$1,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bespoke Chevalier 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This custom Chevalier ring stands as a noble emblem, exquisitely crafted in 18K gold. Drawing on the timeless elegance of heraldic traditions, its bold signet-style face offers per...
18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with emeralds and diamonds. This elegant object combines solid 9 kt gold and solid 800 silver in a sophisticated design....
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$2,865 / item
22 Karat Gold Cartouche Ring
By Romae Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
22K Yellow Gold Cartouche Ring by ROMAE Jewelry Inspired by Ancient Roman Designs. Our tiny and exquisite "Priscilla" ring features a cartouche with a beaded border at the front, whi...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Micromosaics Birds And Black Beetle Hexagonal Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Rare 18ct gold hexagonal-shaped ring with three micromosaics set on red glass depicting two birds and a one depicting black beetle, all surrounded by black enamel. Italian manufactur...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roman Blackened Silver Intaglio Men's Ring With Profile Portrait
Located in Firenze, IT
Roman Blackened Silver Signet Ring with profile portrait on bronze 1st-3rd century AD Top size 25mm Size: 7 3/4 Weight 18,58gr.
Silver
Bulgari Parentesi Ring 18 karat White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Bulgari Parentesi Ring in 18-karat white gold is a sophisticated and iconic piece of jewelry from the renowned Italian luxury brand Bulgari. The Parentesi collection is character...
18k Gold, White Gold
15th Century Renaissance Gold And Carnelian Jewish Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 15th century Dimensions: 13 x 14 mm Ring size: 5 ¼ Weight: 9,26 gr The Renaissance ring, dated to around the 15th century, is composed of a 22-karat yellow gold setting in...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Renaissance Gold and Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Homer
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 16th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 8 Weight: 18.2 gr This Renaissance cameo can be attributed to the end of the 16th century, is made of agate, and inserted in a...
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold
Greek Drachm Coin Ring, circa IV-III century BC
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: IV-III century BC Ring Size: 9 ½ Weight: 16,17 gr The ring is composed of a silver Greek coin, originating from Acarnania, a region of western Greece, characterised by an i...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Late 18th Century Micromosaic Gold Ring Vase with Flower
Located in Firenze, IT
An Italian 14kt carat gold ring mounted with an oval micromosaic representing a vase with flowers. Rome, late XVIII cent. circa 1790's Top size 32mm x 17mm Ring size 7 Weight: 8,21gr.
Gold, 14k Gold
Late 16th Century Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Athena & Poseidon
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 16th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 7 ¾ Dimension: 2,9 x 2,1 cm Weight: 5,9 gr Dating back to the end of the sixteenth century, this ring features an ancient gol...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold Agate Cameo Ring Depicting Eurydice 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 18th century Provenance: Italy Dimensions (cameo): 22 mm Ring size: 7 Weight: 18 gr This cameo of the late eighteenth century is made of agate and inserted in an esse...
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold
Agate Intaglio of Mucius Scaevola Ring 18th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 18th century Top size: 22mm x 18mm Ring Size: 7 Weight: 8,58 gr The intaglio, made of agate, features an 18 kt yellow gold rotating setting and slightly fluted edges. It sh...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt Yellow Gold And Silver Intaglio Cupid Men's Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Late 19th-century Italian silver and gold ring featuring an engraving of Cupid riding a hippocampus. The setting features a Neoclassical design. Top Lenght size 23mm Size 9 Weight :...
Yellow Gold, Silver
Large Blackened Silver and Carnelian Intaglio Men's Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Carnelian depicting Neptune on his chariot drawn by dolphins mounted in blackened silver ring. Top size 33mm x 26mm Size: 9 3/4 Weight: 21,64gr.
Carnelian, Silver
Silver Intaglio Ring With Roman Divinity 3rd-4th Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 3rd – 4th Century A.D Provenance: Italy Ring size: 5 Weight: 7 gr The Roman intaglio, dated between the third and fourth century, is made of silver and has a particular appl...
Silver
Byzantine Architectural Gold Bishop Ring Set With intaglio
Located in Firenze, IT
Date: 8th-9th century AD Dimensions: 32 x 22 mm, Ring size: 8 ¾ Weight: 5,6 gr L’anello bizantino, databile all’VIII-IX secolo, si distingue per un intaglio in citrino incastonat...
