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Antique 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Antique 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Antique 9 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This signet ring has initials which we believe read E.M.J.

Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Signet Rings

Materials

Gold

Antique Onyx mourning ring, Initial E, 9k yellow gold
Antique Onyx mourning ring, Initial E, 9k yellow gold

Antique Onyx mourning ring, Initial E, 9k yellow gold

Located in NEWARK, GB

A sweet antique, late Victorian era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied gold letter E, set on a rich black onyx panel. The ring has a slender smooth polished 9kt...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1900s Yellow Gold Signet Locket Ring with Enamel
Antique 1900s Yellow Gold Signet Locket Ring with Enamel

Antique 1900s Yellow Gold Signet Locket Ring with Enamel

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The rounded edged, square shaped anterior face of this antique signet ring is embellished with the engraved initials 'RW'.

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Initial Diamond Ring, Letter D Ring, White and Yellow Gold, Diva Ring, Diamond D
Initial Diamond Ring, Letter D Ring, White and Yellow Gold, Diva Ring, Diamond D

Initial Diamond Ring, Letter D Ring, White and Yellow Gold, Diva Ring, Diamond D

By Five Star Jewelry

Located in Austin, TX

This gold signet ring has a diamond pave "D" initial that is in a script font.

Category

2010s American Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Antique Mourning Ring, 9k Rose Gold, Onyx, Initial J, Edwardian
Antique Mourning Ring, 9k Rose Gold, Onyx, Initial J, Edwardian

Antique Mourning Ring, 9k Rose Gold, Onyx, Initial J, Edwardian

Located in NEWARK, GB

A gorgeous antique, Edwardian era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied Rose gold letter J, set on a rich black onyx panel. The ring has decorative split shoulders...

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial J, Onyx and 9kt Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial J, Onyx and 9kt Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial J, Onyx and 9kt Rose Gold

Located in NEWARK, GB

A gorgeous antique, late Victorian era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied gold letter J, set on a rich black onyx panel. The ring has decorative engraved should...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial NS, Onyx and 9 Karat Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial NS, Onyx and 9 Karat Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial NS, Onyx and 9 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in NEWARK, GB

A gorgeous antique, late Victorian era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied gold monogram of the initials NS, set on a rich black onyx panel with cut corners. The...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial M, Onyx and 9 Karat Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial M, Onyx and 9 Karat Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial M, Onyx and 9 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in NEWARK, GB

A pretty antique, late Victorian era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied gold letter M, lightly engraved and set on a rich black onyx panel. The ring has decorat...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial C, 9 Karat Rose Gold and Black Enamel
Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial C, 9 Karat Rose Gold and Black Enamel

Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial C, 9 Karat Rose Gold and Black Enamel

Located in NEWARK, GB

A pretty antique, late Victorian era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied rose gold letter C, lightly engraved and set on a rich black enamelled panel front. The ...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Late Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Rose Gold, Enamel

Antique 16k Yellow Gold and Enamel "L" Initial Ring with Rose Cut Diamond Halo
Antique 16k Yellow Gold and Enamel "L" Initial Ring with Rose Cut Diamond Halo

Antique 16k Yellow Gold and Enamel "L" Initial Ring with Rose Cut Diamond Halo

Located in New York, NY

C. Late 19th Century This Victorian signet ring is crafted in 16K gold. It features a central blue enamel oval adorned with a gold monogram and crown motif, surrounded by a halo of ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, 18k Gold, Hairwork, Initial M Signet
Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, 18k Gold, Hairwork, Initial M Signet

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, 18k Gold, Hairwork, Initial M Signet

Located in NEWARK, GB

A handsome antique Victorian mourning ring. Rich 18kt yellow gold with a central shield shaped cartouche with the letter M engraved in fancy script. The gold band has finely woven ...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Onyx Vintage Initial N Men's Signet Ring, 10k Monogram Letter
Yellow Gold Onyx Vintage Initial N Men's Signet Ring, 10k Monogram Letter

Yellow Gold Onyx Vintage Initial N Men's Signet Ring, 10k Monogram Letter

By Wilson Brothers Jewelry

Located in Greensboro, NC

Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information: Genuine Onyx Color: Black Size: 15.4mm X 11.4mm Style: Soli...

Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Onyx, Yellow Gold

David Yurman DYE Initial 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pinky Signet Cocktail Ring
David Yurman DYE Initial 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pinky Signet Cocktail Ring

David Yurman DYE Initial 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Pinky Signet Cocktail Ring

By David Yurman

Located in Houston, TX

Brand: David Yurman Gender: Ladies  Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 3 Width: 9.80 mm Weight: 5.76 grams Lady's 18K yellow gold diamond cocktail, pinky, signet ring with ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Letter L Diamond Signet Ring Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Initial Estate Jewelry
Letter L Diamond Signet Ring Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Initial Estate Jewelry

Letter L Diamond Signet Ring Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Initial Estate Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage letter L initial diamond signet ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Initial Signet Ring
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Initial Signet Ring

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Initial Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This signet ring is modelled in 9ct gold and has the initials L.M or M.L engraved on the front.

Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Initial Signet Ring
Vintage 9 Carat Gold Initial Signet Ring

Vintage 9 Carat Gold Initial Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

The glossy gold band is modelled in 9ct gold and has the initials L.M.G engraved into the front. Ring Size: Q or 8 Band Width: 6.5mm Weight: 2.53grams

Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

9k Gold

Midcentury 18 Karat Gold Diamond Initial J and S Letter Signet Ring
Midcentury 18 Karat Gold Diamond Initial J and S Letter Signet Ring

Midcentury 18 Karat Gold Diamond Initial J and S Letter Signet Ring

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

This is an exceptional massive initial signet ring crafted in 18K slightly yellow gold.

Category

Mid-20th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Gent's Art Deco Solid Gold Initial B Signet Ring
Gent's Art Deco Solid Gold Initial B Signet Ring

Gent's Art Deco Solid Gold Initial B Signet Ring

Located in Long Beach, CA

Gents Vintage 10Kt Solid Yellow Gold Art Deco Signet Ring with an Initial B and tiny Diamond accent set into a black Onyx background.

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 10k Gold

French MG Initials 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
French MG Initials 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring

French MG Initials 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring

Located in Poitiers, FR

Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. The plate of this ring is oval and is engraved with the initials "MG". Height : 14,6 mm, width : 13 mm, thickness : 2,5 mm approxim...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Mourning Ring, Initial J, Onyx and 9k Yellow Gold, Signet Ring
Antique Mourning Ring, Initial J, Onyx and 9k Yellow Gold, Signet Ring

Antique Mourning Ring, Initial J, Onyx and 9k Yellow Gold, Signet Ring

Located in NEWARK, GB

A gorgeous antique, Art Deco era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied gold letter J, set on a rich black onyx panel. The ring has decorative stepped shoulders and...

Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Mourning signet ring, initial DD, black enamel and 9k gold
Antique Mourning signet ring, initial DD, black enamel and 9k gold

Antique Mourning signet ring, initial DD, black enamel and 9k gold

Located in NEWARK, GB

A gorgeous antique, late Victorian era mourning ring. This is an initial style signet ring with an applied gold monogram of the initials DD, set on a rich black enamel panel and set...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian Signet Ring 10 Karat Yellow Gold East West Initials Vintage
Antique Victorian Signet Ring 10 Karat Yellow Gold East West Initials Vintage

Antique Victorian Signet Ring 10 Karat Yellow Gold East West Initials Vintage

Located in Torrance, CA

Lovely antique Victorian signet ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 10 karat yellow gold.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Letter D Initial Ring 10k Yellow Gold Signet Fine Cursive Jewelry
Vintage Letter D Initial Ring 10k Yellow Gold Signet Fine Cursive Jewelry

Vintage Letter D Initial Ring 10k Yellow Gold Signet Fine Cursive Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage letter D initial diamond signet ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 10 karat yellow gold.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Letter J Ring 24k Yellow Gold Signet Band Initial Men's Jewelry
Vintage Letter J Ring 24k Yellow Gold Signet Band Initial Men's Jewelry

Vintage Letter J Ring 24k Yellow Gold Signet Band Initial Men's Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage letter "J" signet ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 24 karat yellow gold. The letter "J" is set into an oval mount, with an elaborate decorative pattern to the side sho...

Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Square Signet Ring Letter B 10k Gold Pinky Band Initials
Antique Victorian Square Signet Ring Letter B 10k Gold Pinky Band Initials

Antique Victorian Square Signet Ring Letter B 10k Gold Pinky Band Initials

Located in Torrance, CA

Lovely antique Victorian signet ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 10 karat yellow gold. The center mount is engraved with the letter "B" The side shoulders feature a decora...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

10k Gold, Yellow Gold

NOS Retro Large Initial Onyx Signet Ring "K" White Gold Original 1940-1950
NOS Retro Large Initial Onyx Signet Ring "K" White Gold Original 1940-1950

NOS Retro Large Initial Onyx Signet Ring "K" White Gold Original 1940-1950

Located in Dearborn, MI

Genuine Original Antique from 1940-1950 Onyx 10K White Gold Signet Ring "K" Never Worn, Never Sold. Purchased from Retired Jewelers Grandson. Extremely Rare Pieces Referred to ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14KY Diamond Initial ‘S’ Ring
Vintage 14KY Diamond Initial ‘S’ Ring

Vintage 14KY Diamond Initial ‘S’ Ring

Located in Boston, MA

Vintage 14KY Diamond Initial ‘S’ Ring - The ring contains 19 round brilliant diamonds weighing approximately .55ct total weight. The diamonds are H - I color and SI clarity. The 'S' ...

