1990s 1.06 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine vintage diamond half eternity ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.46 Carat Total Yellow Diamond Cushion Cut 1/2 Eternity Ring, 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This Fancy Yellow Cushion Cut Half Eternity Ring with a diamond halo is a testament to fine craftsmanship and timeless design.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Round and Baguette Cut Diamond Half Eternity in Platinum
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 11 sparkly diamonds, six of which being round brilliant cuts and the rest bein...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Hal Eternity Wedding Band
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
They are channel set with an open back platinum setting. The half eternity ring has the original makers mark by Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$3,455
18K White Gold 2.0ct Diamond Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Revel in the pure elegance of this half-eternity ring. Almost half of the circumference of its 2mm-wide white gold band is covered with step-cut diamonds on shared prongs.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$500 / item
LB Exclusive 10K Yellow Gold 0.25 Ct Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Make a statement with this dramatic half-eternity ring. Fashioned from 10k yellow gold is a 5mm band with a top height measuring 3mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Contemporary Rainbow Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful rainbow sapphire and diamond half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is firstly composed of seven oval cut sapphires that beautifully descend through the col...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...
14K White Gold 3.77ct Diamond Ring MF27-012324
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring's top dimensions measure 15mm x 30mm.Offered in estate condition, this 18K White Gold 3.77ct Diamond Half Eternity Ring comes with a gift box.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Ruby Lucida Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
The vivid red rubies contrast beautifully with the diamond sparkles. This half-eternity ring is perfect for everyday wear.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18k White Gold Eternity Band Ring 2.4 Ct Natural Rubies and Diamonds IGI Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
A stunning half eternity Ring with dazzling 1-carat Round Mix Cut Natural and stunning red purplish Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Eternity Band Ring with 2ct Natural Sapphire and Diamond IGI Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
A gorgeous half eternity Ring with a dazzling 1.1-carat Round Mix Cut of Natural Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Estate 10 Karat White Gold Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Vintage Estate domed and wide half eternity ring with single cut diamonds and a diamond-shaped design.
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$5,562
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Lucida Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A gorgeous Lucida half eternity ring in platinum by Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$10,262
Tiffany & Co. Bombe Diamond Ring 2.20 Carat
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k yellow gold diamond set bombe style half eternity ring by Tiffany & Co. The ring is set to the centre with three rows of graduating round brilliant cut diamonds, each ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Wempe Rose Gold Diamond Serafino Consoli Ring 0.58 Carat TDW
By Wempe
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k rose gold diamond half eternity ring by Wempe from the Serafino Consoli collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
LB Exclusive 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold 3.00 Carat Diamond Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The band is 16mm thick and is designed with alternating 18K yellow gold half eternity rings and 18K white gold contoured rings with multiple rows of diamonds.
Diamond, Gold
Classic 7-Stone Natural Diamond Set Ring in 18ct Yellow &White Gold
Located in London, GB
Classic 7-Stone Natural Diamond Set Ring, In 18ct Yellow &White Gold This diamond ring is gorgeous and can be worn as an half eternity ring.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$9,988
Tiffany & Co. Bombe Diamond Ring 2.20 Carat
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning 18k yellow gold diamond set bombe style half eternity ring by Tiffany & Co. The ring is set to the centre with three rows of graduating round brilliant cut diamonds, each ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,462
Diamond and Ruby Band Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An outstanding ruby and diamond half eternity ring in 18k white gold. The ring is set to the centre with 11 square cut rubies of a rich and even hue throughout totalling 1.65ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.72 Carat Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This half eternity ring is embellished with seven individually claw set marquise brilliant cut diamonds, totalling 1.72Cts.
Diamond, White Gold
Unique 18K White Gold Ring with 0.60 ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Beautiful Tapered Style Half Eternity Ring made from 18K White Gold with a 0.60 total diamond carat of natural tapered diamonds and flanking round brilliant diamonds
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 1.32ct Diamond Engagement Ring Set
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A bridal ring set designed with elegant simplicity. This two-band ring set features an engagement ring and a half-eternity band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Red Ruby Square Princess Cut 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold Vivid Red Ruby Half Eternity Band Ring. A beautifully made yellow gold half eternity ring set with stunning vivid red square princess cut rubies.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Dress Ring 1976
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This versatile 1970s ring may also be worn as a half eternity ring and is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s Vintage 1.08 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1.08 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold half eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Diamond Engagement Ring Bridal Set 0.93ct F/SI1
Located in Mayfair, London, London
The half eternity ring is currently a size J½ but can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Five Stone Diamond Ring Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond five stone half eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of five round brilliant cut diamonds; all of which are securely six-claw set within a 2...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 1.53 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Yellow Gold Ring, circa 2000
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.53 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone, platinum set, half eternity ring; part of our contemporary diamond jewelry collection This fine contemp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New French 1.28 Carat Baguette Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : A superb half eternity ring; the baguette diamonds proffer modernity and an incredible chic to this timeless ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Modern Sapphires Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This yellow gold half eternity ring is set with four round sapphires and three modern brilliant-cut diamonds alternating on its upper band.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Sold|$2,324
Tiffany & Co. Half Diamond Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
This half diamond ring by Tiffany & Co features 28 diamonds and is mounted in Platinum. UK ring size M. EU ring size 52. US ring size 6 1/2. Accompanied by a Xupes presentation box. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$4,240
Tiffany & Co. Half Diamond Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
This ring by Tiffany & Co. features 11 round brilliant cut diamonds mounted in platinum. Accompanied by a Tiffany Box. Our Xupes reference is J902 should you need to quote this. RRP ...