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Silver Gold Amethyst Ring Depicting A Sistrum 1st Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1th Century A.D. Provenance: Italy Ring size: 6 1/2 Weight: 10.7 gr The 1st century ring has a silver frame, in which is set a gold frame that outlines a peculiar amethyst i...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Dubini Constantine Ancient Roman Bronze Coin Silver Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI coin ring from the 'Empires' collection features an authentic Roman Imperial bronze coin set in sterling silver. * Due to the unique process of hand carving coins in anc...
Sterling Silver, Silver, Bronze
Rock Crystal Roman Intaglio Ring of Jupiter 2nd-3rd Century A.D.
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D. Provenance: Italy Ring size: 7 ½ Weight: 12,82 gr The ring features a gold setting in which is set a convex rock crystal intaglio dated to the Roman ...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
Blackened Silver & Gold Carnelian Ring depicting Julius Caesar 18th century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 18th century Ring size: 7 ¼ Top size: 16 mm Weight: 9,16 gr The ring features a modern mount made of blackened silver and gold, embellished with an 18th-century neoclassica...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Customizable Letter Ring Personalized 18k Gold Tangerine Orange Sapphire
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Introducing the Customizable Letter Ring, a creation by Rossella Ugolini. Meticulously crafted in white Sterling Silver with a bespoke Handmade in 18K yellow gold letter F, this ri...
Sapphire, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Gold and Silver Denarius Roman Coin Nerva Circa 97 AD Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 97 AD Ring size: 7 Weight: 12,63 gr The ring is composed of a Roman denarius minted between January and September 97, during the brief empire of Nerva which lasted from 96 t...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Yellow Gold Setting And Greek Massalia Silver Coin Ring, Circa 350-220 BC
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Circa 350-220 BC Size: 7 1/2 Weight: 6,96 gr The ring features a contemporary 18-karat yellow gold frame featuring an ancient Greek coin dating between 350 and 220 BC. This ...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Renaissance 18kt Gold Agate Cameo Men's Ring Depicting Charles V
Located in Firenze, IT
Period 16th century Dimensions: 17.5 mm Ring Size: 8 Weight: 18 gr This highly refined 16th century cameo depicts the profile of Emperor Charles V, who reigned over the Holy Roman ...
Agate, Gold, 18k Gold
Dubini Constantine Ancient Roman Bronze Coin Black Rhodium Silver Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI coin ring from the 'Empires' collection features an authentic Roman Imperial bronze coin depicting Constantine the Great set in black rhodium sterling silver. Coin Ø 14-...
Sterling Silver, Rhodium, Silver, Bronze
16th Century Renaissance Agate Cameo Ring Alessandro de' Medici
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: Late 16th century Provenance: Italy Ring size: 7 Weight: 10,2 gr The cameo, dated to the late 16th century, is made of agate and set in a later 18-karat yellow gold setting....
Agate, Gold
Ancient Intaglio Circa 1st to 3rd Century Ring Set Penelope and Odysseus
Located in New York, NY
Cushion Tablet Shape Engraved Ancient Carnelian Intaglio set into a contemporary Etruscan Revival ring. The ring is bright polished rich 22kt yellow gold. The ancient intaglio is bez...
22k Gold
A Roman gold ring set with a red jasper intaglio. Bust of Mercury.
Located in London, GB
Intaglio 9 x 11 mm Ring size UK S / US 9 / EU ≈ 60 / Japan 19 – weight 7.53 g. Roman art, 1st-2nd century A.D. The gold ring with a rounded oval bezel set with a red jasper intaglio...
Jasper, Gold
Gold Ring with Silver Denarius of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, 161 CE - 180 CE
Located in Firenze, IT
More than money, coins are symbols of the state that struck them. Currency represents a specific time and place, whether products of the age we live in today or an artifact of a long...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
18kt Yellow Gold And Silver Cameo A Smiling Satyr Men's Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Late 19th-century Italian silver and gold ring featuring an engraving of a smiling Satyr. The setting features a Neoclassical design. Top size 22mm Size 10 Weight : 35,66gr
Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Neoclassical 18k Gold Hardstone Cameo Ring of Seneca
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: late 18th century Ring size: 11 Dimensions: 27 x 22 mm Weight: 26,4 gr The ring consists of a hard stone cameo, dated to the late 18th century, which is set in a coeval yell...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Renaissance gold ring set with a carnelian intaglio. Old man seated on a rock
Located in London, GB
Intaglio 8 × 10 mm Gold mount – ring size EU 59 (US 9 / UK R½); gross weight 6.19 g. Ring and intaglio: Late Renaissance or earlier Very good condition; crisp engraving; minor loss...
