearl, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Pearl Diamond ring Floral diamond cocktail ring 14KT gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
NATURAL DIAMOND -center Cut: Old Mine Color: F Clarity: VS2 Carat: 0.55ct NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G (average) Clarity: SI (averge) Carat: 0.10ct NATURAL PEARL...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old white gold ring with 0.54 ct diamonds and pearl
Located in Chorzów, PL
Old ring made of white 14-karat gold Ring decorated with two brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.54ct (purity VS, color J) and a silver-white cultured pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Brown Tahitian Pearl Peacock Hues Diamond Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Diameter: 10.2 mm Tahitian Pearl Color: brown pearl with peacock hues Diamond Count: 18 Diamond Color: G-I Diamond Clari...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K yellow Gold Ring golden South Sea Pearl Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
The ring features a fine cultured golden South Sea PEarl with a diameter of 12.6 mm. The warm tones of the gold in combination with the Pearl enhance the natural brilliance of the di...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s 0.54 Carat Diamond and Pearl 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.54 carat diamond and pearl, 14 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our vintage pearl and diamond ring collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Lapponia pearl ring 14k gold
By Björn Weckström for Lapponia
Located in Malmö, SE
Lapplands spring by Bjorn weckstrom for lapponia Size 17 52-53 eu 14k gold with an amazing pearl Weight 3.8 gram
14K white gold 9.5mm Black Tahitian Pearl and Raspberry Sapphire Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K white gold ring featuring a 9.5mm black cultured Tahitian pearl with pinkish-purple sapphire halo.
Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Diamond ring 10KT yellow and white gold Japanese Design
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Inspired by Japan, this design is made with natural white fresh water pearl and diamonds in white and yellow gold, ring is size 8 and can be re-sized.
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold
Enchanting 0.05ct Natural Diamond & Akoya Pearl Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Adorn your hand with the graceful elegance of this ring, meticulously crafted in radiant 18K white gold. This captivating piece features a delicate, flowing design that beautifully s...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Akoya Pearl Diamond Shaped Diamond Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Total Weight: 12.3 Grams Pearl Diameter: 8.8 mm Pearl Type: White Akoya Pearl Diamond Count: ~70 brilliant cut Diamond Color: G-H Di...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,585Sale Price|20% Off
Yoko London Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This delicate ring by Yoko London features a lustrous Tahitian pearl at the forefront of its design. The spectacular hues of the pearl are perfectly accentuated by the 18 Karat yello...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Ye...
18 Karat White Gold AAA Tahitian Pearl and Pink Sapphire Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
How HOT is this gorgeous ring crafted in 18 karat white gold? The spectacular grey Tahitian pearl with multi hued overtones is showcased by over 3 carats of HOT pink sapphires set in...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring Size 5.25 #16424
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring Size 5.25 This beautiful 14K white gold ring features a gorgeous white pearl and 10 old single cut diamonds for a stunning look!
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ming's Hawaii Akoya Pearl Cluster Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 5.7 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resizable) please message us to resize BEFORE purchasing Stamped: "Mings" "14...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jaclyn Davidson 18K Yellow Gold Enamel with Woman Holding a Pearl Ring
By Jaclyn Davidson
Located in New York, NY
One terminal depicts the woman’s head and shoulders, accented with rich red-brown enamel and delicate gold floral motifs, while the opposite end presents a luminous pearl cradled in ...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Golden Pearl Diamond Ring White Gold Crossover Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond ring features a pearl of 15mm diameter. The pearl is untreated. It displays a splendid nacre and its natural color and luster have not been enhanced in a...
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
New South Sea Pink Cultured Pearl Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. This imposing pearl ring is set with a Pearl of the South Seas orient light pink shouldered on either side of a line of 9 brillian...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl & Diamond Hidden Halo Ring - 14k .24ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $70 or Down 1 size for $50 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Mabe Pearl Color: Bluish Purple Diameter: 14.7mm Natural Diamonds Ca...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Diamond Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring, Circa 1870
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1870 This is a Victorian cluster ring crafted in 15ct gold, dating to around 1870.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Polished Finish Abstract Open Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Color - 0.05ct (approx.) (1) Genuine Cultured Pearl - Round Shape - Nice White Colo...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
Imperial Topaz & Pearl Gold Ring Certified Untreated, London, 1843 Size 10.5
Located in Northampton, MA
The natural, untreated pink topaz gemstone is surrounded by a halo of natural uncultured saltwater pearls, all perfectly presented in a richly carved and detailed buttery 18K yellow ...
