Late Medieval Iconographic Ring, circa 15th Century
Located in London, GB
Iconographic rings often feature images of saints with inscriptions relating to new year or a good friend, and appear to have been souvenirs of pilgrimages.
Gold
Medieval Iconographic Ring, circa 13th-15th Century
Located in London, GB
Medieval iconographic ring. The central heart shaped bezel engraved with 'IHS' (a Christogram abbreviating Jesus Christ), with smoothly integrated trumpeting shoulders tapering to re...
18k Gold
Medieval Iconographic Ring with the Holy Trinity, English, circa 15th Century
Located in London, GB
Medieval iconographic ring with the holy trinity. A yellow gold ring with an oval bezel finely engraved with a religious scene featuring the holy trinity with a crucified Jesus in th...
Yellow Gold
Late Medieval Iconographic Ring Depicting the Holy Trinity, circa 1470-1480
Located in London, GB
Late Medieval iconographic ring depicting the Holy Trinity. A yellow gold ring featuring a central rectangular plaque, finely engraved with the figure of Christ on the cross, underne...
Yellow Gold
Medieval 15th Century Iconographic Gold Saint Christopher Ring
Located in London, GB
Medieval iconographic ring with Saint Christopher. A yellow gold ring, with rectangular bezel finely engraved with a representation of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ child on ...
Yellow Gold
Medieval gilt iconographic saints ring, circa 15th century.
Located in London, GB
Medieval gilt iconographic saints ring. The central plaque with grooved panels, engraved vertically with two standing saints, flanked by shoulders with raised twisting channels, engr...
Rock Crystal Roman Intaglio Ring of Jupiter 2nd-3rd Century A.D.
Located in Firenze, IT
The choice of rock crystal is distinctive: the Romans attributed this stone to Jupiter because it was believed to possess protective properties, and the iconographic choice for this ...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable
Antique Gold Iconographic Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Such rings made of gold, silver, or silver-gilt were popular in England and Scotland, and described as “iconographic” by Victorian ring collectors.
Gold
Gold Antique Ring from the Middle Ages Depicting Saint Christopher and Christ
Located in Chicago, IL
Although we have identified more than 250 extant iconographic rings, they are now relatively rare on the market.
Gold
Unavailable
Antique Silver Twisted Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The twisting, fluted band is typical of medieval iconographic rings fabricated in England made in both silver and gold.
Silver
Gold Iconographic Ring England c1470
Located in Firenze, IT
The top with two horizontal oblong panels divided by a rib, each engraved with an iconic figure, one Saint Catherine of Alexandria, wearing a crown and with part of a wheel visible b...
22k Gold
Important Jewish Marriage Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Characteristic of Jewish marriage-rings is the iconographic feature of an architectural bezel, at times with a complete house on it that symbolises the bride and groom's future home ...
18k Gold
Medieval iconographic ring
Located in New York, NY
While iconographic rings were popular in the fifteenth century, rings with so many saints depicted in such detail, like the one here, are rarer.
Devotional Iconographic Ring
Located in New York, NY
.; US size 8 ¾; UK size R Iconographic rings, displaying one or more Christian figures engraved on the bezel, are found primarily in England.
Devotional Iconographic Ring
Located in New York, NY
.; US size 8 1/4; UK size Q Iconographic rings, displaying one or more Christian figures engraved on the bezel, are found in England only.
Devotional Iconographic Ring
Located in New York, NY
From a large group of rings that are called in the literature “iconographic”, this ring is an especially fine example.
Sold
Renaissance Band
Located in New York, NY
.; US size 7 ¼; UK size O These decorated spiral bands derive from forms already in use in the 15th century and found on many iconographic rings. The present form, however, is mor...
$2,400Sale Price|50% Off
Tourmaline & Natural Pearl Ring, Georgian
Located in Northampton, MA
A bright pink tourmaline weighing .60 carats is surrounded by 10 luminous natural saltwater pearls in this antique buttery 18K yellow gold ring. This gorgeous jewel dates from around...
