Vintage 1948 Tiffany & Co. 900 Platinum Iridium Faceted Wedding Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 900 Platinum Ring Size: 5 Width: 2.05 mm
Late 20th Century Band Rings
Platinum
Vintage 1948 Tiffany & Co. 900 Platinum Iridium Faceted Wedding Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 900 Platinum Ring Size: 5 Width: 2.05 mm
Platinum
1.00ctw G-H SI1 Diamond Set in Iridium 900 Platinum Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage diamond ring is crafted in luxurious iridium platinum, a rare and enduring
Diamond, Platinum
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
1940s Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Spray Ring, Attributed to Frederick Fink
Located in Miami, FL
900 platinum/iridium, the ring dates to the 1940s–1950s and showcases the refined craftsmanship
Diamond, Platinum
Hand Engraved Platinum Art Deco Diamond Opal Engagement Ring Bridal Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
platinum entirely handmade and hand engraved engagement ring with matching band. Metal- 90% Platinum, 10
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum Pave Diamond GIA Certified 2.04 Carat No Heat Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Engagement Ring. Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. Ring Comes With GIA Certificate. GIA Report Number
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum Baguette Diamond GIA Certified 4.35 Carat Sugar Loaf Burmese Ruby Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cushion Cut Sugar Loaf Burmese Ruby Engagement Ring. Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. Ring Comes With
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.4 Carat Diamond Whirlpool Platinum Cocktail Ring with Blue Zircon, circa 1960
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
designation, meaning 90% platinum and 10% iridium. Weights: Ring weight: Estimated diamond weight
Diamond, White Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, Platinum
Art Deco Inspired Hand Engraved Platinum Australian Opal Diamond Bridal Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
hand engraved platinum engagement ring. Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. Stones- Engagement Ring
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Natural 1.10 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Crossover Ballerina Ring
Located in London, GB
Emerald and diamond crossover ballerina ring, circa 1950. A platinum and iridium ring diagonally
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.74 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Engagement Ring. Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. 17.50 Grams. Ring Comes With GIA Certificate
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
J. Milhening Inc. Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Chicago, American, circa 1935
Located in London, GB
Star sapphire and diamond ring by J. Milhening Inc., Chicago, American, circa 1935. A platinum and
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 3.01 Carat Diamond Platinum Hexagon Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Unique Art Deco platinum and iridium hexagonal setting ring with a centre old European cut diamond
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Hexagon 3.01 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Unique Art Deco platinum and iridium hexagonal setting ring with a centre old European cut diamond
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Single Cut Diamond Platinum Stackable Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
knife edged shank With maker's mark and stamped 10% Irid Plat for iridium platinum Ring Size: 7
White Diamond, Platinum
Retro 1.66 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color and VS clarity Stamped 10% Irid Platinum for Iridium Platinum Ring Size: 7 3/4 & sizable Top
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 0.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
engraved foliate shoulders partway down shank Stamped irid. plat for iridium platinum Ring Size: 4 3/4
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 3.80 Carat Old Mine Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and foliate motif Stamped 10% Irid Plat for iridium platinum Ring Size: 5 3/4 & sizable Top
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Iridium Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Iridium Platinum engagement ring. A striking 0.60 carat Old European cut diamond set at center (G/H/VS1
Diamond, Platinum, Rhodium
Art Deco 10% Iridium 90% Platinum GIA European Cut Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Art Deco 10% Iridium 90% Platinum GIA Round European Cut Diamond And Single Cut Diamond Ring Size
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
10% Iridium 90% Platinum Oval Ceylon Blue Sapphire and Single Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Platinum Oval Cut Natural Heated Ceylon Sapphire With Single Cut White Diamond Ring Size 6.5 4.3
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Iridium Floral Design Carved Wedding Stackable Band
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a gorgeous 1920's Art Deco era platinum iridium band with a beautiful floral carved
Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Iridium Floral Design Carved Wedding Stackable Band
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a gorgeous 1920's Art Deco era platinum iridium band with a beautiful floral carved
Platinum
10% Iridium 90% Platinum 2 Carat Pear Shape Diamond with Tapered Baguette Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Vintage 10% Iridium 90% Platinum Pear Shaped Diamond With Tapered Baguette Diamond Ring Size 6.25
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum and Iridium Double Row Single Cut Diamond Band, circa 1920s
Located in Addison, TX
in the message section. Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum and 10% Iridium (Tested
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Wedding Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tiffany & Co. Stamped 100 Irid - 900 Plat. for Platinum-Iridium Ring Size: 4 1/2 & sizable Top measures
Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, circa 1915
Located in Philadelphia, PA
-iridium Ring Size: 7 1/4 & sizable Top measures: 6.2 mm and sits 5.2 mm high Total weight: 3.1 grams