Natural Pearl, Topaz, Pearl, Imperial Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 14.84ct Amethyst and Seed Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 11.7 Grams Stone: 14.84ct (24x16 mm) Amethyst & Sea Pearl (2 mm) Measurements: 30 x 21 x 9.5 mm Ring Size: 5.75 Hallmark: 14K Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Item #: BR-909-031323-06
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds, Rubies, Pearl, Rose Gold and Silver Frog Shape Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
The frog holds a pearl. Diamonds 0.37 ct Rubies 5.47 ct Pearl 2.00 gr Total weight 11.30 g Italian Size 14.5 Usa Size 7 French Size 54.5 RF *GIGC For any information, feel free to ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Angara Double Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring with Diamond Accents in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This femininely styled pearl bypass ring is in 14K white gold.June Birthstone Ring for Women: Freshwater Cultured Pearl is the June birthstone and the traditional gemstone gift for t...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Orange Sapphire & Diamonds Pearl Butterfly Sweet 18K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 1.90x2.50x2.90cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "8 White Diamonds 0.05 CT 11 Fancy Diamonds 0.06 CT 44 Orange Sapphire 0.45 CT 4 White Shell 1.80 CT 18KR 5.58 GM (WBTT)"...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Handcraft Tahiti Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl Diamond Mixed Sterling Silver Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
By Brenda Smith
Located in Woodstock, GA
9mm Pearl Diamond Mixed Sterling Silver 18k Yellow Gold Fashion Ring, In Stock.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
$3,000
Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl and Diamond Ring A white gold ring set with a pearl accented by diamonds.
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Vintage Kurt Wayne Designer Gold Cocktail Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Pearl and Diamond Kurt Wayne Gold Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Susan Sadler Fresh Water Cultured Pearl Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Statement Ring
By Susan Sadler
Located in Towson, MD
One contemporary 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring designed by Susan Sadler, celebrated for her bold and innovative use of pearls in fine jewelry.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,458Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Blue Sapphire Ruby Pearl Diamond Yellow Gold "Butterfly" Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 9K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver. This Ring has 0.80 Carats of White Rose Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl...
GIA Certified South Sea Pearl Sunflower Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from 14k yellow gold, this exquisite ring features an 11mm pearl at its center, radiating a soft luster that captures the light beautifully.
South Sea Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring with Pave Diamonds in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14K white gold, this cathedral-style button pearl ring boasts a simple yet classic design that she's sure to love.
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Freshwater Cultured Pearl Ring with Cluster Diamonds in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegantly crafted in 14K rose gold, this pearl and diamond cluster ring is a beauty to behold.
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl Diamond Ring. This striking square-top ring features a pave-set diamond surface, with the spotlight on a captivating Baroque pearl...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring with 1.45 Carat Diamond Halo
Located in New York, NY
This lovely 18 karat yellow gold ring is designed with a 11mm cultured Mabe pearl center.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 9K Gold Amethyst and Seed Pearl Cluster Ring, England
Located in Honolulu, HI
[DETAILS] • Origin: England • Era: Late Victorian (circa 1890–1900) • Style: Classical Victorian Cluster • Material: 9K Yellow Gold • Main Stone: Oval-cut Faceted Amethyst (Soft Viol...
Amethyst, Pearl, 9k Gold
Moiseikin 18 Karat White Gold Keshi Pearl Diamond Handmade Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The sophisticated filigree makes the ring individual though elegant. 18K White Gold Keshi Pearl and Diamond Ring Gold 18 K,Weight 6.39 g, Size 16.5mm (diameter), 1 Keshi Pearl, tah...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold and Diamonds Shell Ring with Tahitian Pearl
By Yupadee
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Hand carved mother of pearl with 18K gold band inlaid. Wearable sculpture on your finger, featured a 12 mm Tahitian pearl sitting on top of an 18K gold band measured 9 mm, accented ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
One of a Kind White Pearl and Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
It features a large white pearl at its centre, offering a striking contrast to its vibrant yellow gold band.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Turquoise Halo Pearl Cluster Ring in 10k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
Beautiful antique ring crafted in 10k yellow gold. This lovely piece showcases a center pearl surrounded by eight small round turquoises in a cluster-style setting.
Pearl, Turquoise, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mings Three Silver Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Designer: Ming's Stone: Jade Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.6 Grams Ring Size: 5.75 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Condition: Preowned
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Freshwater Cultured Pearl Solitaire Ring in 14K Solid Gold for Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Set on 14k gold band is a Freshwater pearl glowing magnificently.
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold
Handcraft Australian Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Handcraft 18 karat white gold cocktail ring.Handmade by our artisans assembled with Australian pearl and diamonds Ring total weight 17 grams Diamonds weight 1.16 karat Australian Pe...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mings Large Akoya Pearl Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Specifications: Designer: Ming's Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Total Weight: 6.4 Grams Ring Size: 6 (resizable) Stamped: "Mings" "14K" Ring Measurements: 31mm x 19mm Condition: Preow...
Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10k Rose Gold Natural Garnet & Pearl Womens Cluster Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Solid 10k Rose Gold ring has been set with one vibrant Burgundy Rhodalite Garnet, 7x5mm (0.28" x 0.20") and eight Freshwater Cultured Pearls, 3mm (0.12") in a Cluster style of s...
Garnet, Pearl, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
French Art Nouveau Pearl 1.14 Carat Diamond Gold and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive Art Nouveau antique pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Yoko London Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
An elegant ring featuring a lustrous 9.5-10mm Tahitian pearl, all set in 18K white gold and accentuated by sparkling white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, Wh...
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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