$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston GIA Certified 4 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Harry Winston engagement ring showcases the house’s legendary artistry and
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Harry Winston Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring 14.04 Carat Colombian AGL
By Harry Winston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning three-stone platinum ring created by Harry Winston. The ring features an amazing color
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$184,000Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston AGL Certified 22 Carat Emerald and Diamond Platinum & Gold Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
exceptional Harry Winston ring showcases an extraordinary emerald of remarkable presence and rarity
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Harry Winston GIA Certified 2.60ct Diamond Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Harry Winston Classic Winston emerald-cut diamond three-stone ring set in
Diamond, Platinum
$2,000,000Sale Price|20% Off
Extraordinary Legacy in Diamond Form Harry Winston 28.13ct Masterpiece
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
An Extraordinary Legacy in Diamond Form: The Harry Winston 28.13ct Masterpiece When rarity meets
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Harry Winston 1.77ct E-VVS2 Emerald Cut Classic Diamond Ring in Platinum – US 4
By Harry Winston
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item No: 21390501 ■Brand: HARRY WINSTON ■Name: Emerald Cut Classic Ring ■Material: 1P emerald cut
Diamond, Platinum
$62,800Sale Price|20% Off
Harry Winston 4.20 Carat Platinum Diamond Earrings
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
Platinum 950 and weighing over 8 grams, the ring is set with: • round brilliant-cut diamonds • pear-shaped
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Colombian Pear-Cut Emerald & Diamond Cluster 18k Gold Ring, GIA Certified
Located in New York, NY
This ring showcases a Colombian pear-cut emerald weighing 3.50 ct set in 18k gold, clarity enhanced
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
$34,700
H 5.5 in W 8 in L 4.5 in
Alexandre Reza, Rare Obsidian, Silver-Gilt, and Rock Crystal Circus Panther
Located in Long Island City, NY
Boucheron, Bulgari, Cartier, Chaumet, Harry Winston, Louis Gérard, and Van Cleef & Arpels. After more than
Rock Crystal, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Silver
Keith Davis Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Keith Davis
Located in Sarasota, FL
Hand Fabricated 18k Ring by Keith Davis for Thayer Jewelers. Containing one emerald cut natural
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Harry Winston Style Lab Grown Emerald Diamond Cut CZ Oval Cluster Cocktail Ring
By Magnificent Costume Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Harry Winston Style Lab Grown Diamond Cut Cubic Zirconia and 25 carat Lab Grown Emerald Costume
Emerald, Sterling Silver
Harry Winston GIA 5.53 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Harry Winston GIA 5.53 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring. Featuring one GIA emerald cut
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 6.77 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Miami, FL
Harry Winston Platinum Diamond Ring Featuring a GIA Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Weighing 6.77ct E
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 4.01 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A classic Harry Winston engagement ring style showcasing a 4.01 carat emerald cut diamond certified
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 7.74 Carat Internally Flawless Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Greenwich, CT
This extraordinary emerald cut vintage Harry Winston diamond engagement ring is internally flawless
White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 6.36 Carat E VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring GIA
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A lovely diamond engagement ring by American diamantaire Harry Winston. This ring features a 6.36
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Platinum Ring 4.03 Carat Emerald Cut E/VS1 GIA
By Harry Winston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
quality diamond! The ring is made of platinum and features a superb 4.03-carat emerald cut diamond flanked
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 5.65 Carat GIA Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A stunning ring by preeminent American diamantaire Harry Winston featuring a 5.65 carat emerald-cut
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Emerald and Diamond Floral Cluster Platinum Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in London, GB
Harry Winston Emerald and Diamond Floral Cluster Platinum Engagement Ring Circa 1980 This stylish
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Harry Winston 6.36 Carat E VS1 GIA Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A one-of-a-kind diamond ring signed by pre-eminent American diamantaire Harry Winston. This ring
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston GIA Certified 4.63 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum 950
By Harry Winston
Located in Lucerne, CH
