Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central pearl and diamonds.
Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Cluster Rings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central pearl and diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds Amethyst Pearl Rose White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in rose and white gold, 14 kt, embellished with diamonds 0.56 ct, amethysts from ct 3.00 / g 0.60, beads and an elegant central pearl of g 4.24 / mm 14. Total weight g...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl
Pearl, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by a flower of diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k gold emerald and mother of pearls ring
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Very special ring with an oval in mother of pearls and by side a emerald princess cut, mis 14 eu .gr gold 18k 23.
Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
Diamonds, Pearls, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with rows of diamonds with a little pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearls, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Diamonds 1.20 ct Pearls 3.50 gr central pearl 10 mm lateral pearls 8.5 mm Total Weight 7.90 gr RF +OGIA RK.AOII102 Italian Size 18 Usa Size 8.34 French Size 58 The ring can be sized...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Brown and White Diamond Pearl Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
A twist of brown and white diamonds are surrounding a shiny pearl. All in mounted in 14Kt white gold. Ring Size: US 6.5 - ITA 14 - French 54 - UK N Tot Weight 14.7 gr Diamonds 4.80Kt...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
12, 5 Mm White Pearl, Diamonds, Platinum Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in platinum structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by details studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Pearl, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by a flower of rubies and diamonds.
Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Diamond Ruby Emerald Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Precious ring in 14kt gold and details in white gold composed of a central pearl surroundes by a crown of diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Ring Size: US 7.5 - ITA 16 - French 56 - ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl And Diamond Ring Mother-of-Pearl Déco Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This South Sea pearl and diamond ring features an untreated pearl of 16mm diameter.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Important White Gold Ring with Australian Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Gazzaniga (BG), IT
Beautiful cocktail ring in 750 white gold. Incredible large central Australian pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Leo Pizzo South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in New York, NY
Ring size - 7.5, ring top - 15mm wide. Marked: Leo Pizzo, 750, Italian mark.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Pearls, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central sapphire surrounded by diamonds, pearls and sapphires.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Pearls, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds, pearls and rubies.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Diamond Pearl Precious Stone Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Enhance your look with this charming ring in 14Kt white gold and rose gold, composed of diamonds and blue sapphires and emeralds which surround 3 little pearls with a diameter of 2/3...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold
Alex Jona Pearl 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat white gold with double kind round pearls. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for the exc...
Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea Pearl 17.5mm Diamond Cocktail Ring Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond ring features an untreated pearl of 17.5mm diameter.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl, 14 Karat White and Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 14 karat white and rose gold mounted with a pearl in the central part.
Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Silver Grey Tahitian Pearl 1.72 carats Diamonds Gold Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
A Silver gray Tahitian pearl and white diamonds ring from the collection "Purity Di Perle" from FERRUCCI ., in a modern swirl design to compliment the delicate unique class of a soph...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Gold, Silver
Victorian 14K Gold Chrysoprase, Pearl & Diamond Ring, Circa 1837
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This delicate Victorian European ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and weighs 3.7 grams, offering a refined balance of elegance and historical charm. At its center sits a chrys...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
ALESSANDRA DONA Tahiti Pearl Ring with Rhodolite pink gold
Located in Amsterdam, NL
ALESSANDRA DONA Tahiti Pearl ring with rhodolite in pink gold. This Tahiti pearl ring demonstrates the out-of-the-box thinking of Italian jewellery designer Alessandra Donà.
Rhodolite, Pearl, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Chanel Gold CC Double Pearl Ring
By Chanel
Located in Pasadena, CA
Chanel Gold CC Double Pearl Ring *Marked 16 *Made in Italy -It is approximately US size 5.5, it can be slightly adjusted.
Tahiti Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with a pearl and diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,200Sale Price|25% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold Mother of Pearl and Diamond Ring with Mabe Pearl Center
Located in New York, NY
Classic and elegant best describes this 18 karat yellow gold ring. The ring centers a mabe pearl in a bezel setting. Three mother of pearl triangles along with 0.53 carats of round b...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold, Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Vintage cluster ring in 14k white gold structure, mounted with a big south sea pearl in the centre (13mm), surrounded by 30 little diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cocktail Pearl Ring with White Diamonds and Micromosaic
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Experience a celestial awakening with the Saturno ring, a masterpiece that transports you to the wonders of the cosmos. At its heart, a mesmerizing Australian gold pearl, encircled ...
White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Embrace Rose Gold with Cabochon Mother Pearl Cocktail Ring
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Angeletti Wave Rose Gold With Cabochon Mother of Pearl Cocktail Ring. New Wave Version, Designed and Manifactured in Rome. Available in Different Size. Gold Weight is Around 8 Grams ...
Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Black and White Pearl Diamond Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The black and white pearl and diamond ring features a playful design with two pearls of 12mm diameter each.
White Diamond, Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, W...
$9,525Sale Price|25% Off
La Nouvelle Bague 1.80 Carat Diamond and Pearl Ring
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
A 12mm South Sea Pearl is set in a swirl of round brilliant white diamonds ,in this 18 karat white gold cocktail ring.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This stunning 18-karat white gold band ring embodies the pinnacle of elegance and luxury. Designed with impeccable precision, the ring boasts a surface studded with diamonds that cap...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pearl, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silve Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
South-Sea Pearl, Diamonds, Amethysts, Pearls, 14Kt Rose Gold and White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful retrò ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with a central south-sea pearl ( 14 mm ) surrounded by amethysts, diamonds and little pearls.
