Victorian Gold Ring with 18th-Century Intaglio
Located in Braintree, GB
collectors piece for those interested in antique intaglio rings, Georgian seal carvings, and Victorian gold
Antique 1790s British Georgian Signet Rings
Gold
Victorian Gold Ring with 18th-Century Intaglio
Located in Braintree, GB
collectors piece for those interested in antique intaglio rings, Georgian seal carvings, and Victorian gold
Gold
Georgian 18K Gold Hercules and Omphale Tassie Intaglio Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold ring features an intaglio attributed to James Tassie, circa 1760-1780. The deep, red
18k Gold
Victorian 9kt Gold Ring with Georgian Intaglio
Located in Braintree, GB
A Victorian 9ct gold ring set with an earlier 18th-century Georgian intaglio depicting a classical
Gold
Antique Georgian Style Bloodstone Intaglio Rose Gold Signet Ring, 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
Classic Georgian style antique bloodstone intaglio and 9K rose gold signet ring. Late 19th Century
Rose Gold
Large 19th Century Georgian 14K Yellow Gold Onyx Intaglio Medusa Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Impressive Georgian period 14K yellow gold onyx intaglio signet ring depicting Medusa with coiled
Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Antique Georgian Sun in Splendor Carnelian Intaglio 14K Gold Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine large antique 14K yellow gold and carnelian Sun in Splendour intaglio Georgian signet ring
Carnelian, Gold, 14k Gold
Seventeenth Century Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Sard intaglio of Athene holding Nike. The “large” intaglio is set in 15 ct gold ca 1820
Gold
18th Century Glass Intaglio & 9 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This unusual ring houses what is often referred to as a 'Tassie Glass' intaglio. The aubergine
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Tiffany & Co. George Washington Crest Intaglio 14k Gold Signet Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Exilus Acta Probat, George Washington Family Coat of Arms intaglio Tiffany & Co. 14K gold signet
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Cameo Ring Greek Theatre Mask Silenus Hardstone Intaglio Signet
Located in London, GB
A very unusual antique gold ring set with a carved brown and white hardstone cameo depicting the
Agate, 18k Gold
Antique George III Hardstone and 18k Yellow Gold Intaglio Ring (1811)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
mark (anchor) and the date letter for 1811 (n). This Georgian intaglio ring in yellow gold combines
Yellow Gold
Georgian Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Located in London, GB
A Georgian carnelian intaglio ring, the oval carnelian measuring 20 x 17mm, seal engraved with the
Carnelian
Georgian Carnelian Intaglio Gold Signet Ring
Located in London, GB
A Georgian carnelian intaglio ring, the oval cornelian measuring 21 x 18mm, seal-engraved with a
Carnelian, Yellow Gold, Gold
Large Antique Georgian Crested Bloodstone Intaglio Ring
Located in London, GB
BE FOR US WHO CAN BE AGAINST US) A well carved and important family Seal Ring, the Gold testing for
Agate, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Antique Gold Erotic Intaglio Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
An antique gold "erotic" intaglio ring, the carved pair head to toe occupied next to a classical
Gold
Georgian Gold Garnet Intaglio Family Crest Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
A rectangular cut cornered garnet matrix, intaglio engraved with a coat of arms, with a coronet of
Garnet, Gold
A large and impressive Georgian agate intaglio ring
Located in Firenze, IT
shaped bezel with agate intaglio engraved with a coat of arms surmounted by a crown and flanked by two
Agate, 18k Gold
Georgian Yellow Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850s 14k Yellow Gold Carved Carnelian Intaglio ring, featuring a portrait of an Ancient
Carnelian, 14k Gold
Superb 18th Century French Antique Gold Monogrammed Intaglio Seal Ring Georgian
Located in London, GB
Superb 18th Century French Antique Gold Monogrammed Intaglio Seal Ring This antique signet ring
18k Gold
Georgian 18th Century Signet Ring with Ancient Roman Nicolo Intaglio of Hercules
Located in London, GB
A superb ancient Roman nicolo intaglio set in a late 18th century gold signet ring. Nicolo
Georgian 1833 Citrine Intaglio Enamel 14K Gold Antique Heraldic Signet Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
in color and carved with intaglio Depicting two heraldic crests with knight helmets, stars, and eagle
Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Carnelian Intaglio Diamond Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Unusual Georgian carnelian intaglio ring of a man skinning a rabbit set in 15K yellow gold and
Carnelian, Diamond, Sterling Silver, 15k Gold
Seventeenth Century Amethyst Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval amethyst intaglio, depicting Apollo standing full length beside a column, with bow and
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Seventeenth Century Red Jasper Intaglio Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Early intaglio ring of a parrot carved in red jasper in an 18K gold cusped setting with a floral
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Carnelian Gold Intaglio Socrates Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Mounted as a ring in a yellow gold setting with engravings on the shoulders. Finger size: 6 Weight: 3.6
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Early 19th Century Amethyst Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
the shield shaped amethyst panel carved with the pelican plucking its breast to feed its young with the motto Operibus Non Verbis, in a domed closed back foliate setting, Size : 7 W...