Diamond, Platinum
Boodles Platinum Half Eternity Diamond Ring 1.16ct
By Boodles
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning platinum half eternity diamond ring by Boodles. The ring is set with 9 round brilliant cut diamonds totalling an approximate weight of 1.16ct, E-F colour and VS clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$3,078
Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring 1.08 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A traditional 14k white gold diamond eternity ring. The ring features 9 oval cut diamonds in a shared prong setting totalling to a weight of 1.08ct, G-I colour and VS-SI clarity. The...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.60 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Seven-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive vintage seven stone diamond/half eternity ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond White Gold Half Eternity Wedding Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless elegance radiates from this diamond gold wedding band that is ready to be paired with any engagement ring. Featuring twelve perfectly matching white, clean round cut diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Platinum 0.50ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Diamonds with a total weight of 0.50 carats add a touch of luxury to this classic Platinum band ring. This simple, sophisticated ring features a 2mm wide band and a 2mm top height m...
Diamond, Platinum
Stunning 0.15ct Half Eternity Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Introducing our stunning Platinum Ring, meticulously crafted to exude timeless elegance and sophistication. At the center of this exquisite piece shines a brilliant round natural dia...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Yellow Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Diamond Yellow Gold Half Eternity Band Ring. Featuring seven round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 1.05 carats, graded near-colorless, I clari...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Half Diamond Eternity Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A flattering half diamond eternity ring in 18k yellow gold. This ring is set with six step cut diamonds in channel settings to the front, featuring polished borders and a solid gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Diamond Gold Speckled Half Eternity Dome Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A gentle dome shape enhances this half eternity band, speckled with 1.57 carats of diamonds and 1.45 carats of sapphires. This sophisticated and fun piece is made of 18 karat yellow ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,500
Baguette Diamond Half Eternity Band
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Channel set baguette diamonds, .75 carats in total, grace this half eternity band renderd in 18k white gold. Mille grain edges add a layer of feminine detail.
Diamond, White Gold
Victorian Eternity Ring Set with Half Pearls Dated 1847
Located in Firenze, IT
BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ, Ponte Vecchio, Florence Victorian ring half pearls eternity dated 1847 Size 7 Weight: 1,8gr.
Natural Pearl, Gold
Boodles Platinum Half Eternity Diamond Wedding Band Ring 0.72ct
By Boodles
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A platinum half eternity diamond ring by Boodles. The ring is channel set with 12 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total diamond weight of approximately 0.72ct.
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Sapphire Diamond Gold Half Eternity Squared Dome Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A gentle dome shape with squared edges enhances this half eternity band, decorated with 1.57 carats of diamonds and 4.50 carats of yellow sapphires. This sophisticated and fun piece ...
Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$8,500
Baguette Diamond Half-Eternity Band
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Set in 18k white gold with eleven baguette cut diamonds, 2.50 carats in total, channel set and lined up in perfect geometric splendor. This ring is very comfortable and offers a prac...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 0.25ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of inset Diamonds with a total weight of 0.25 carats add the perfect amount of sparkle to this sleek, sophisticated Tiffany & Co. band ring. Crafted from Platinum, it featur...
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold 0.51ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.51 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 0.66ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.66 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 0.51ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.51 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 0.70ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.70 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 0.53ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.53 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$1,100 / item
18K White Gold 0.91ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.91 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$610 / item
18K White Gold 0.50ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.50 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 0.40ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.40 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$725 / item
18K White Gold 0.61ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A series of sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of 0.61 carats make this simple, elegant ring the perfect addition to any jewelry collection. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this del...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.78ct Diamond Half-Eternity Band Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Inset round-cut Diamonds with a total weight of 0.79 carats allow this simple, elegant ring to effortlessly catch the light. Ideal for everyday wear, this impeccably crafted piece fe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, 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 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.