Stunning Harry Winston ring in platinum 950. Set with a 4.63 carat emerald cut diamond, with D
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Golconda 5.56 Carat Emeral-Cut Diamond Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New Orleans, LA
This classic Harry Winston ring is set with an exceptional 5.56-carat emerald-cut diamond that
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 7.45 Carat GIA Certified F VS1 Emerald Cut Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
This Harry Winston classic is a ring you can't go wrong with. It has a GIA certified 7.45 F VS1
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston GIA Certified 12.14 Ct D IF Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring from the house of Harry Winston features a 12.14 carat Emerald cut diamond of D
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Classy and timeless, stunning diamond eternity band created by Harry Winston. Made of platinum
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston GIA Certified 16.67 Carat GIA I VVS1 Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate unparalleled luxury with this Harry Winston GIA Certified 16.67 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Ring 13.24 Carats
By Harry Winston
Located in New Orleans, LA
This spectacular vintage Harry Winston ring is set with an absolutely extraordinary 13.24-carat
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Golconda Diamond Ring, 5.56 Carats
By Harry Winston
Located in New Orleans, LA
This classic Harry Winston ring is set with an exceptional 5.56-carat emerald-cut diamond that
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Colombian Emerald (Gubelin Cert) Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Timeless and classy three-stone ring created by Harry Winston in 1968. Features a 3.58-ct Colombian
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Harry Winston Magnificent 22.91 ct GIA Cert. D Color Flawless emerald cut ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
An important ring by the American jeweler, Harry Winston, centering on a 22.91 carat D Internally
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Platinum 3.65ct Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Southampton, PA
4mm thick and weighs 6.3 grams.This Harry Winston Platinum 3.65 ct Diamond Eternity Ring is offered in
Diamond, Platinum
HARRY WINSTON Platinum 9-10cts Emerald Cut Diamond Band Sz 6.5
By Harry Winston
Located in New York City, NY
Magnificent platinum and diamond band by Harry Winston. This stunning ring features approx 9-10
Platinum
Harry Winston GIA D color Certified 3.16 Carat Emerald Cut Three-Stone Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
This breathtaking classic from the house of Harry Winston features a GIA certified 3.16 ct Emerald
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning diamond & platinum eternity band created by a renowned jeweler Harry Winston. Features
White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Platinum Eternity Band
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Harry Winston. The ring is designed as continuously set 17 emerald cut diamonds weighing 6.93 carats of
Diamond, Platinum
Stunning 12.01 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring by Harry Winston
By Harry Winston
Located in Dallas, TX
Platinum and diamond stunner by Harry Winston. The center is accompanied by GIA report stating it
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston GIA Graded 5.11 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Miami, FL
being a 12 carat emerald cut diamond. For over 70 years Harry Winston has been regarded the jeweler for
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 10.36 Carat Diamond Eternity Band Platinum Ring Wedding Band
By Harry Winston
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Emerald-Cut Diamond Wedding Band features a full circle of emerald-cut diamonds set in a shared
Diamond, Platinum
Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring by Harry Winston, 7.72 Carat
By Harry Winston
Located in New Orleans, LA
This spectacular Harry Winston ring is set with an absolutely extraordinary 7.72-carat fancy vivid
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Platinum 3.61ctw Sapphire Diamond Channel Eternity Band Ring S 9.5
By Harry Winston
Located in Montclair, NJ
This is a truly magnificent Harry Winston eternity band ring that is crafted in solid platinum and
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 3 Cts D IF Winston Vintage Diamond Ring, Elongated with 1.78 Ratio
By Harry Winston
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Harry Winston. The "WINSTON" hallmark can be clearly seen in the 3rd photo. The center diamond is
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Estate G Color Emerald Cut Diamond Ring with GIA and Paperwork
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Estate Harry Winston ring featuring a 5.01 ct. G color VS1 clarity white diamond emerald cut
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 4.01 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring GIA
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A stunning ring by America's foremost jeweler, Harry Winston. This ring features a 4.01 carat
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 1.11 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