Carnelian, Gold
Magical Gold Ring With An Ancient Jasper Abraxas Stone Intaglio
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: II century A.D Ring size: 8 Top size: 14 mm x 11 mm Weight: 6.8 gr This magical ring from the Roman era, dating back to the 2nd century, is characterized by a simple contemp...
Jasper, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold Turmaline White Diamonds Contemporary Rings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini present "Ink Ring Collection". The centerpiece of this unisex contemporary ring is a Tourmalinated Quartz set in 18K yellow gold and distinguished by its dark, vein...
White Diamond, Tourmaline, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold, ...
18k Yellow Gold Bezel Contemporary Tourmalineted Quartz Unique Piece Man Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
The Rossella Ugolini Design features the "Ink Ring Collection," a unique Tourmaline Quartz ring. The ring is part of a limited series presented in Paris on June 2024 during the Paris...
Tourmaline, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Silver and Two Colour Vitreous Hercules Intaglio Men's Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
LATE 19TH CENTURY SILVER AND TWO COLOUR VITREOUS HERCULES INTAGLIO MEN'S RING Period: late XIX century Ring size: 8 ½ The carving retains a peculiar depiction of Hercules intent on...
Silver
18k Yellow Gold Bezel Hexagonal Tourmalineted Quartz Unique Piece Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
The Rossella Ugolini Design features the "Ink Ring Collection," a unique Tourmaline Quartz ring. This limited series is inspired by the art of handwriting with a fountain pen and cre...
Tourmaline, Quartz, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Gold Ring With Silver Denarius of Emperor Severus Alexander, 222 CE - 228 CE
Located in Firenze, IT
Obverse: IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG; Laureate and Draped Bust of the Emperor Facing Righ Reverse: PM TR P II COS PP; Pax Standing to the Left, Holding a Branch and a Cornucopia Eve...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Roman Ring with Nicolo Intaglio of Minerva 1st Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1st – 2nd century A.D. Top size: 14,5 mm Ring size: 7 Weight: 5,2 gr The intaglio, dated to the Roman era of the 1st century AD, features an engraved depiction of Minerv...
Agate, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roman Magical Carnelian Intaglio Ring circa 2nd century A.D
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: II century A.D. Top size: 17 mm x 15 mm Size:8 1/4 Weight: 16.67 gr The Roman carving, dating back to around the 2nd century AD, is made of carnelian and is set in a modern...
Carnelian, Gold, 18k Gold
Hermes Mercury Roman God Bloodstone Intaglio Ring Gold Victorian Hand Carved
Located in New York, NY
This is a rare and wonderful antique Belle Epoque, Victorian ring with a beautiful hand carved Intaglio of a Roman Warrior God with a winged helmet, Mercury or Hermes, in Bloodstone....
Quartz, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Dubini Egyptian Scarab Faience Ancient 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI ring features an egyptian faience scarab set in 18K yellow gold. See our selections of scarabs to create your unique ring. Dimensions of Scarabs: 13x19x10mm HISTORY Un...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Byzantine Gold Ring With A Topaz Intaglio With A Bust Of Christ 7th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 7th century Top size: 27 x 24 mm Ring size: 6.5 Weight: 8 gr The Byzantine ring dates to the 7th century and is characterized by a contemporary yellow gold setting, made w...
Topaz, Gold, 22k Gold
A Roman Gnostic Intaglio In Agate 3rd Century AD Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
A very interesting gnostic intaglio made on a dark grey mottled agate. The front shows two snakes whose tails seem to turn into rods(?) which are then held in the mouths of the oppos...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Silver & Gold Mounted Mosaic Pietra Dura Flowers Ring, circa 1830
Located in Firenze, IT
19th century gold mounted pietra dura still life ring circa 1830 depicting the flowers. Top size diameter 21mm Size 7 Weight: 16.62gr.
Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Mid century 1.65 CT G VVS Diamond 18 Kt Unisex Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This superb mid century ring is 1950 ca Substantially hand crafted of solid 18 Kt white gold, weighs 18.7 grams Strong masculine character expressed in a study designed with fluted s...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Silver and Gold Neoclassical Grey Agate Intaglio Of Heron Men's Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: late XVIII century Top size: 12 mm Ring size: 21 Weight: 19gr. Silver and 18kt Yellow Gold Ring L’anello, realizzato in oro 18 carati e argento, presenta un’agata grigia da...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
CUPID AND PSYCHE Ancient roman Heliotrope intaglio 1st cent. AD 22 Kt Gold ring
Located in Roma, IT
This 22kt gold ring features an authentic Ancient Roman heliotrope intaglio, dating to the 1st–2nd century AD. Expertly engraved, the gemstone depicts Cupid and Psyche, one of the mo...
Other, 22k Gold
GODDESS NIKE/ VICTORY Roman Jasper Intaglio 1st-2nd cent. AD 22 Kt Gold Ring
Located in Roma, IT
This 22kt gold ring features an authentic Roman red jasper intaglio, dating back to the 1st–2nd century AD. The jasper is intricately engraved with the image of a Victory driving a b...
Jasper, 22k Gold
LION Roman Jasper Intaglio 1st-2nd cent. AD 18 Kt Gold Ring
Located in Roma, IT
This 18kt gold ring features an authentic Roman yellow jasper intaglio, dating back to the 1st–2nd century AD. The jasper is intricately engraved with the image of a lion standing be...
Jasper, 18k Gold
Ancient Roman Black Agate Intaglio Cocidius Mounted In Gold Ring 3ND Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
A Roman black agate intaglio showing Cocidius in a gold ring made of elaborate filigreed wires on a band. The ring is possibly of recent manufacture. Gold and agate. Intaglio Roma...
Agate, Gold, 22k Gold
Gold Ring With Swan Agate Roman Cameo 2nd-3rd century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 2nd – 3rd century Top size: 18 mm x 13 mm Ring size: 4 ½ Weight: 11.83gr The ring is characterized by a cameo from the Roman era, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, c...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Ancient Roman Gold ring with Agate Cameo Fish , circa 2nd Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
The 2nd century ring has a gold frame with two grooves and gold globules welded to the upper junction, where is set a Roman cameo in agate, depicting a fish. This is a subject that w...
Agate, Gold, 22k Gold
Gold Ring With Hare Pinkish Agate Roman Cameo 1st-Century AD
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1st century Ring size: 7 ¾ Dimensions (cameo): 1,9 x 1,4 cm Weight: 5,27 gr This delightful pink agate cameo of Roman production dates back to the 1st century and is set in...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
A gold ring set with a 18th century carnelian intaglio. Bust of Emperor Galba.
Located in London, GB
Intaglio 12x16 mm US size 7.25 - UK size O½ - FR 55 Total weight 5,83 gr Intaglio : 18th century Mounting: 20th century An exquisite carnelian intaglio of the 18th century depicting...
Carnelian, Gold
18kt Yellow Gold Agate Lady Profile Cameo Ring Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: late 19th century Ring size: 12 Dimensions (cameo): 21 mm Weight: 9,6 gr Il cammeo, databile alla fine del XIX secolo, è realizzato in agata e inserito in una montatura in ...
Agate, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dubini Ancient Egyptian Scarab Black Stone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI ring features an ancient Egyptian scarab circa 1085-713 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold. A black stone scarab with an oval body and a gently rounded upper side detailing the...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Roman 22ct Gold Agate Cameo Ring, She-Wolf of Rome, 3rd Century
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: III century Top Size: 22mm Ring size: 7 1/2 Weight: 17,25 gr The cameo refers to the Roman production of the 3rd century, is made of agate and inserted in a 22-carat yellow ...
22k Gold
Dubini Helios Sun God Ancient Silver Coin 18 K Yellow Gold Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI coin ring from the 'Empires' collection features an authentic silver coin from Rhodos dating circa 307-304 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold. Coin Ø 19mm DEPICTED ON COIN: O...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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.
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.