Amethyst, Gold
18th Century Heliotrope Bloodstone Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Based on ancient Roman "magical gems" depicting Abraxas who was supposed to bring good luck and success in all ventures Mounted in 18kt Gold Weight 8,6gr Size 7
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Owl Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The carnelian intaglio depicting the owl with 18kt yellow gold setting. Size : 7
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold
1750s French Carnelian Gold Family Crest Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES. With an oval carnelian engraved with a family coat-of-arms, the gem set in a gold and enamel ...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Ring with Carnelian Intaglio Portrait of Tiberius
Located in Firenze, IT
Tiberius, stepson of Augustus, was already fifty-six years old when he became emperor in A.D. 14. His accession established the precedent of dynastic rule in Rome by the Julio-Claudi...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold
Late 18th Century Octagonal Carnelian Saturn Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
shank, 1.8cm high, ring size 6 1/2
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Intaglio Engraved With An Griffin, Mounted On A Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Italian, 18th century emerald, set in a 19th-century gold ring bezel: 15mm., 10/16 in. ring size
Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Gold and Agate Nicolo Intaglio Jupiter Serapis Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Agate Nicolo depicting a profile head of Jupiter Serapis with gold mount. Size : 7 Weight : 3gr.
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold
A Roman Gold & Carnelian Intaglio Ring 2ND Century A.D
Located in Firenze, IT
PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES The carnelian depicts Achilles offering a sacrifice to the altar of Mars before going to the Troi...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
A Roman Gold & Agate Intaglio Ring 2ND Century A.D
Located in Firenze, IT
PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES Three layered eye agate, size of the stone: 11 mm Yellow gold unmarked but tested 22Kt gold. T...
Agate, 18k Gold
18Kt Gold Rare Double-Face Carnelian Intaglio Ring-late 18th Cen
Located in Firenze, IT
Featuring a revolving bezel with two intaglios: a classical lady profile engraved on one side and
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique 18th Century Garnet Zeus Jupiter Intaglio Signet Ring with Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Rare Antique Late 18th Century Garnet Intaglio Signet Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds This fantastic
Diamond, 14k Gold
An Etruscan Carnelian Scarab & Gold Intaglio Ring 5Th Century B.C.
Located in Firenze, IT
PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRICE IS FULLY INCLUSIVE OF SHIPPING, IMPORTATION TAXES & DUTIES The beetle with a crosshatched plinth, well-defined legs and head, a hatched border to the thorax...
Carnelian, Yellow Gold
Silver and Gold Ring Set with a Carnelian Intaglio of a Roman Bust
Located in Firenze, IT
The man, probably a depiction of a Roman emperor is shown in profile, facing sinister. Size 9 Weight: 17.10gr.
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Carnelian and Gold Repousse Signet Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
18K Three color gold Georgian intaglio signet ring, set in an octagonally shaped bevel with an
Carnelian, 18k Gold
1830s Georgian Chalcedony Crest Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Oval intaglio carved chalcedony panel depicting a crest with lion rampant to the centre and
Chalcedony, Gold
1830s Georgian Smokey Quartz Crest Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ PONTE VECCHIO FLORENCE A large rectangular smokey quartz with intaglio engraved
Quartz, Gold
1830s Georgian Smokey Quartz Crest Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
A rectangular smokey quartz with intaglio engraved crest and motto ‘Insperata Flourit’ setting in
Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Zeus Bloodstone Intaglio 14K Rose Gold Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine Georgian period early 19th century bloodstone and 14K Rose gold intaglio signet ring depicting
14k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian Foil Back Quartz "Time Passes, Friendship Remains" Dog Intaglio Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
a letter or note. A stunning and unusual intaglio signet ring from the Georgian (ca1820) era! This
Quartz, 15k Gold
Georgian White Chalcedony Gold Intaglio Crest Signet Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
shaped bezel with white chalcedony intaglio engraved with a coat of arms depicting a shield shaped crest
Chalcedony, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian Style 18K Yellow Gold Ochre Glass Baronet Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique 19th century Georgian style 18K yellow gold ochre glass intaglio Baronet signet ring
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Armorial Crest Georgian Style Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Onyx Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine Georgian style onyx intaglio ring engraved with an armorial heraldic device of a shield shaped
Onyx, Yellow Gold
