White and Natural Yellow Diamond Seven-Stone Half Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in London, England
A lovely white and natural yellow diamond seven stone half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is composed of four natural yellow round brilliant cut diamonds and three w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
White and Natural Yellow Diamond Half Eternity Ring Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful white and natural yellow diamond five stone half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is composed of three natural yellow round brilliant cut diamonds and two ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct White Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring 1.00ct 3.8g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
This elegant handmade half diamond eternity ring is crafted in 18ct white gold and showcases a refined line of 11 princess-cut diamonds set across the upper half of the band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.35 Carat Oval Cut Blue Sapphire Half Eternity Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful eternity wedding band or anniversary ring showcasing a row of oval cut blue sapphires, surrounded by a row of round brilliant diamonds. Sapphires weigh 1.35 carats total;...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This bright 18ct yellow gold band has 12 shimmering diamonds which total 15pts. This ring would make a great stacker or a simple everyday ring. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Band Width: 2...
Diamond, Gold
14k Yellow Gold Natural Diamond Half Eternity Ring 0.25TCW
Located in Victoria, BC
This lovely 14K yellow gold diamond ring is a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. Handcrafted with a wax-cast and hand-finished design, the ring has a sleek profile measuring...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Platinum Half Eternity Ring/Wedding Ring Set With 0.44ct Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A simple and elegant design with stunning 0.44ct of natural princess cut diamonds, this platinum ring is perfect for a wedding band or as an eternity ring. Total Diamond Weight: 0....
Diamond, Platinum
Bespoke 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Ring 0.44 Carat
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Metal: 18ct White Gold Carat: 0.44Ct Colour: F-G Clarity: VS-SI Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Weight: 2.8 grams Engravings/Markings: Stamped 18K 750 Size/Measurement: Ring Size K Curre...
Diamond, White Gold
Bespoke 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Ring 0.44 Carat
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Metal: 18ct White Gold Carat: 0.44Ct Colour: F-G Clarity: VS-SI Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Weight: 2.8 grams Engravings/Markings: Stamped 18K 750 Size/Measurement: Ring Size K Curre...
Diamond, White Gold
Bespoke 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Ring 0.41 Carat
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Metal: 18ct White Gold Carat: 0.41Ct Colour: F-G Clarity: VS-SI Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Weight: 2.9 grams Engravings/Markings: Stamped 18K 750 Size/Measurement: Ring Size K Curre...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Half Eternity Ring 0.35 Carat
Located in London, England
An 18ct yellow gold three row half eternity diamond ring. Comprising of 70 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total diamond weight: 0.35cts.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.55 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Eleven old cut diamonds wrap halfway around this 1920s half eternity band. Each diamond is 0.05 carat grain set 0.05ct each 11 total Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weig...
Diamond, Platinum
1.00 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A contemporary 1.00 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold set, five stone ring; part of our diverse range of diamond jewelry/jewelry This contemporary five stone diamond ri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Exquisite 0.43ct Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Embrace timeless elegance with this exquisite diamond cluster ring! This stunning 18K white gold ring features a captivating display of nine sparkling round brilliant diamonds, boast...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Luminous 0.18ct Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Captivate everyone with this stunning 18k white gold ring! This elegant piece features a beautiful cluster of 12 sparkling round brilliant diamonds, each boasting a G color grade and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.59ct Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of round-cut diamonds totaling 0.59 carats add plenty of sparkle to this simple, elegant ring. Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, this timeless piece features a 2mm wide band and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burma Unheated Ruby Ring in 18k gold (Ruby Half Eternity Ring)
Located in Singapore, SG
Kindly note that the stated price for this item is fixed and non-negotiable. We appreciate your understanding and respect for our pricing decision. Features: Main Gemstone (8pcs) - ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Soleste Diamonds Half Eternity Ring Platinum 950 US 5.25
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Tiffany & Co. Soleste Half Eternity Diamonds Ring Stones: Diamond ( 0.17ct ) Metal: Platinum 950 Ring Size: US SIZE 5.25 UK SIZE K Internal Diameter: 16.00 mm Measure...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Soleste Diamonds Half Eternity Ring Yellow Gold US 5.25
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Tiffany & Co. Soleste Half Eternity Diamonds Ring Stones: Diamond ( 0.17ct ) Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US SIZE 5.25 UK SIZE J 3/4 Internal Diameter: 15.85 mm ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond Mimi Half Eternity Ring Set in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A classic Cartier Mimi Star ring set in 18k yellow gold. This piece is from the iconic Cartier Mimi collection - a successful collection that began in the 1990's and is still popular...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Enchanting 0.54ct Half Eternity Ring set in Gleaming 20K Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Introducing our exquisite 20K Yellow Gold Ring, a dazzling testament to sophistication and style, adorned with enchanting princess-cut natural diamonds. This captivating ring feature...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Classic Half Carat Natural Diamond Half Eternity Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This elegant 18k white gold ring features a dazzling array of seven princess-cut diamonds, totaling 0.56ct with a G color grade and VS clarity. The exquisite craftsmanship and superi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct White Gold Half Eternity Ring/Wedding Ring Set With 0.85ct Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A simple and elegant design with stunning 0.85ct of natural round brilliant cut diamonds, this ring is perfect for a wedding band or as an eternity ring. Total Diamond Weight: 0....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 1930 Half Eternity Ring in Platinum with 10 Round Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Eternity ring band with Natural Diamonds. An Art-Deco half eternity band ring crafted in America, circa 1930.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Dazzling 14K Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring with 0.25 Ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Beautiful and Petite 14K Yellow Gold Half Eternity Diamond Ring with a Total of 0.25 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamonds Set with: -17 diamond main stones of 0.0147 ct. each, total: 0.25...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.53 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Half-Eternity Engagement Ring featuring a 0.53 Carat Natural Ruby and 0.57 Carats of Diamond accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Luxurious 18K White Gold Half Eternity Ring with 1 ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
A beautiful ring with a dazzling 1 carat round brilliant diamonds. The jewelry is made of 18k white gold with a high quality polish. It comes with a fancy jewelry box. 7 diamonds ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.77 Carat Burma Heated Ruby Half Eternity Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful eternity wedding band or anniversary ring showcasing a row of oval cut Burma heated ruby, surrounded by a row of round brilliant diamonds. Ruby weigh 1.77 carats total; d...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
White & Yellow Diamond Emerald Cut 3.49 Carat Half Eternity Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This very impressive yellow & white diamond emerald cut alternating halfway eternity Diamond Ring is a testament to fine craftsmanship and timeless design. Perfect for those who appr...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 1 carat & 8 points Natural Diamond Half Eternity Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This stunning 18k white gold ring is a true showstopper, featuring an exquisite cluster of 18 round brilliant cut diamonds that boast an impressive 1.08ct total carat weight, each st...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold 0.68ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring MF10-111925
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Half-eternity rings are known for combining meaning and practicality.