A classic and timeless engagement ring style from world-renowned jeweler, Harry Winston. Showcasing
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 1.38 Carat Diamond Emerald Cut E/VS1 Gold Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic diamond engagement ring by the King of Diamonds, Harry Winston. It mains a beautifully
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Harry Winston Diamond Band
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Elegant & Timeless diamond eternity band by Harry Winston. This band has 16 emerald cut diamonds
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Eternity Band
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Elegant & Timeless diamond eternity band by Harry Winston. This band has 16 emerald cut diamonds
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Platinum Eternity Wedding Band
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
This stunning platinum eternity wedding band by Harry Winston is set with sparkling emerald cut
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston GIA Certified Sunflower Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Miami, FL
carat emerald cut diamond. For over 70 years Harry Winston has been regarded as “the jeweler to the
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Platinum Bar-Set Diamond Eternity Band
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
brilliant and emerald-cut diamonds (E-F, VS) weighing an estimated 1.65 carats total weight. Signed HW
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Color Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
By Keith Davis
Located in Sarasota, FL
Hand Fabricated Platinum Ring by Keith Davis for Thayer Jewelers. Containing one square emerald cut
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
13.24 CT Harry Winston Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum vintage ring consisting of 1 square emerald cut diamond weighing 13.24 carats having a
Diamond, Platinum
HARRY WINSTON Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Greenwich, CT
Emerald-cut diamond engagement ring in platinum with tapered baguette-cut diamond side stones
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Naples, FL
This Harry Winston Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Eternity Band holds 18 G - VS1 diamonds with a
Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Emerald-Cut Diamond Eternity Band 8.11 Carat
By Harry Winston
Located in Greenwich, CT
Emerald-cut diamond eternity band ring, showcasing fine colorless diamonds weighing 8.11 total
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston 24.19 Carat Emerald Cut J color VS2 GIA Certified Platinum Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Harry Winston GIA Certified 24.19 carat J color, VS2 Clarity Emerald Cut Ring set in Platinum with
Diamond, Platinum
Oscar de la Renta 2007 Runway Look Brown Ruffle Trim Sun Dress
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oscar de la Renta brown pencil dress with raw edged ruffle trim. Grosgrain trim circles the bodice. Boned at bodice for shape. Back zip and hook and eye. Seen in another color in L...
$885Sale Price|31% Off
Todd Oldham Black Accented with Double-Chain Rhinestone Evening Dress
By Todd Oldham
Located in New York, NY
Todd Oldham for the famed Fred Hayman of Beverly Hills, wonderfully detailed elegant yet whimsical evening double-chain rhinestone encrusted slightly flared black evening dres...
Sold|$995
Size: Best fits S, see measurements
1970s Louis Feraud Couture Tan Lace Floral Embroidered Dress
By Louis Feraud
Located in San Francisco, CA
Louis Feraud 1970s haute couture light brown lace dress in a 1920s style drop waist silhouette. Amazing embroidered lace and hand finished seam allowances. Small buttons conceal a ba...
1990s Giorgio Armani Size 6 / 8 Vintage Crimson Red Merlot 90s Silk Velvet Gown
By Giorgio Armani
Located in San Diego, CA
Insanely beautiful 1990s GIORGIO ARMANI COLLEZIONI crimson red silk velvet full length evening dress! Couture quality, with an amazing fit! Hidden interior weight on inner bust creat...
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 10
1990s Bob Mackie Size 10 Black Crepe Sexy 90s Vintage High Slit Evening Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet sophisticated 1990s BOB MACKIE black crepe bodycon evening dress! Features an elegant sweetheart neckline, with satin trim. Figure flattering silhouette that hugs the body ...
Yves Saint Laurent Tom Ford Black White Plunging Cleavage Cut Out Gown Dress
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy and highly collectible museum quality vintage YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL by TOM FORD black and white plunging runway cut-out gown ! Features a soft crepe blend fabric that hugs the ...
$175Sale Price|30% Off
Size: French 36 (Best Fits US 2-4)
Thierry Mugler Silk Animal Leopard Print Top, C.1990
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Atlanta, GA
Purrrr-fection! This Thierry Mugler C.1990 silk top is loaded with feline details beyond the animal print. It snaps at the back with an hourglass silhouette which nips at the waist...
Hippy Style Gold Brocade Robe Kimono Coat
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Unique hand made one- off a kind vintage colorful robe manteau. We offer more excluisive items, view our frontstore Embroidered with sequins and vintage Indian pieces gold brocade...
