1.00 Carat Edwardian Cabochon 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: 18c Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Center Stone Details: Type: Natural Turquoise Weight: 1.00ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Color: Light Bl...
Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this 18 carat gold ring are five sparkling diamonds. The central diamond measuring approx 45pts, the ones either side measure 30pts and the smallest measuring 25pts. The diamo...
Diamond, Gold
GIA .89 Carat Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.5grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5211274200 Weight: .89ct Cut: Old European brilliant Colo...
Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.13 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.95 Metal Type: 18 karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Weight: 2.2 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 2205132239 Shape: Old European B...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau Diamond Silver Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Tested yellow gold with silver settings, numbered '2533' circa 1900.
Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold
1900s 1.57 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Marquise Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique marquise diamond ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Belle Epoque diamond ring in 18k gold, 0.55 ct diamonds, cluster ring
Located in PARIS, FR
French Belle Epoque Diamond ring in 18 karat white gold and platinum. In the center, 4 old-cut and 2 rose-cut diamonds are arranged in a scroll, framed by comma lines adorned with 14...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Ring. This gorgeous Edwardian old European diamond filigree ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum top. This...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Natural Pearl Halo Ring. Pearl Diamond Floral Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Primary Stone: Pearl Secondary Stone: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.7-Carats Secondary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Jew...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Carved Agate 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Heraldic Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped agate tablet measuring 15.0 x 10.5 mm Banded opaque black and grayish-white - carved with intaglio Depicting a heraldic coat of arms with banner and capped m...
Agate, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1900s 1.32 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive five stone diamond ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Jade 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Unisex Cat Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped jade cabochon measuring 15.0 x 11.0 mm Opaque bright light green with subtle mottling - flush set Flanked by highly rendered shoulders cat motif With dimensi...
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The subtly elevated 14k yellow gold ring shoulders integrate with main setting and blend seamlessly with the plain ring shank.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Onyx and Diamond Owl Ring of 10k & 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The owl and diamond motif was originally part of a Victorian stickpin, circa 1900, and has been masterfully reimagined within the setting of an Art Deco ring, circa 1920.
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, 14k Gold
Delightful Victorian Oval Lapis and 14kt Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
"Attractive Victorian lapis ring crafted in 14kt yellow gold dating back to the 1890s.
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Circa 1900s Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Crossover Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.2grams Diamond Details: (2 Stones) .50ct each old European brilliant diamonds, with I Color, a...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Emerald, Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is gorgeous and holds five bright emeralds and a halo of sparkling diamonds. The emeralds measure approx 15pts and the diamond total is approx 60pts. Modelled in 8 carat go...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
1.40 Carat Edwardian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold & Platinum Head [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Maker: Gorham Center Diamond Details: Weight: 1.40ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant (A...
Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This striking sapphire and diamond cluster ring is modelled in 18 Carat Gold and the stones are set in platinum. The sapphires measures 10pts and the diamond total is 18pts. Ring S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Gold
Antique art Nouveau Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique astro hungarian solitair ring in artnovo style centeted with 1 old mine cut diamond with estimate weight of 0.50 ct in white prongs ring was made in vienna city during the as...
Guilloche Enamel and Diamond Ring of Platinum and 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An elegant jewel, this ring was created from an antique button (circa 1900) and thoughtfully transformed with the addition of a custom 14k gold band.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.48 Carat Sapphire 1.04 Carat Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.48 carat natural blue sapphire and 1.04 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, 18k white gold set cocktail ring; part of our sapphire and diamond ring c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this 18 carat gold ring are five diamonds. Diamond total of this ring is 90pts. The diamonds are clean and bright and have a wonderful sparkle. Ring Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/2 Fa...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian GIA 2.76 carat old mine cut diamond 14k rose gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Victorian engagement ring is a romantic 1900’s piece, centered by a GIA-certified old mine cut diamond weighing 2.76 carats.
Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
C.D. Peacock 1904 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Wedding Cigar Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a wide slightly rounded band ring Featuring a high polish finish Stamped for 18 karat gold With maker's mark for C.D. Peacock Ring Size: 5 1/2 and sizable Measures north ...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Cluster Halo Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 4 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: .50ct total weight, Old European...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this 18 carat gold ring are five old mine cut diamonds. The central diamond measuring approx 40pts, the ones either side measure 30pts and the smallest measuring 10pts. The di...
Diamond, Gold
Antique American 14k Gold Edwardian 1900s Multicolor Natural Sapphire Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Antique American 14k Yellow Gold Multicolor natural Sapphire lozenge Ring Edwardian era, American made Marked 'K14’ , Acid tested 14K gold 15 pieces of approximate 1/2 Carat each Sa...