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Antique 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Antique 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This signet ring has initials engraved into the face but are worn so hard to make out.

Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Gold

Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Art Deco 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

This 18 carat gold signet ring has initials on the front which read 'RM' or 'MR'.

Category

Vintage 1920s British Signet Rings

Materials

Gold

Antique Cast Iron Gents Ring Initial E
Antique Cast Iron Gents Ring Initial E

Antique Cast Iron Gents Ring Initial E

Located in Munich, Bavaria

This unusual iron gents ring was cast in the second third of the 19th century.

Category

Antique 1850s Signet Rings

Materials

Steel

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Initial "N" Ring
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Initial "N" Ring

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Initial "N" Ring

By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

14k yellow gold diamond initial "N" ring, with 19 round full cut diamonds of very fine quality weighing .40pts. ring size is 4 and can be sized to fit for free. The N is 1/2 inch. *...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Art Deco Mourning Ring, S Initial, 9k Yellow Gold and Onyx
Art Deco Mourning Ring, S Initial, 9k Yellow Gold and Onyx

Art Deco Mourning Ring, S Initial, 9k Yellow Gold and Onyx

Located in NEWARK, GB

A grand antique, Art Deco era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied gold letter S in fancy script, set on a rich black onyx panel. The ring has decorative fanned, ...

Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial D, Onyx and Diamond, 9k Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial D, Onyx and Diamond, 9k Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, Initial D, Onyx and Diamond, 9k Yellow Gold

Located in NEWARK, GB

A gorgeous antique, late Victorian era mourning ring. This is an initial ring with an applied silver letter D, lightly engraved in gothic script and set with Diamond chips, set on a...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Personalise Initials 18K Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Unisex Signet Ring
Personalise Initials 18K Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Unisex Signet Ring

Personalise Initials 18K Yellow Gold Sterling Silver Unisex Signet Ring

By Rossella Ugolini

Located in Rome, IT

Rossella Ugolini Signet Ring Collection Modern Signet Ring. Handcrafted Initials made of 18K Yellow Gold crafted on Bold Silver Sterling Signet Ring.

Category

2010s Italian Modern Dome Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver

Letter Q Signet Ring Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Square Men's Initial Jewelry
Letter Q Signet Ring Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Square Men's Initial Jewelry

Letter Q Signet Ring Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Square Men's Initial Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Stylish vintage letter Q initial diamond signet ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 9ct gold ‘R’ Initial Onyx Signet Ring Circa 1900
Edwardian 9ct gold ‘R’ Initial Onyx Signet Ring Circa 1900

Edwardian 9ct gold ‘R’ Initial Onyx Signet Ring Circa 1900

Located in Lancashire, Oldham

A statement Edwardian 9ct gold onyx ring dating from the early 20th century with an ornate 'R' initial in blackletter typeface to the centre. Set in a rectangular head the large (pos...

Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 9k Gold

Vintage Gold Signet Ring, Initialled Engraved Seal, 18 Carat, Birmingham 1935
Vintage Gold Signet Ring, Initialled Engraved Seal, 18 Carat, Birmingham 1935

Vintage Gold Signet Ring, Initialled Engraved Seal, 18 Carat, Birmingham 1935

By Payton, Pepper & Sons Ltd

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Wonderful quality vintage gold signet ring. The top is an overall square shape, measuring approx. 0.32" square, with cut corner and has the seal engraved with the initials "JKS".

Category

Vintage 1930s British George V Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Platinum Old Cut Ruby and Diamond K Initial Signet Panel Ring
Antique Platinum Old Cut Ruby and Diamond K Initial Signet Panel Ring

Antique Platinum Old Cut Ruby and Diamond K Initial Signet Panel Ring

Located in St Helens, GB

A stunning Art Deco period signet or panel ring. Solid platinum shank and head.

Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Chinese 22 Carat Gold Red Enamel Heart Shaped Signet Ring with O Initial
Chinese 22 Carat Gold Red Enamel Heart Shaped Signet Ring with O Initial

Chinese 22 Carat Gold Red Enamel Heart Shaped Signet Ring with O Initial

Located in St Helens, GB

Designed with a heart shape signet, 11mm x 9mm with bright white and red enamelling with initial O.

Category

20th Century Chinese Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

22k Gold

Vintage Gold and Onyx Big T Initial Ring, Circa 1963
Vintage Gold and Onyx Big T Initial Ring, Circa 1963

Vintage Gold and Onyx Big T Initial Ring, Circa 1963

Located in Lancashire, Oldham

A large and impressive 9ct yellow gold rectangular vintage onyx initial 'T' ring with traditional scalloped shoulder detail. This style of ring can be traced back to the Victorian er...

