Contemporary Treated Blue Diamond Ring
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat white gold ring invisibly set with twenty-five square treated blue diamonds, approximately 0.75 carat surrounded by thirty-four round brilliant diamonds, 0.33 carat tota...
Blue Diamond, 14k Gold
Sold|$1,350
1.40 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Invisible Set Diamond Ring Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately 1.40CTW Diamond Cut: 64 Round Brilliant Cut & 4 Trilliant Cut Center Diamonds: 4 Trilliant Cut Diamonds weighing appro...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Sold|$28,734
18 Karat Gold Sapphire Bombe Ring
Located in London, England
An amazing invisibly set sapphire bombe ring. Individually the square shaped sapphires are of exquisite quality and are French cut for maximum sparkle.
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unique 18K White Gold, Aquamarine & Diamond Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Unique 18K White Gold, Aquamarine & Diamond Ring - Invisible-set Aquamarine highlight the design of this wonderfully blended hybrid of contemporary style and antique detailing (looki...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
1.00 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Invisible set princess cut engagement ring. The princess cut diamonds are set in three groups of four diamonds each to give the look of a one carat center and .25 carat look on each...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
TIFFANY & CO Unique Retro Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A Retro platinum ring featuring invisibly set rubies and diamonds by Tiffany & Co.
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum
10 Karat White Gold Diamond Ring / 1.55 Carat
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 10K White Gold Diamond Ring Size 7 / 1.55 cts. This invisible set top diamond ring is set with 63 diamonds of various cuts. 17 princess cut diamonds total approx. .85 carat...
Diamond, White Gold
14 Karat White and Rose Gold Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 14k white gold ring with invisible set princess diamonds surrounded with white round diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Etruscan Style Honey Citrine Satin Finish Yellow Gold Vintage Ring Signed Birks
By Birks
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The ring features square cut honey citrine gemstones invisibly set.
Citrine, Yellow Gold
EGL Certified Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 3.01cts, H SI3 18k White Gold Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 18k white gold ring with invisible set princess diamonds . The diamonds are tightly set close together to form a diamond invisible set.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Le Vian 18K Yellow Gold 2.0ct Diamond and Ruby Ring LV06-122425
By Le Vian
Located in Southampton, PA
Invisible set gemstones make this Levian ring endlessly captivating.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
EGL 3.04 Carat G/SI3 Pear Shape Diamond 18 Karat Engagement Ring with Halo
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Pear Shaped G/SI3 EGL US certified center Diamond set in a fine 18k gold Pave/Invisible set engagement Ring with halo and total diamond weight of 2.45 Ct. on the side.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Elegant Art Deco Style Diamond and Ruby Calibre Cut 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Elegant Art Deco style ring features invisibly set baguette and shared prong set round diamonds giving the illusion of a very large, cut corner rectangular step cut diamond in the ce...
White Diamond, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond and Blue Sapphire Calibre Cut 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Beautiful Art Deco style ring features invisibly set baguette and shared prong set round diamonds giving the illusion of a very large, cut corner rectangular step cut diamond in the ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Sapphire Invisible Heart Earring Ring Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This medium invisible sapphire heart earring and ring set is crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing approximately 2.55 total carats of SI-H Quality white diamonds and 9.50 total ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Ruby Invisible Small Heart Earring Ring Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ruby sweet heart earring and ring set is crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing approximately 0.85 total carats of SI-H Quality white diamonds and 1.90 total carats of ruby. T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Sapphire Invisible Small Heart Earring Ring Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sapphire sweet heart earring and ring set is crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing approximately 0.85 total carats of SI-H Quality white diamonds and 1.90 total carats of blu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
EGL Certified 1.99 Carat Round Brilliant Cut G SI2 14 Karat Gold Wide Engagement
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold invisible set diamond ring, 1 brilliant cut diamond; EGL Certified 1.99 Carat Round Brilliant Cut G, SI2 w/ princess, round and baguette cut diamonds, containing 30 ba...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$18,500
Antique Garnet Diamond Gold Engraved Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
An antique engraved gold bracelet centering on a ''hope'' themed anchor and ring of invisibly set almandine garnets set with diamonds, in 18k.
