Unavailable|$6,995
Alessa 3mm Eternity Half Stack 18 Karat White Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
Worn stacked on their own they add the sparkle and define elegance. The eternity collection is iconic and essential. Product name: 3mm Eternity Half Stack Diamonds: Colorless 1.15 c...
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,200 / item
14k Yellow Gold Small Cavendish Natural Diamond V Half Eternity Band
Located in Toronto, ON
This band is designed to nest with your Bellisa engagement ring. This ring is crafted with clean lines and an elegant silhouette, making it perfect for stacking or wearing alone. Our...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,070
Hidalgo 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Half Shank Eternity Band
By Hidalgo
Located in Mansfield, OH
Hidalgo 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond half shank eternity Band.This Hidalgo creation is created in 18 karat yellow gold, weight- 2.1 grams.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,450 / item
14k Yellow Gold Big Cavendish V Half Eternity Band, Natural Diamond
Located in Toronto, ON
This band is designed to nest with your Bellisa engagement ring. This ring is crafted with clean lines and an elegant silhouette, making it perfect for stacking or wearing alone. Our...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Certified 2 Natural Emerald Diamond White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Band
Located in Orlando, Florida
Certified 2 Natural Emerald Diamond White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Band A stunning ring featuring IGI/GIA Certified 2.32 Carat Natural Emerald and 0.68 Carat of Diamond Accents...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$875 / item
Half Eternity Gemstone Band, Dainty Gemstone Band, Minimalist Emerald Band, 18k
Located in New York, NY
Minimalist gemstone half band This beauty is crafted in 18k solid gold with Natural AAA grade gemstones, Emerald and Sapphires. -All gemstones are hand picked by our professional g...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 1.75ctw Emerald Half Eternity Band, Size 6.75, Round Modified
Located in Holtsville, NY
Whether worn as a wedding band, anniversary ring, or a statement piece, this emerald half eternity band is a timeless addition to any fine jewelry collection.
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 1.65ctw Sapphire Half Eternity Band, Size 6.5, Round Modified
Located in Holtsville, NY
This elegant 14K yellow gold half eternity band is adorned with 1.65 carats of stunning round modified brilliant sapphires.
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 2.37ctw Multi-Color Tourmaline Half Eternity Band, Size 6.5
Located in Holtsville, NY
This vibrant 14K yellow gold half eternity band showcases a stunning array of multi-color tourmalines, totaling 2.37 carats.
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,707
5 Diamonds Half Eternity Band, 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold
Located in Antwerpen, BE
fun every day ring, made in 18kt white and yellow gold. set with 5 brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.30ct in total. the band is nice and thick, very comfortable to wear. ring size i...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Half Eternity 1.66 Total Carat Emerald Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Band
By Sage Designs L.A.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald cut diamonds (1.06 total carat weight) and round diamonds (0.60 total carat weight) half-eternity engagement ring in 14k white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold 1.53ctw Multi-Color Sapphire Half Eternity Band, Size 6.75
Located in Holtsville, NY
This vibrant 14K yellow gold half eternity band features a stunning array of multi-color sapphires, totaling 1.53 carats.
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alessa 3mm Eternity Half Stack Cognac 18 Karat Rose Gold Essentials Collection
By Alessa
Located in London, GB
Worn stacked on their own they add the sparkle and define elegance. The eternity collection is iconic and essential. Product name: 3mm Eternity Half Stack Diamonds: Cognac 1.19 cts...
Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$9,300 / item
Yellow Gold Opal Emerald Wedding band Half Eternity Vintage Opal Wedding Band
Located in Orlando, Florida
18K Yellow Gold Emerald Wedding band, Half Eternity Vintage Opal Wedding Band for Women, Antique Diamond Engagement Ring, Anniversary Ring Product Details ↣ Jewelry Type - Rings ↣ ...
Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$5,665 / item
Emerald Cut Half Band Ring with Pear and Marquise Shape Wings in 18 Karat Gold
Located in BANGKOK, TH
Half Band Eternity Ring, with Emerald Cut Diamonds weighing 0.25ct each, with Pear and Marquise Shape wings on either side of the ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Tivon 18ct White Gold channel set princess cut Diamond Broad Eternity Band
By TIVON FINE JEWELLERY
Located in Borehamwood, GB
I will love you for eternity! A beautiful & classic half-eternity 18k White Gold ring set with 0.72ct of glittering princess-cut fine diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,200
1.29 Carats Pear shape Sapphire Band Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our enchanting 1.29 Carats Pear Shape Sapphire Half Eternity Bezel Setting Ring Band, embellished with delicate diamonds, designed to be stacked for a personalized touch ...
Diamond, Sapphire
Unavailable|$2,650 / item
Pear and Marquise Diamond Crossover Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in BANGKOK, TH
Crossover Half - Band Eternity Ring with 5 Pear Cut and 5 Marquise Cut Brilliant Diamonds set in 18k Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,742 / item
18K White Gold Mixed Cut Diamond Ring(Made to Order)
Located in London, GB
18K White Gold Mix Cut Diamond Ring(Made to Order) Carat weight: 0.25ct Weight: 1.23g Metal options: 18K yellow/white/black/rose gold, platinum Diamond quality: G color, SI clar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, 24k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Circa 1890 18 Carat Gold Emerald Diamond Antique Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Victorian 18ct gold half hoop emerald and diamond eternity ring. So rare to find this design with emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,400 / item
Double wave diamond wedding band
Located in Montréal, QC
Half-eternity double wave diamond ring, set with natural diamonds VS-FG, ~0.2ct.