Category

Vintage 1960s British Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 9k Gold

Victorian Style Cameo Pendant with Initial A in 9 Carat Gold from Iosselliani
Victorian Style Cameo Pendant with Initial A in 9 Carat Gold from Iosselliani

Victorian Style Cameo Pendant with Initial A in 9 Carat Gold from Iosselliani

By IOSSELLIANI

Located in Rome, IT

Unique and unisex, the cameo pendant from IOSSELLIANI is designed to blend Victorian Age style and contemporary aesthetics into a harmonious balance between elegance and extra impact...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Other, 9k Gold

Initial Signet Ring in Silver with Black Diamond Pavé from IOSSELLIANI
Initial Signet Ring in Silver with Black Diamond Pavé from IOSSELLIANI

Initial Signet Ring in Silver with Black Diamond Pavé from IOSSELLIANI

By IOSSELLIANI

Located in Rome, IT

From a gift of love, here comes the signet ring carrying your own name’s initials, as the Roman aristocracy used.

Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Silver

Signet Ring with Initial with Black Diamond Pavé from Iosselliani
Signet Ring with Initial with Black Diamond Pavé from Iosselliani

Signet Ring with Initial with Black Diamond Pavé from Iosselliani

By IOSSELLIANI

Located in Rome, IT

From a gift of love, here comes the signet ring carrying your own name’s initials, as the Roman aristocracy used.

Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Signet Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, Silver

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Initial Signet Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of initial signet rings available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, Yellow Gold and 14k Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Find a collection of 21 vintage versions or 6 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our collection, which features older pieces for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century, has proven very popular over the years. There are many different pieces in our collection of initial signet rings to choose from, but Modern and Victorian initial signet rings are of considerable interest. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Five Star Jewelry, Natkina and Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc. produced popular versions that are worth a look. Any of these pieces can lend versatility to your look, but Diamond versions, from our inventory of 8, are particularly popular. A selection of round cut, old european cut and square cut can be found today on these pages. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of initial signet rings, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Initial Signet Rings?

Prices for initial signet rings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $340 and can go as high as $4,728, while initial signet rings, on average, fetch $825.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

Finding the Right Signet-rings for You

Traditionally considered a ring for men, a vintage signet ring is a popular gift today for anyone who desires an expressive, timeless piece of jewelry that can feature all manner of engraved motifs, gemstones, specific symbols or monograms.

Whether it's an antique gold signet ring, diamond signet ring or some other classic iteration, signet rings get their name from signus, which means “sign” in Latin.

These rings, which may historically be referred to as “seal rings,” date back thousands of years and were used as a form of signature. Whatever may have been engraved on the ring — a married couple’s initials, a family crest — identified ownership for the purposes of authenticating documents and more when impressed on soft wax. During the Middle Ages, signet rings were symbols of power and prestige and common accessories for nobility. Later, during the 19th century, precious and semiprecious stones such as rubies and diamonds were added to gold signet rings as they took on a more ornate appearance than they had previously. 

In recent years, fashion has been primarily about individuality, and nothing is more personal than a jewel bearing a name or monogram. That is the reason jewelers have revived traditional signet rings, custom-engraving their designs with customers’ preferred words or symbols. Those who prefer the thrill of the hunt have a range of vintage letter charms and pendants to sift through.

And it isn't all about men's signet rings anymore, either — the accessory is for everyone. Princess Diana wore a signet ring that was a gift from Charles before their wedding, and we all know that the royals are top-tier fashion influencers, especially when it comes to rings.

Find vintage diamond signet rings, onyx signet rings and other types of rings on 1stDibs.

Questions About Initial Signet Rings
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Some signet rings feature stones and others do not. A signet ring is designed to signify that the wearer belongs to a particular group or simply to identify the individual. These rings have been worn for thousands of years and were a sign of status and importance. Shop a collection of signet rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Signet rings originated around 3500 BC in Mesopotamia and featured a sign that was used to seal documents by pressing the ring into sealing wax. They could also be used to stamp a family crest and were considered as authentic as a signature. Shop a collection of vintage signet rings from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    The gold signet ring is traditionally a symbol of heritage. It is often handed down through the generations of a family. It is also known as the “gentleman's ring” or “seal rings.” The name comes from the Latin 'Signum' which means “sign.” On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage gold signet rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    What wearing a signet ring means has changed over time. Today, most people wear signet rings to represent their personal prestige or to celebrate their heritage. When first designed during Victorian times, signet rings allowed men to seal their letters with a customized stamp. Find a range of signet rings on 1stDibs.