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Platinum and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum and iridium cluster ring set with brilliant cut diamonds, around a center stone (app
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Raised Flower Wedding Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
platinum-iridium Circa: late 1930s Ring Size: 6 & not sizable Measures: 2.0 mm wide and sits 1.3 mm high
Platinum
Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
A fine handmade platinum ring in the Art Deco taste, set with a central brilliant cut diamond and
Diamond, Platinum
1940s Retro 1.08 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
clarity With a pierced triangle motif gallery Stamped 10% Irid Plat for iridium platinum Circa 1940's
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, and triangular motif Stamped .900 Plat .100 Irid for Platinum-Iridium Ring Size: 6 1/2 & sizable
Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco 0.73 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
weighing approximately 0.08 carat total, eye-clean and white Stamped 10% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium
Diamond, Platinum
Retro 2.08 Carat GIA Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Marked 10% iridium platinum on the ring shank. Size 4 1/2 and comes with complimentary sizing if needed.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.73 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped 10% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: Late 1930s Ring Size: 6 1/2 & sizable Measures: 6.4
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1940 Retro 1.35 Carat Asscher Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
ridged motif on corners Circa 1940 Stamped as 10% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Ring Size: 5 1/4 and
White Diamond, Platinum
Enchanting Edwardian 0.30 Carat Diamond Platinum Trellis Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
knife edged shank With maker's mark and stamped 10% irid plat for platinum-iridium Ring Size: 6 1/2
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 3 Carat Diamond Convertible Ring to Pendant, circa 1950s
Located in Cape May, NJ
c. 1950s Metal Composition: Iridium Platinum Hallmarks: Iridium Platinum Makers Marks: 82026
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.35 Carat Diamond Platinum Foliate Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped 10% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1930s Ring Size: 7 & sizable Measures: 3.5 mm wide
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1950s Midcentury 2.22 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Completed by sleek cathedral shoulders Stamped 10% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s Ring Size
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1950s Midcentury 15.40 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 5 & sizable Measures: 16.7 mm wide and sits
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engraved Foliate Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Platinum for platinum-iridium Circa: 1930s Ring Size: 5 1/2 & sizable Measures: 6.7 mm wide and sits 5.0
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco .60 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, circa 1930
Located in Philadelphia, PA
-iridium Circa: 1930s Ring Size: 7 1/4 & sizable two sizes Measures: 5.6 mm wide and sits 4.2 mm high
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 0.89 Carat Lucida Triangular Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tiffany & Co. and numbered Stamped PT910 for platinum with 10% iridium Ring Size: 6 & Sizable Top
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 0.89 Carat Lucida Triangular Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Tiffany & Co. and numbered Stamped PT910 for platinum with 10% iridium Ring Size: 6 & Sizable Top
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1930 1.22 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
plat for iridium platinum Circa 1930 Ring Size: 7 & Sizable Top measures: 10.2 mm and sits 5.0 mm
Diamond, Platinum
1950s Midcentury 1.40 Carat Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cathedral style shoulders Stamped 10% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 8 1/2
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2.51 Carats Emerald Diamond Platinum Cocktail/Dress Ring, circa 1960
Located in Zurich, CH
amount of oil in fissures. The entire ring is crafted in platinum 900 and iridium. The ring is in very
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Midcentury 1.95 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA, circa 1950
Located in Philadelphia, PA
maker's mark and stamped .900 Plat .100 Irid for platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 6 1/2
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Emerald Baguette Brilliant Diamond Platinum Ring, circa 1950
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
for platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 7 3/4 & sizable Measures: 10.6 mm wide and sits 4.3 mm
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1930 Art Deco Baguette Single Cut Diamond Platinum Anniversary Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Ring Size: 6 3/4 & sizable Top measures: 2.5 mm and sits 1.4 mm
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Ornate 2.09 Carat Diamond Platinum Floral Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
-iridium Circa: 1920's Ring Size: 6 & sizable Measures: 11.7 mm wide and sits 5.5 mm high Total weight
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Platinum European Cut Center W/ Baguette & Round Cut Diamonds Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Antique Platinum Round European Cut Center With Baguette & Single Cut Diamond Ring Size 6.25 4.7
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 1.34 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, VS clarity. Stamped 10% iridium, platinum. Circa 1920's. The ring is created in platinum size 6 and
Diamond, Platinum
1950s Retro 2.03 Carat Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped as handmade and 10% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa 1950's Ring Size: 5 & sizable Top
White Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Navette Cluster Ring AGL
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
& Co. Stamped Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 4 1/4 & sizable Measures: 19.3