Unavailable|$1,180
Diamond Band Art Deco Style, New
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
Diamond Band, Art Deco Style, Vintage Times Original, New Half Eternity 9ct White Gold Diamond Ring 13 Diamonds Colour & Clarity = J-K SI3 Band Width = 2mm Band Thickness = 1.6mm Thi...
White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,495
1.5 tcw Princess Cut Diamond Channel Setting Wedding Band 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat White Gold and 1.5 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring Fine Jewelry Classic bridal design of a wedding band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$3,199
Yellow Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring Totalling Approx 0.90ct, G/H Colour, VS/SI Clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,193
Diamond Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM902 Serial Number: 391******* Age: 2010's Size: N, Band Width - 3mm Box & Papers: IGI Evaluation Report dated 29/10/2013 & Xupes Presentation Box Material: 14k White Gold, to...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring, 0.30 Carat
Located in London, GB
A diamond half eternity ring, set with seven eight-cut diamonds, weighing an estimated total diamond weight 0.30ct, in claw setting, mounted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
0.42 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct white gold diamond half eternity ring. The ring features 16 round brilliant cut diamonds which are well matched for colour and clarity.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Baguette Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. Baguette Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Baguette Half Eternity Ring Product Type- Ring Accompanied By- Tiffany & Co Box Material(s)- Platin...
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$2,035
Diamond White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 0.18 carat (total) diamond and irradiated blue diamond, 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry collections This fine and impressiv...
Diamond, Blue Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring 0.75ct
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold diamond half eternity ring. The ring comprises of 10 princess cut diamonds in a channel setting, with an approximate weight of 0.75ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$2,382
Diamond and Sapphire Half Eternity Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold diamond and sapphire half eternity ring. The ring is set with alternating round brilliant cut diamonds and oval cut sapphires all of which are in a four cl...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Baguette Diamond White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Baguette diamonds and white gold half-eternity ring. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #R-DJ1017B.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Platinum Pave Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A scintillating Cartier platinum pave set diamond half eternity ring. With three lines of pave set round brilliant cut diamonds set on a gentle camber totaling forty diamonds.
Diamond
Sold|$1,429
0.36 Carat Diamond Half-Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled half-eternity ring. This timeless piece has been crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold and show features 18 round brilliant cut diamonds in a single ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 1.0ct Diamond Half-Eternity Ring MF06-012226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A modern take on a classic promise. This white gold half eternity ring features round diamonds set in a channel that traces half of the 5mm-wide band's circumference.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Half Eternity Ring Product Type- Ring Accompanied By- Tiffany & Co Box Material(s)- Platinum Gemstone-...
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, England
An 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond set half eternity ring. The ring is set with 0.58ct's of intense ruby and 0.31ct's diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Sapphire Diamond Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, England
An 18ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond set half eternity ring, Comprising of three round brilliant cut diamonds and four round cut sapphires.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Half Eternity Ring 0.75ct TDW
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A classic platinum diamond half eternity ring. The band is set to the centre with 15 round brilliant cut diamonds in a channel setting weighing approximately 0.75ct, predominately H ...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Half Eternity Ring Product Type- Ring Accompanied By- Tiffany & Co Box Material(s)- Platinum Gemstone- ...
Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold 0.62ct Diamond Half-Eternity Ring MF04-111925
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set with 0.62 carats of diamonds, this 2mm half-eternity ring offers a crisp line of light along its top arc.
Diamond
Contemporary Diamond and Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive seven diamond half eternity ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$5,535
Graff Yellow Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By Graff
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold diamond half eternity ring by Graff. The ring has 16 round brilliant cut claw set diamonds totalling approximately 1.60ct, predominantly F colour and VVS clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.04 Carat Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
A diamond set half eternity ring, round brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing an estimated total of 1.04ct, in our opinion the colour and clarity are G-H, VS, in a channel setting, mounte...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Mixed Cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Mixed Cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Half Eternity Ring Product Type- Ring Accompanied By- Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Mixed Cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Mixed Cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Half Eternity Ring Product Type- Ring Accompanied By- Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
1980s Diamond and Platinum Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1980's 0.77 carat diamond and platinum half eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Forever Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Forever Half Eternity Ring Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Half Eternity Ring Product Type- Ring Material(s)- Platinum Gemstone- Diamond UK Ring Size- O EU R...
Diamond
Tiffany & Co. Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Forever Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Forever Half Eternity Ring Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Half Eternity Ring Product Type- Ring Material(s)- Platinum Gemstone- Diamond UK Ring Size- O EU R...
Diamond
Sold|$2,498
1970s Diamond Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.96 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold half eternity ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impressive six...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Princess cut rubies and 0.20 carat round brilliant diamonds alternate in 18 carat yellow gold across the top of this colourful half eternity ring dating from the 1970s. Gemstone: Ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in London, England
The vivid blue sapphires perfectly match in colour and vibrancy. This half-eternity ring is perfect for everyday wear.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage circa 1980 Diamond White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.46 carat diamond and 15 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our vintage jewelry collections This fine and impressive vintage half eternity ring has ...
Diamond, 15k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Novo Diamond Half Eternity Ring Rose Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Tiffany & Co. Novo Diamond Half Eternity Ring Stones: Diamond Metal: 18K Rose Gold Ring Size: US SIZE 4.75 UK SIZE J 1/2 Internal Diameter: 15.65 mm Measurement: 2.0 mm Weight...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Diamond Half Eternity Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
This half-eternity ring is perfect for everyday wear.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Diamond Half Eternity Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
This half-eternity ring is perfect for everyday wear.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Lucida Cut Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
This half eternity ring is a Tiffany & Co piece from the Lucida collection.
Diamond, Platinum
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.