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Fine Antique Large Yellod Gold Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1900 14k Yellow Gold Navette Ring, measuring 1 1/4 inches in length and 3/8 inch wide, set with Nice Clean White Old Mine cut Diamonds totaling approximately 1.75 Carats and Ve...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Edwardian Diamond Sapphire Platinum 18 KT Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Quintessential, Edwardian ring, with charming design and gorgeous colour contrast Very finely hand crafted during the very beginning of 1900 of 18 KT gold with Platinum top – tested ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
.60 Carat Art Deco Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.6 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .60 carat Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: I Clarity: VS2 S...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Sugarloaf No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Kohn & Co Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Kohn
Located in Boston, MA
Details Period: 1900 Primary Material: 18k Yellow Gold Primary Stone: No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Stone Weight: 5.00 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Sugarloaf Primary Stone Color: Blue Ring Si...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening old mine cut diamonds sit fabulously within a simple setting modelled in 18ct gold. The diamonds total 1.16ct and also holds diamond points in-between the larger ston...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian Diamond Turquoise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Scrolling Antique Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering three graduated sugarloaf turquoise cabochons flush set east to west Opaque robin's egg blue to light greenish blue in color Ranging in size from 4.0 x 5.0 mm to 5.0 x 6.5 ...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening diamonds sit fabulously within a simple setting modelled in 18ct gold. The diamonds total 1ct and also holds diamond points in the shoulders and in-between the larger...
Diamond, Gold
Frank Walter Lawrence No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 14K Gold Antique Halo Ring
By Frank Walter Lawrence
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a mixed cushion cut sapphire weighing 3.69 carats total - transparent medium blue Natural Ceylon (Sri Lankan) in origin and displaying no indications of heat treatment Set ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Ring. This beautiful Edwardian old European cut diamond and sapphire ring is crafted in 18k yellow ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14 Karat Gold and Platinum Old Mine Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14K White Gold and Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Diamond Details: 1.25ct, total weight. Old mine brilliant ...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique and Vintage 3.22ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning unisex 2 carat diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The anterior surface of the ring is embellished with a stunning collet set antique (circa 19...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian 5.08 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage Italian 5.08 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Marquise Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive yellow gold, sapphire and diamond cocktail ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card**.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Antique 1900s 1.60 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 12k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Edwardian 14K White Gold Platinum Top Old Mine Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 14K White Gold Platinum Top Old Mine Diamond Cluster Ring. This gorgeous Edwardian old mine cut diamond cluster ring is crafted in 14k white gold and plat...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Estate Edwardian 14K Gold .70cttw Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#969
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian 14K Gold .70cttw Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#969 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 6.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold Top [Hallmarked, and...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian amethyst cluster ring in platinum and 18 karats gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Edwardian amethyst cluster ring in platinum and 18 karats gold. The daisy-shaped ring features a central 3-carat cabochon-cut amethyst with a faceted pavilion.
Amethyst, Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring Platinum Topped 18K Rose Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring Platinum Topped 18K Rose Gold This antique navette ring centers on an oval ruby weighing approximately 0.54 carats, set in an 18K rose gold bez...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glistening Edwardian old cut diamonds set in a boat shaped setting modelled in 18ct gold. Diamond total approx 75pts. Size Q or 8 Panel dimensions: 19x9mm Weight: 4.08g
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Edwardian Diamond Navette Ring Rhodolite Garnet Center 14K Yellow Gold Platinum
Located in Fairfield, CT
Edwardian Diamond Navette Ring Rhodolite Garnet Center 14K Yellow Gold Platinum This Edwardian navette ring features a ~1.7-carat marquise-cut rhodolite garnet at the center, displa...
Diamond, Rhodolite, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold .90ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 4 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold Head [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.2 grams Diamond Details: .90ct, Old European Bri...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamond in this ring measures 1.3ct. The stone has a wonderful glisten to it and is bright and has wonderful sparkle. The ring is modelled out of 18carat gold and the stone is se...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified .82 Carat Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 1.57 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:2225646966 Weight: .82ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: ...
Yellow Gold
Edwardian Turquoise Five-Stone 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This wonderful turquoise five stone ring is modelled in 9ct gold and features bright oval turquoise stones. Fully hallmarked Chester 1911. Ring Size: K or 5 1/4 Weight: 2g
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold
Edwardian Turquoise and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beauty has a simple 18ct gold shank. There are four turquoise stones and three pearls set in the face of this ring. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Cluster Dimensions: 9x8mm Weight: ...
Pearl, Turquoise, Gold
Victorian GIA 1.06 carat diamond 14k gold and silver cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Victorian diamond cluster ring is a beautiful antique treasure from the 1880’s, centered by a GIA-certified old mine cut diamond weighing 1.06 carats. Graded G color a...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Old Miner Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring .55cttw - VEG#76
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Description: This is a very unique engagement ring with two old miner cut diamonds. The total weight of both diamonds combined is approximately .55cttw. Surrounding both diamon...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Ruby, and Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Opal, Ruby, and Old Mine Diamond Ring Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Opal...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified .82 Carat Edwardian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.1 grams Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 2225455957 Weight: .82ct Cut: Old Mine Brilliant Color: G Clari...
Yellow 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.
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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