1.50 Carat Round White Diamond 5 Stone 18KT White Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Embrace eternity with this 5 Stone Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold half eternity ring is an exquisite addition to our collection.
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Half-Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined diamond half-eternity ring from the world renowned jewellery designer, Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
$2,420Sale Price|20% Off
Bespoke Diamond Half Eternity Ring 0.50ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Unique features: A women's, custom made, diamond Ring Diamond half eternity ring. Made of 18 kt White Gold, and ring size of N 1/2, and weighing 2.7gm.
Diamond, White Gold
Boodles 2.00ct Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By Boodles
Located in London, GB
A sublime half eternity ring created by Boodles, features ten stunning carre cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Princess Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a diamond half eternity ring. The platinum piece plays host to 21 channel set princess cut diamonds in a single line formation whilst the remainder of the piece possesse...
Diamond, Platinum
2.00 Carat Round White Diamond 5 Stone 18KT Rose Gold Half Eternity Modern Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This 5 Stone Round Diamond 18k Rose Gold half eternity ring is an exquisite addition to our collection.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.42 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct white gold wedding ring. The band is adorned with a seventeen bright white round brilliant cut diamonds at the front of the face. The diamonds are set in a conti...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage half band ring is a refined and highly wearable classic, set with 0.30ctw of diamonds graded G color and VS1 clarity in a crisp platinum mounting. Half bands are especia...
Diamond, Platinum
0.34 Carat Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled half-eternity band ring. Crafted from platinum, this piece showcases an alternating sequence of bright white straight baguette and round brilliant c...
Diamond, Platinum
White Diamond Half Moon Eternity Band Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1.79 ct. white diamond half moons. Handmade in 18k yellow gold. Length is 6.5". Total of 15 stones.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Size (49)
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled diamond half-eternity ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.70 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 0.70 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring m. Beautiful ring featuring 7 diamonds totaling 0.70 carat approx. the ring is a size 6.5 and weights 2.2 grams 14k solid gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mappin & Webb Diamond Half Eternity Platinum Ring
By Mappin & Webb
Located in London, GB
This half eternity band created by Mappin & Webb features nine fine quality round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total approximate weight of 1.00ct, all claw set in open back sett...
Diamond, Platinum
Boodles Half Eternity Princess Cut Diamond Ring
By Boodles
Located in London, GB
A classic and timeless half eternity ring featuring princess cut diamonds from Boodles.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamond Half Eternity Ring, 18KT White Gold
Located in Braintree, GB
A classic diamond half eternity ring in 18KT white gold, set with seven brilliant-cut diamonds in a clean channel across the front and finished with a plain polished shank.
White Gold
Half Diamond Half Pink Sapphire Ombré Eternity Ring Size 52
Located in München, DE
The 18k gold frames an artistic transition from sparkling diamonds to deep pink sapphires. Each nuance represents a facet of your character. This heirloom is made to preserve the ric...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Half Diamond Half Pink Sapphire Ombré Eternity Ring Size 50
Located in München, DE
The 18k gold frames an artistic transition from sparkling diamonds to deep pink sapphires. Each nuance represents a facet of your character. This heirloom is made to preserve the ric...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k yellow gold Natural Diamond half Eternity Ring Eternity Band .
Located in Chicago, IL
14k yellow gold Natural Diamond Half Eternity Ring Eternity Band . Material = 14k yellow gold Natural diamond Colour G Clarity vs Number of Diamonds 20 pcs Wieght 0.18 cts...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Half Eternity 0.10 Carat Round Wedding Ring. Eternity Diamond Band Ring 2.80mm
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 7.25 US, Resizable Metal: Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Style: Art Deco Width Of Band: 2.72mm Band Style: Half Eternity Band Crafted in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This vintage half eternity/multi-diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary Platinum Half Eternity Diamond Wedding Band Ring
Located in Boston, MA
A contemporary half eternity diamond band ring crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Size K (50)
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled diamond half-eternity ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier.
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond and Yellow Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1990s 0.39 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold half eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Belgian Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An unusual 0.85 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,720 / item
0.9 Carat Canadian Diamond Half Eternity Gold Ring
By Nijma M Fine Jewelry
Located in Toronto, CA
Indulge in luxury with The Up Half Eternity Ring. This stunning ring features reverse set Canadian diamonds, set in a band of exquisite 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Mixed Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. Mixed Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: COMJ796 Brand: Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Diamond eternity band. PT900 1/2ct Half Eternity Infinty Ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Platinum band 0.54ctw Total Diamonds Half set eternity band. Details: 3.5mm wide band 9 diamonds total est. 0.54ctw SI clarity G-H color 4.3grams total
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier White Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring 1.35ct
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold half diamond set eternity ring by Cartier. The ring comprises 9 round brilliant cut claw set diamonds, each in an individual square surround.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Diamond eternity band. PT900 1/3ct Half Eternity Infinity Ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Platinum band 0.31ctw Total Diamonds Half set eternity band. Details: 4mm wide band 7 diamonds total est. 0.31ctw SI clarity G-H color 3.5grams total Size 6
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Platinum 1895 Half Eternity Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Diamond Platinum 1895 Half Eternity Band Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1576 Brand: Cartier Model: 1895 Half Eternity Ring Type: Ring Serial Number: H***** Age: 2015 RRP:...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 0.70ct Diamond Half Eternity Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
This Vintage half eternity ring features seven sparkling round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum, Diamond Half Eternity Ring, Anniversary Ring, Wedding Band
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Diamond Eternity Ring Platinum Stamped Hallmarked London 1984 Makers Mark J M L Discover the timeless elegance of our Platinum Eternity Ring, a stunning piece from the ...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,714 / item
14k Gold & Diamond Dotty Half Eternity Ring - 0.25ct
Located in London, GB
Handcrafted in our London studio, this 14k yellow gold eternity style ring is adorned with white diamonds around half of the band.