Diamond
Diamond Yellow Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.75 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold half eternity ring; part of our vintage jewelry/estate jewelry collections This impressive vintage diamond ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Half Eternity Wedding Band Ring 0.92 Total
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold diamond half eternity ring claw set with 26 diamonds totalling 0.92ct, G colour and VS clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Half Eternity Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
This half-eternity ring is perfect for everyday wear.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Half Eternity Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
This half-eternity ring is perfect for everyday wear.
Diamond, Platinum
Boodles Half Eternity 0.30 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
By Boodles
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Ref: COM810 Size: K.5 Box & Papers: Xupes Presentation Box Material: Platinum, total weight - 5.31 grams Gemset: Set with 14 round cut Diamonds of approximately 0.30ct total Colour G...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Elegant 0.16ct Half Eternity Diamond Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
The Elegant Half Eternity Diamond Ring is a versatile and deeply meaningful accessory, often chosen as a symbol of enduring love and commitment.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Platinum Half Eternity Diamond Ring, Set With 0.50ct Natural Diamonds
Located in London, GB
An elegant half eternity ring handcrafted in platinum, set with natural princess cut diamonds, totaling 0.50ct, creating a distinctive sparkle and refined look.
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Half Eternity Diamond Ring, Set With 0.27ct
Located in London, GB
Platinum diamond half eternity ring, featuring 0.27 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion or everyday accessory.
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$2,389
Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A sapphire and diamond half eternity ring in platinum. The ring is set to the front with 3 sapphires and 2 diamonds, both round brilliant cut and in a shared setting.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Rainbow Sapphire and Diamonds Half Eternity Band 7.11 Carats Total 18K Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Beautiful Half Eternity Ring Set With Multicolored Sapphires and Diamonds Total Carat Weight of Sapphires is 6.80 Carats Total Carat Weight of Diamonds is 0.31 Carats Diamonds Color ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...
Diamond and Sapphire Platinum Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely platinum diamond and sapphire half eternity ring. The ring comprises of 4 round brilliant cut diamonds alternating with 5 round brilliant cut sapphires.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
18k White Gold Half Eternity Stack Ring with 0.51 Ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
A luxurious half eternity ring with dazzling 0.51 carat round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 1.51ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring MF05-111925
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Fashioned in 18K white gold, this half-eternity ring shows off a cool, icy beauty that instantly draws the eye.
Diamond
18ct White Gold Half Eternity Diamond Ring, Set With 0.28ct Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Elegant and timeless, this beautiful half eternity ring is crafted from 18ct white gold and adorned with 0.28ct of natural round diamonds, expertly set across the top of the band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in Set Platinum
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bvlgari diamond half eternity ring set in platinum. The ring is composed of 18 round brilliant cut diamonds, micro-claw set securely within a 2-millimetre plati...
Diamond, Platinum
0.45ct Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Band, c.1994
Located in London, GB
This charming half eternity ring features a display of alternating emeralds and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and emerald half eternity ring set in platinum. The ring is composed of 7 round cut stones altogether, 4 of which being emeralds and 3 diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Diamond Half Eternity Band
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
A lovely signed Tiffany & Co. diamond half eternity ring set in platinum. The ring is set with exactly 9 sparkly round brilliant cut diamonds all of which are rubover set perfectly...
Diamond, Platinum
Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A lovely diamond and sapphire half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is composed of 9 round cut stones altogether, 5 of which being sapphires and 4 diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and sapphire half eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of 11 round cut stones altogether, 6 of which being sapphires and 5 diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and ruby half eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of 11 round cut stones altogether, 6 of which being rubies and 5 diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Eternity Ring Set With 0.45ct Diamonds in Platinum
Located in London, GB
This elegant platinum half eternity ring is set with 0.45ct of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Contemporary Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and emerald half eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of 11 round cut stones altogether, 6 of which being emeralds and 5 diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sparkling 18K White Gold Band Eternity Ring with 0.20 ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Beautiful Half Eternity Ring made from 18K White Gold with 0.20 total carat of natural round brilliant diamonds
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 0.91 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. 0.91ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Eternity Ring Brand- Tiffany & Co. Model- Half Eternity Ring Product Type- Ring Accompanied By- Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 950⁄‰ Half-Eternity Band with 20 Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This refined half-eternity ring is crafted in platinum (950⁄‰) and set with 20 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.20 ct.
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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.