Natural Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Georgian 18k Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1790s
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and foliate decoration, closed back settings throughout, with engraved bright-cut decoratio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Silver, Yellow Gold
Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Necklace
Located in London, GB
A Victorian natural pearl and diamond necklace, the twelve graduated cluster motifs each centred with natural bouton pearls measuring from 5.6 mm to 9 mm, within a surround of old br...
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
CHANEL black leather 2022 22C DUBAI BEECHWOOD VANITY Shoulder Bag
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Chanel Small Vanity bag in beige beechwood with black leather trims and antique gold-tone hardware. Rare limited edition. Opens with a logo clasp closure and is lined ...
Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots Schiaparelli
By Schiaparelli
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Robe and night-gown in pink nylon and tulle with gold Polka dots. The Robe is draped on the shoulders and close with gold metal buttons. The dress is draped on the bust with tulle sh...
Emilio Jewelry AGL Certified Untreated No Oil Emerald Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
AGL certified 16.88 carat no oil untreated Colombian Emerald center.
Emerald
Antique French Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Convertible Snake Bracelet Necklace 1860
Located in Chicago, IL
France, circa 1860. Length is approximately 17 in. (43 cm) Weight – 121 grams. This exceptional quality Victorian era articulated snake bracelet / necklace is formed of sections, eac...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold
Georgian Boxed Woven Pearl Starburst Tiara, Circa 1780
Located in Altrincham, GB
A spectacular Georgian tiara, gorgeously crafted and fitted in a royal blue velvet box. Its composed of countless natural and seed pearls, I can't imagine you could count them all- a...
Pearl, Base Metal
“Byzantine Gold Coin Pendant, Circa 1221-1254, High Karat Gold”
Located in Cairo, EG
Byzantine era high karat gold coin that can be used as pendant dates back to 1221-1254 ruler john 111 doukas vatatzes and virgin nimbate emperor and other coin side christ seated upo...
Late Victorian Opal and Diamond Tiara
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian opal and diamond tiara/necklace, consisting of seven knife-edge gold bars graduating from the centre, each set with two round cabochon-cut opals and an old-cut diamo...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Amethyst, Pearl, and Diamond Cross Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Antique Amethyst, Pearl, and Diamond Cross Pendant. This cross pendant has round amethysts, pearls, and 26 old-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.75 carats all set in silver and ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Parker Gold Ruby Rollerball Fountain Pen Lighter Set
Located in New York, NY
18k gold two pens (one rollerball and one fountain) and a lighter set by Parker, in original fitter box. Pens are 130mm long each, lighter measures 55mm x 32mm x 9mm. Pens decorated ...
Ruby, Gold
1981 Madame Gres Haute Couture Silk Taffeta Skirt & Blouse Ensemble w/Shoes
By Madame Gres
Located in Studio City, CA
A 1981 Madame Gres haute couture dark scarlet silk taffeta skirt and blouse ensemble with matching high-heeled shoes size 6 1/2. Features the iconic Mme Gres gathered/balloon sleeve,...
Victorian Pink Topaz and Diamond Cluster Ring, English, Circa 1840
Located in London, GB
Victorian pink topaz and diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced pink topaz in an open back cut down setting with an approximate weight of...
Diamond, Topaz, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Sights Beautiful example of Victorian period Essex Crystal reverse intaglio ring depicting birds into natural scene like a window on Eden garden, beautiful carving highly detail...
Crystal, 18k Gold
Thierry Mugler Couture Dramatic Silk Corset Top Bodice Bustier
By Thierry Mugler Couture
Located in Berlin, BE
Breathtaking Thierry Mugler Couture 02/03 Silk Corset. A vision of bold sensuality and architectural elegance. This is piece is unworn and comes with the original tag from FW 2002/20...
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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