1960's Nina Ricci Black Couture Dress with Mink Trim
By Nina Ricci
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Elegant couture made late 1960's black silk cocktail dress with fitted corset bustier and dark brown mink fur trimmed bodice. The full skirt adds a touch of volume to the dress. Hand...
NWT 1990s Thomas Steinbruck Size 12 Black Gray Ombre Silk Vintage 90s Gown Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning brand new with original Bergdorf Goodman store tags still attached 1990s THOMAS STEINBRUCK black and grey silk evening gown! This rare find is so flattering on. Deep plungin...
1990s Geoffrey Beene Grey Silk Gown
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant Vintage Geoffrey Beene charcoal grey maxi silk gown. Matching coat sold separately. see listing from our store. Bust : 36. /hip: 36 Fit US Size : 4-6
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Iconic S/S 2000 Plunging Jungle Dress
By Gianni Versace Couture
Located in Rubiera, RE
GIANNI VERSACE COUTURE Silk jersey jungle dress Spring Summer 2000 Collection 100% silk Made in Italy Measures: Length cm. 100 Shoulders cm. 42 Bust cm. 48 Waist cm. 38 Sleeve cm. 64...
$746Sale Price|25% Off
Size: Petite Small - Medium
1990s Janine of London Lillie Rubin Silver Grey Metallic Crushed Velvet Dress
By Lillie Rubin, Janine of London
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 90s JANINE OF LONDON for LILLIE RUBIN silver gray crushed velvet metallic bodycon dress! Features the softest crushed velvet that stretches to fit. Has what first appears to be ...
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009 Runway One Shoulder Silk Toga Dress $3, 200 BNWT
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing brand new with tags Oscar de la Renta silk one shoulder dress! Detailed for $3,200! Featured in the Resort 2009 Oscar Runway Collection (see pictures). One shoulder can be wo...
1990s Loris Azzaro Brown Sequin Strapless Cocktail Dress
By Loris Azzaro
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1990s Loris Azzaro brown sequin metallic strapless cocktail party dress. fit size 4
Dolce & Gabbana Black & Cream Lingerie Inspired Evening Gown Spring 2006 Sz 40IT
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Dolce & Gabbana Black & Cream Lingerie Inspired Evening Gown. Spring/Summer 2006 Size 40IT
Among the famed gemstones that Harry Winston (1896–1978) encountered over the course of his career was the Hope diamond, which he donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958. Today, Winston is regarded as the “King of Diamonds” and the “Jeweler to the Stars” as one of the first to recognize the branding power of lending glitzy earrings, necklaces and other fine jewelry for red-carpet events.
Winston’s father had immigrated to New York from Ukraine and ran a small jewelry shop where a young Harry learned about precious stones, enough, the story goes, to identify a real emerald in a heap of pawnshop jewelry at the age of 12. His early success involved turning that eye to estate sale collections that he transformed by freeing gemstones from dated ornamentation, giving them new cuts and modern settings. He opened Harry Winston Inc. in 1932, where he influenced 20th-century-jewelry trends by always elevating the stones rather than adding the lavish decorations that had pervaded jewelry in the 19th century.
The first of the celebrated diamonds to be purchased by Winston was the 726-carat uncut Jonker, acquired in 1935. Many others followed, including the 726.60-carat Vargas from Brazil which, in 1938, he tracked down across multiple continents after he read a brief newspaper notice about its discovery. The rarity and beauty of the gemstones he pursued and presented in his boutiques made the Winston brand synonymous with excellence.
Winston was also a pioneer of marketing as the first jeweler to dress an Academy Awards nominee when he loaned some diamond jewelry to Jennifer Jones for the 1944 Oscar ceremony. Winston was renowned for his eye for the finest of gemstones and the ability to design pieces in order to best flaunt their natural dazzle. He regularly showed off his collection in touring exhibitions, such as the 1949 “Court of Jewels,” which featured the Hope diamond. His storied past and long legacy is continued by the House of Harry Winston and its salons in Japan, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
On 1stDibs, find a stunning collection of Harry Winston jewelry that includes bracelets, wedding rings, engagement rings and other accessories.
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.