Antique Georgian 14 Karat Gold and Bloodstone Lion Crest Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Georgian period gold signet ring with a bloodstone intaglio crest of a lion passant
Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Amethyst Intaglio and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval amethyst intaglio, probably Roman, depicting Apollo standing full length beside a column
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Wedgwood & Bentley Black Basalt Intaglio Seal Silver Signet Ring
By Wedgwood
Located in Philadelphia, PA
: Unmarked Ring Size: ca. 7 Gemstone Measurements: 1 Intaglio: ca. 14.75mm x 13.5mm Measurements: Height
Silver
1780s French Carnelian Gold Family Crest Intaglio Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Bernardo Antichità Ponte Vecchio Florence With an square carnelian engraved with a family coat-of-arms depicting a lion crest and motto 'Fac Alteri Ut Tibi Vis', the gem set in a g...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique 18th Century French Gold Napoleonic Coat of Arms Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in London, GB
Antique Heavy French 21K Gold Napoleonic Coat of Arms Intaglio Signet Ring Superb engraved steel
Gold
French Revolution Antique Gold Intaglio Signet Seal Ring First Empire Sceau
Located in London, GB
A superb antique French Empire gold seal ring dating to the very early 19th century, circa 1805. It
18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Antique 14K Yellow Gold Carnelian Intaglio Crest Signet Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique Tiffany & Co. 14K gold signet ring with a beautifully engraved carnelian intaglio
Carnelian, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Josef Seiss Antique Amethyst Intaglio 14K Yellow Gold Lions Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional museum quality signed Josef Seiss oval amethyst intaglio 14K yellow gold signet ring
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rock Crystal Intaglio of a French Crest, Late 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Oval, depicting a French crest, in a gold mount, ring size 7 , length 25mm, width 21mm Weight
Rock Crystal, Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian Hardstone Intaglio Ring Depicting Pan
Located in London, GB
A Georgian hardstone intaglio ring, the oval cornelian measuring 15x11mm, depicting the figure of
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Museum Quality Roman Carnelian Gold Intaglio Ring
Located in London, GB
A Roman hardstone intaglio ring, the carnelian intaglio finely carved with a winged figure of Cupid
Carnelian, Yellow Gold
Georgian Carnelian "English Pointer" Intaglio Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An exceptional Georgian intaglio ring, the carnelian agate panel has been carved with a family
Carnelian, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian "Cupid & Diabolo" Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An incredible Georgian signet ring, dating to the Regency Period circa 1815. The intaglio carving
Agate, 9k Gold
A petite Georgian Almandine Garnet Intaglio Ring
Located in London, GB
personal letters. The Gem is set in an unmarked 18k ring mount with slim trefoil shoulders. I cannot
Garnet, 18k Gold
Roman "Fortuna" Carnelian Intaglio Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This splendid Georgian era ring has been set with an ancient Roman intaglio, depicting the goddess
Carnelian, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ancient Roman Caesar Augustus Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
ever enjoyed - known as the Pax Romana. DATE Intaglio: Roman, 1st Century AD - Ring: Georgian, c.1750
Agate, 18k Gold
Neoclassical Sardonyx Intaglio Ring of a Grecian Man
Located in London, GB
A wonderful example of a Neoclassical ring which was carved circa 1820. The detail is very fine and
Onyx, 18k Gold
Antique Georgian Carnelian Intaglio Cock Signet Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An exceptional Georgian signet ring with heraldic cock intaglio. The crest was designed to make a
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Georgian “Flora” Agate Intaglio Gold Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This glorious oversized signet ring is set with an agate panel, carved with an intaglio of Flora
Agate, 18k Gold
Antique, Georgian, 18 Carat Gold, Onyx Intaglio Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Onyx intaglio ring, 18th century. This ring is set with a striking black onyx with an expertly
Onyx, Gold
Georgian Dragon Feeding Young Carnelian Intaglio 9 Carat Gold Signet Seal Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning 9 carat gold and carnelian signet ring. SIZE ; O 1/2 UK, 7 1/4 US Solid 9 carat gold
Carnelian, 9k Gold
19th Century Scottish 9 Karat Gold Oval Crested Intaglio Agate Signet Seal Ring
Located in Glasgow, GB
Description: - This is a fine antique Scottish Georgian period 9 karat rose gold crested intaglio
Agate, 9k Gold
Vintage 1980s 10K Yellow Gold Peridot Ring Size 7
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful 1980s ring is 10k yellow gold. It features an oval cut, 8x10mm peridot gemstone. The face of this ring measures 1/2 of an inch north to south with a rise of 7mm off th...
Peridot, Yellow Gold
Ancient Pegasus Coin Ring with Diamond, in 24kt Gold and Silver
Located in Bozeman, MT
Ancient Pegasus Coin Ring with Diamond, in 24kt Gold and Silver by Prehistoric Works of Istanbul, Turkey. Diamond - 0.02cts, Size 6 1/2 US. For custom sizes please contact the galler...
Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$4,048Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18kt. yellow gold signet ring with a coat of arms
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18kt. yellow gold signet ring with a coat of arms. Made in England, London, 1991 Fully hallmarked. Maker: W&G Dimensions - Ring Size: 2.2 x 2.1 x 1.6 cm Finger Size (UK) = ...
1943 Men Unisex Signet Ring 6ct. Blood stone solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 2.2gr
Located in SE
Unisex type Signet Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with carved shoulders and claw set Blood - stone, color is dark Green color with red dots, measures ca. 12 mm x 8.5 mm x 2.75 mm deep...
Other, 18k Gold
Antique Yellow Gold and Carnelian Intaglio Crest Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 - 1900 14k Yellow Gold Crest Ring, the top measuring 5/8 x 1/2 inch and is set with a deep Red / Brown Carnelian with a deep engraved Crest. the ring features hand engravi...
Carnelian, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bulgari Knot Ring Sapphire Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Sz 5 Signed Jewelry
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
Vintage Bulgari knot ring set with a blue sapphire and emerald in 18k yellow gold. Pointed cabochon cut sapphire and emerald measure 3mm each. The sapphire is in good condition an...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Georgian Rose Diamond Cluster Ring 1790's
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
Art Deco Sardonyx 18 Carat Gold Masonic Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A superb masonic signet ring, set with a brilliant shield cut sardonyx and modelled in 18carat yellow gold. Ring Size: R 1/2 or 8 3/4 Stone Dimensions: 11x10mm Weight: 4.9g
Gold
KIESELSTEIN CORD 1984 Signet Intaglio Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Bloodstone
By Kieselstein
Located in Miami, FL
A signet intaglio ring designed by Kieselstein-Cord. This is a massive oversized signet ring created in New York City at the jewelry atelier of Kieselstein-Cord, back in 1984. This ...
Agate, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Late 18th Century Gold Four Compartment Poison Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 18th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 7 Weight: 5.9 gr This precious ring of the 18th century ring is made of gold and has the central part – in the shape of a fou...
Gold, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Vintage Piaget Ref. 9131C4 Watch
By Piaget
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful pre-owned and vintage 1980s Piaget Swiss wristwatch, crafted in 18K yellow gold. This bold timepiece features a 23mm square case with a 4.6mm thickness and a band that tape...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
17th Century 22K Gold “When Love Doth Remayne Parting is in Vayne" Poesy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A 17th Century yellow gold ring, comprising a D-shaped band ring, inscribed with a posy, in 22K gold. My favourite thing about this Antique 22K Yellow Gold Poesy Ring is the beautif...
22k Gold
1829 Signet Men Intaglio Ring Chalcedony solid 18K Gold ØUS9.5 /10.5gr
Located in SE
195 years old Signet Intaglio Ring featuring a natural red- spotted Gray - Blue Sardonyx stone with hand-cut heraldic depiction of three smoking Grenades flanked with Lilies on the s...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
$1,500 / item
Handcrafted 14k Yellow Gold 0.07cttw Open Link Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Open Rectangle Link Ring, Accented with 0.07 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
An 18th century sapphire cameo depicting Hercules
Located in London, GB
An 18th century sapphire cameo depicting Hercules, the oval sapphire weighing 7.90 carats and finely engraved with the profile of Hercules facing right, rub-over set to a yellow gold...
Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Intaglio Signet Ring solid 18K Gold Carnelian ØUS9.75/ 4gr
Located in SE
Signet Intaglio Ring with heraldic depiction of a Coat of Arms on Carnelian stone. Mural Wall on the shield under the crown of Nobility, likely Russian of noble family. Very well d...
Carnelian, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian jewelry is named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). A slew of beautiful pieces were produced during the period, and today antique Georgian rings, necklaces and other accessories are coveted by fine jewelry collectors.
There are certain features that distinguish jewelry from this era, including the fact that pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries were handmade (so don’t let the absence of a maker’s mark lead you to believe otherwise). Antique Georgian jewelry also has a certain “look.” It’s a bit gray because stones were often set in silver, and because stonecutting techniques were not as advanced as they are today, the gems do not possess the level of sparkle to which we have become accustomed.
Intricate metalworking techniques such as repoussé (the hammering of metal into ornate designs) and cannetille (a method of working the gold wire to make it look woven) allowed goldsmiths to really flex their muscles. These gold pieces, either on their own or combined with gemstones, made for highly original and dramatic jewelry. The era also saw pieces with ornately woven strands of human hair.
Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. These were often cut in the shape of a cabochon or teardrop. It was fashionable to combine garnets or rubies with seed pearls. In Georgian diamond rings, popular cuts for diamonds included rose, old mine and table. Around the 1780s, paste jewelry, or hand-cut glass on foil, was used to imitate diamonds.
Browse a collection of antique Georgian diamond rings, earrings, brooches and other authentic Georgian jewelry today on 1stDibs.
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.
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.