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Amazing Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Invisible Set Ring.
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Vintage Diamond and Invisible Set Sapphire Ring is just amazing! Crafted in a rich 18K Yellow Gold, the design features a gorgeous wave of sparkly invisible set sapphires, flank...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
14 Karat 2-Tone Princess Cut Ring .50 pts. in diamonds
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold with yellow gold accents with 14 princess cut diamonds; color "G", clarity VS1 and weight .50pts. invisible set. ring size is 6.75
Diamond, 14k Gold
Sold|$3,850
Invisible Set Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The rubies are invisibly set in a rectangular shape, resting between rows of channel set diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$18,500
Fine Invisibly Set Diamond Gold Band Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
Seventy-six invisibly set diamonds create a three row band of fancy cut diamonds amounting to slightly less than 14 cts.
Diamond
Marcel Boucher Art Deco Invisibly Set Faux Emerald Ring
By Marcel Boucher
Located in New York, NY
Marcel Boucher Art Deco invisibly set faux emerald ring set in rhodium plated sterling silver.
Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Diamond and Invisible Set Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Made of luxurious 18K yellow gold and set with resplendent diamonds and regal sapphires, this ring exudes prestige and refinement. The sapphires total 3.23 carats and the diamonds 0....
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Channel Invisible Set Square Emeralds with Round Diamonds Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Channel Invisibly Set Square Emeralds with Round Diamonds Band Ring in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Invisible Set Garnet and Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A designer and chic dome invisible set Garnett Ring in 18K gold and diamonds.
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Gold
Art Deco Inspired Invisibly Set Ruby Full Eternity Ring Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A beautiful Art Deco inspired ruby full eternity ring set in platinum. The ring is solely set with vibrant coloured rubies which are all channel set in a 3mm flat sided platinum shan...
Ruby, Platinum
Men's Invisible Set 2.70CTW Diamond Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Webster, NY
Men's unique invisible set Princess Cut Diamond ring made with 2.70CTW of stunning diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds & Princess Cut Invisible Set Rubies Men's Ring 18 Karat 2Tone Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds & Princess Cut Invisible Set Rubies Men's Ring 18 Karat 2Tone Gold Ring Invisible or Mystery set Princess cut Natural Ruby And Diamond ring in 18 K Yellow and white ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Diamond and Sapphire Invisible Set Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
The refined, timelessly elegant allure of Tiffany & Co. pieces is visible in every aspect of this sublime band, from its splendidly classic design, to the tasteful décor that exudes ...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Invisibly-Set Nine Sapphire and Diamonds Ring, 18k Yellow
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels Invisibly-Set Nine Sapphire and Diamonds Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.01 Carat Total Invisible Set Baguette and Princess cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Set in luxurious 18 Karat white gold, this ring features 3 rows of invisible set diamonds that all exhibit F-G color and VS clarity.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Estate 14 Karat White Gold Princess Cut Invisible Set Diamond Ring Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Estate 14K white gold Princess cut invisible set diamond ring band. Showcasing 44 invisible set Princess cut diamonds weighing a combined total of 4.25 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Blue Sapphire Invisible/Mystery Set & Diamond 18 Karat Gold Yellow Ring
Located in New York, NY
Natural Blue Sapphire Invisible/Mystery Set & Diamond 18 Karat Gold Yellow Ring the stones are completely natural with zero enhancement Natural Sapphire are approximately 2 Ct , ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
Diamonds & Princess Cut Invisible Set Rubies Men's Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Invisible or Mystery set Princess cut Natural Ruby And Diamond ring in 14 K Yellow Gold .