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1950's Mid-Century 1.75 CTW Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 6 & sizable Measures: 8.2 mm wide and sits 5.8 mm high Total
Diamond, Platinum
Retro 2.14 Carat Diamond Platinum Square Halo Engagement Ring Circa 1940
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shoulders, and foliate engraving partway down shank Stamped 10% IR-Plat for platinum-iridium Ring Size: 8
White Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 2.60 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Quatrefoil Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa 1915 Ring Size: 8 1/2 & sizable Top measures: 19.6 mm and sits
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1950s 13.07 Carat Star Sapphire Ruby Diamond Platinum Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
; G/H color with VS clarity Numbered and stamped Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s Ring
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum European Cut Diamond and Baguette Cut Wedding Set Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Diamonds Color: G Clarity: VS2 This is a very pretty 10% Iridium 90% Platinum diamond ring showing off
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum European Cut Diamond with Baguette & Single Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This is a gorgeous 10% Iridium 90% Platinum diamond ring showing off a beautifully cut round European
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.21 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1930s Ring Size: 7 & sizable Measures: 6.2 mm wide and sits
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.21 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1930s Ring Size: 7 & sizable Measures: 6.2 mm wide and sits
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Ballerina Diamond GIA Certified 3.54 Carat Oval Ruby Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond Engagement Ring. Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. 17.50 Grams. Ring Comes With GIA Certificate
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Retro Platinum European Cut Diamond with Baguette & Single Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
: Vs2-Si1 This is a gorgeous 10% Iridium 90% Platinum diamond ring showing off a beautifully cut round
Diamond
1950s 4.06 Carat Unheated Burmese Ruby Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mark and stamped Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Ring Size: 6 & sizable Measures: 7.7 mm wide and sits
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell Baguette Diamond Platinum Stacking Band Rin, circa 1950
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and signed J.E.C. & Co. for J.E. Caldwell Stamped 10% Irid Plat for platinum-iridium Circa: 1950s
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum White Baguette Cut Diamonds and Round Single Cut Diamond Band
Located in Montgomery, AL
: VS2 This is a gorgeous 10% Iridium 90% Platinum diamond ring showing off a beautifully cut round
Diamond, Platinum
1900s 5.82ct Authentic Antique Australian Opal and Diamond Cluster 18KYG Ring
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent turn-of-the-century late Victorian, early Edwardian Opal and Diamond Cluster 18k Gold ring, Circa 1900. This Crystal Australian opal displays electric play of color in ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Platinum, Edwardian era Cabochon Moonstone and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Moonstone Ring Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian era ring, crafted with exceptional attention to detail. This stunning piece features an...
Diamond, Moonstone, Platinum
Late 19th Century 18kt Gold Diamond And Oval Opal Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Gold 750 and platinum 850 thousandths ring set with a claw-set opal cabochon surrounded and shouldered by crowned roses. Circa 1890 Gross weight: 4.70 g. Size 5 1/2
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sat at the centre of a sparkling halo of diamonds is a gorgeous opal. The opal has wonderful hues of fiery red which glow under any light. The shoulders hold a diamond point each and...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Semi Black Opal and Diamond Ring of 18k White Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This captivating 1990s statement ring celebrates the natural beauty of a semi-black opal, its play-of-color dancing in shades of vivid blues and greens. The opal is gracefully framed...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Australian Opal And Diamond Dress Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
Platinum Australian Opal And Diamond Dress Ring This exquisite dress ring features a central oval cabochon cut black Australian Opal from Lightning Ridge, with mesmerizing rich, dee...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Handmade Platinum French U Pave Halo Diamond Australian Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Our latest design! An elegant and lustrous Australian Opal surrounded beautifully by diamonds in a halo setting. Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. Stones...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
18K Rose Gold Halo Diamond Marquise Turquoise Australian Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Metal- 18K Rose Gold, .750. Stones- Center Features an Oval Fiery Australian Opal Cabochon Cut 12 x 10 MM 2.20-2.50 Carats, Four Marquise Turquoise, Two R...
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Halo Diamond Marquise Turquoise Australian Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Metal- 18K Yellow Gold, .750. Stones- Center Features an Oval Fiery Australian Opal Cabochon Cut 12 x 10 MM 2.20-2.50 Carats, Four Marquise Turquoise, Two...
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hand Engraved 18K White Gold Diamond Australian Opal Engagement Ring Bridal Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Our latest design! An elegant and lustrous Opal cabochon and diamond platinum engagement ring with matching band. Metal- 18K White Gold, .750. Stones- En...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Halo Diamond Platinum Marquise Turquoise Australian Opal Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. Stones- Center Features an Oval Fiery Australian Opal Cabochon Cut 12 x 10 MM 2.20-2.50 Carats, Four Marquise Turquoise,...
Opal, Platinum
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.