Diamond, 14k Gold
David Morris Pavé Set Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By David Morris
Located in London, GB
Featuring from the David Morris collection, this half eternity ring is pave set with dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Half Diamond Half Pink Sapphire Ombré 18K Eternity Ring Size 56
Located in München, DE
The 18k gold frames an artistic transition from sparkling diamonds to deep pink sapphires. Each nuance represents a facet of your character. This heirloom is made to preserve the ric...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Half Diamond Half Pink Sapphire Ombré 18K Eternity Ring Size 58
Located in München, DE
The 18k gold frames an artistic transition from sparkling diamonds to deep pink sapphires. Each nuance represents a facet of your character. This heirloom is made to preserve the ric...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$639Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Thin Diamond Half Eternity Ring Stackable Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, these ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in London, England
A lovely antique sapphire and diamond half eternity ring, horizontally set with three round cut sapphires and two old mine cut diamonds, set in gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
$628Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Diamond Ring Cluster Diamond Ring Half Eternity Gift Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Natural Diamond Twig Ring is made of 18k solid gold available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, these are a great gift for any...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Half Eternity Wedding Band Ring Size I
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct white gold wedding band ring, set with 18 round brilliant cut diamonds that stretch across half of the band. Condition: Used (Excellent) Weight: 2.4 grams Size: I Ba...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$580Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Ring Thin Diamond Half Eternity Ring Stackable Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 14k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, these ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Timeless 0.58ct Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in Platinum
Located in רמת גן, IL
This sophisticated ring, crafted in platinum, is adorned with a collection of 11 main stones, all round brilliant diamonds, collectively weighing 0.58 carats. These diamonds range in...
Diamond, Platinum
$570Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Diamond Ring Cluster Diamond Ring Half Eternity Gift Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Natural Diamond Twig Ring is made of 14k solid gold available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, these are a great gift for any...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring in 14k White Gold This contemporary ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features a row of prong-set round-cut diamonds extending across the front o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring Women Wedding Ring Stackable Diamond Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring Women Wedding Ring Stackable Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Style Diamond Half Eternity Wedding Band Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A lovely vintage style wedding band is adorned with fine milgrain on the edges and is set with dazzling diamonds with a total weight of 0.42 carat. The band is …. wide and is availab...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
14k Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring Women Wedding Ring Stackable Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring Women Wedding Ring Stackable Diamond Ring Material 14k Yellow Gold, Natural Diamond Metal Yellow Gold Total Carat Weight 0.24 ctw & Under Base Me...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage diamond 18k yellow gold half eternity band ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage diamond half eternity band is a timeless 1980’s design, featuring 9 princess cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70 carat in total.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Ring, Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage diamond half eternity ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Late Deco 1.00ct Diamond Half Eternity Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful half eternity ring dates to the 1940s and features a collection of transitional cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1970s Diamond and 18K White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.72 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Half Diamond Half Pink Sapphire Ombré Eternity Ring by AMRIYA, Size 48
Located in München, DE
The 18k gold frames an artistic transition from sparkling diamonds to deep pink sapphires. Each nuance represents a facet of your character. This heirloom is made to preserve the ric...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.66 carat Diamond and Platinum Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive contemporary 1.66 carat diamond and platinum half eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive diamond half eternity ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.00tcw Diamonds Half Eternity Band Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.00tcw Diamonds Half Eternity Band Ring 14k Gold. The diamond are quality J/SI2 and is a size 5 The ring weights 5.2 grams The ribs measures 9.75mm in height
Diamond, 14k Gold
Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive contemporary 0.56 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold set half eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$726Sale Price / item|22% Off
Half eternity moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Half eternity moissanite 14k gold ring. Moissanite minimalist ring. Moissanite semi eternity ring. Plain moissanite ring. Moissanite engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 1.5 gr....
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: COMJ869 Brand: Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: COMJ868 Brand: Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
14KT White Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant 14KT white gold ring features seven dazzling round brilliant cut diamonds set in a timeless half-eternity design.
Diamond, 14k 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.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And 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.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.