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold Invisible Set Ruby Princess Diamond Cocktail Ring 7.45ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A contemporary cocktail ring crafted in 18K yellow gold and invisibly set with approximately 5.20cttw in natural vivid red square cut rubies as well as 2.25ctw in G-I color Vs1-2 cl...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.66 Carat Natural Ruby Diamonds Heart Ring 18 Karat Gold Invisible Set
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Invisible Heart Ring 1.40ct. Natural Square Cut Ruby Ring. Brilliant full Emerald Cuts. Excellent transparency. Vs Clean clarity. Vivid Reds. .26ct. Round diamonds Br...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18k Invisible Set Diamond Ring w/ Princess and Baguette Cut Diamonds Weight 2.80
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k white gold invisible set diamond ring w/ princess and baguette cut diamonds, containing 38 princess cut diamonds weighing 1.55cts. and 28 baguette cut diamonds weighing 1.25cts. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold 3.08ct Multi Row Invisible Set Princess Baguette Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
The center displays 3 rows of 39 princess cut diamonds that are perfectly invisible set giving an amazing continuous and truly glamorous look.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Invisible Set Yellow Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An unusual white gold ring created by one of the most revolutionary developments in jewelry workmanship occurred in the 1930’s called ‘invisible setting technique’. The calibre cut y...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.60 Carat London Blue Topaz and Invisible Set Princess Cut Diam Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Blue Topaz and diamonds unite, to create this outrageously stunning ring. The richly hued and distinctively designed 18 Karat white and yellow gold mounting is unique and elegant. Th...
Topaz, 18k Gold
Invisibly Set French Cut Vivid Red Rubies in a Fine 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
18K yellow gold well made ring with fine bright natural red rubies all invisibly set and faceted on the table of the stones - called French cut.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Halo and Invisible Set Wedding
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 18K white gold semi mounted ring. This invisible halo setting ring features a 26 pieces of round brilliant cut diamonds in approximately 1.50 carat total weight G color an...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Invisible Set 3.05 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Band in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Webster, NY
Stunning 3.05ctw invisible set princess cut diamond ring made in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold 1.25 Carat White and Black Diamond Invisible Setting Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 1.25 Carat White and Black Diamond Invisible Setting Cluster Ring This extraordinary jet black diamond and invisible set emerald cut diamond ring is magnificent.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Simon G Sapphire Diamond Gold engagement Ring
By Simon G Jewelry
Located in Stamford, CT
Simon G 18k white gold invisible set Sapphire diamond ring. 4 square blue Sapphires, approx. total weight .52cts 24 round diamonds, approx. total weight .20cts, F – G, VS 18k wh...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$3,160
Sapphire, Diamond and 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
Diamond and Sapphire Contemporary ring. In a scroll like motif, this unusual and finely made ring possesses invisibly set (one cannot set the metal between the sapphires) natural v...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.50 Carat Natural Princess Cut Diamonds Cluster Men’s Ring 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Men's princess cut diamonds ring. Invisible set rectangular cluster. .50ct. natural princess cuts diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 5 Carat Princess, Baguette and Round Diamond Unisex Heavy White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Heavy 18 karat white gold modern design unisex ring features invisibly set princess cut diamonds on the top of the ring, prong set round brilliant diamonds on each side of the top of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Classic Oval Emerald and 4 Carat of Diamonds Yellow Gold Ballerina Party Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
The halo is surrounded by a ruffled ballerina effect of long, tapered, invisibly set white baguette diamonds. Ring is 14 karat yellow gold.
White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.50 Carat Art Deco Style Diamond and Emerald 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Beautiful Art Deco style ring features invisibly set baguette and shared prong set round and princess cut diamonds giving the illusion of a very large, cut corner rectangular step cu...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Stunning 6.50 Carat Art Deco Style Diamond and Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Stunning Art Deco style ring features invisibly set baguette and shared prong set round and princess cut diamonds giving the illusion of a very large, cut corner rectangular step cut...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Gold and Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamonds are invisible set. Ring face is 0.45 inch width 0.25 inch band width Ring is a size 7.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Pederzani Milano Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Gold diamond and ruby invisible set ring by Paderzani. These ring is set with impeccable matched Burmese rubies, the setting invisible to the eyes from the to of the ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$10,000
Invisible-Set Ruby Bombé Band Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
Invisible-set ruby bombé band ring, approximately halfway-set with seven rows of graduated square-cut and calibre-cut rubies, mounted in platinum.
Ruby, Platinum
Sold|$10,000
Invisibly Set Ruby Bombé Band Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
Invisibly-set ruby bombé band ring, approximately halfway-set with seven rows of graduated square-cut and calibre-cut natural pinkish-red rubies, the 105 rubies weighing approximatel...
Ruby, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.