Amethyst, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Mid Century 8.5 mm. Black Pearl Platinum Coiled Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Marvelous Mid Century vintage ring of Italian origin Ring as been hand crafted during the 50’s of solid Platinum The fine workmanship stands out for the remarkable coiled texture des...
Black Pearl, Platinum
Topaz, Sapphires, Diamonds, Pearls, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by flowers and leaves studded with micro pearls, sapphires, diamonds and topaz.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
18 Kt White Gold Toi & Moi Pearl & Diamond Ring
By Orologio / Joël Glecer
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLD TOI & MOI RING WITH DIAMONDS AND PEARLS MATERIAL: 18kt white gold WEIGHT: 9.1 gr / 5.8 dwt DIAMONDS: Top Quality brilliant cut diamonds,0.48 g PEARLS: 9.7 mm S...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
White and Gray Australian Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fascinating ring in 18kt yellow gold composed of two pearls one white and one gray pearl with two diamonds. diamonds 0.08kt pearl 2.70gr tot weight 8gr Ring Size: Italian Size: 13.5 ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine Pearl Yellow Diamond Cluster Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An exuberant, jewel-box composition built around color, light, and volume rather than restraint. This ring brings together a constellation of aquamarines, softly glowing pearls, and ...
Aquamarine, Yellow Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Cartier Tortue Diamond Mother Of Pearl Rose Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Rose Gold Mother of Pearl Diamond Tortue Ring by Cartier. With 1 round brilliant cut diamond VS1 clarity, E color. Details: Ring Size: 5 1/4 Width: 9mm Weight: 4.1 grams Stamped...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Fish Ring Diamond Pearl Onyx Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The fish ring with diamonds features a fish holding a South Sea pearl of 11.5mm diameter in its mouth.
White Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, 18k...
Nathalie Jean Limited Edition Sterling Silver Pearl Hoya Carnosa Sculpture Ring
By Nathalie Jean
Located in Milan, Lombardia
With their delicate, curved, free-form surfaces, the elements of this sculptural statement ring in sterling silver fold and unfold with harmony and grace like glittering shell fragme...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
9mm Akoya Pearl Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
18K White Gold Ring featuring a 9mm Akoya Pearl and a captivating design with a 1.16 ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Snake/Swirl pattern. Weighing 10 grams, this ring is designed to f...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
South-Sea Pearl, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central south-sea pearl surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond ring features three pearls of 10mm diameter.
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Betony Vernon "String of Pearls Massage Ring" Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Designed in 1996, the "String Of Pearls Massage Ring" is a Paradise Found classic.
Pearl, Sterling Silver
$1,115Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style 0.20 Carat Emerald Pearl Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping, please contact the seller with a private message to solve the problem. We can ship every...
Emerald, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Emeralds Pearl White and Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Very elegant 14 kt rose and white gold ring, enriched with leaflets alternating with fabulous 2.63 ct emerald stones, 0.06 ct diamonds and a 1.2 g pearl as centerpiece. Total weight...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Nathalie Jean 18kt Yellow Gold Nakkar Ring with Japanese Cultured Pearl
By Nathalie Jean
Located in Milan, Lombardia
Realised by hand in Nathalie Jean's atelier, Nakkar Ring pays homage to the pearl, a symbol of divinity, royalty and luxury that has fascinated and inspired since the dawn of time. A...
Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Pearl Yellow Gold and White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
14kt yellow gold petals mets white gold petals, all of them are adorned of diamonds and surrounded a central pearl, also the ring has decorations on it. Ring Size: US 8 - ITA 17 - Fr...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Scorpio Zodiac Cocktail Ring Diamonds Pearl Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
Its color and excellent luster have not been enhanced in any way. The ring is one-of-a-kind. It was handmade in our own workshop in Italy with uniquely expert workmanship by gran mae...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Pearl 16mm Diamond Onyx Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond ring features a splendid pearl of 16mm diameter.
White Diamond, Onyx, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
South Sea Pearl 16.5mm Diamond Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The South Sea pearl and diamond ring features a pearl of 16.50mm diameter.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Golden Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This golden pearl and diamond ring features a splendid pearl of 16mm diameter.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Ye...
Tahitian Pearl Diamond Sapphire Briolette Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond ring features a particularly large and attractive pearl of 17.5/18mm diameter.
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Kt White Gold Big South Sea Pearl & Diamond Ring
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLD RING WITH DIAMONDS & SOUTH SEA PEARL MATERIAL: 18kt white gold WEIGHT: 9.7 GR DIAMONDS: CIRCA 1.02 CTS SOUTH SEA PEARL 13.40 MM, FROM AMAZING QUALITY RING SIZE ...
South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
10 Mm Pearl, Emeralds, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by emeralds and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Golden Pearl 18mm Diamond Ring Dome Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The golden pearl and diamond ring features a splendid pearl of 18mm diameter.
White Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Ye...
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.
The pearl has been synonymous with ladylike elegance since the Tudor period — learn what to look for when shopping for vintage and antique pearl jewelry as well as how to tell the origin of a pearl with our handy primer.
Every woman at some point in her life desires a simple strand of pearls. They are elegant, timeless, versatile — just ask Coco Chanel or Jacqueline Kennedy — and valuable. In 1917, Pierre Cartier famously traded a double-strand of natural pearls for a Fifth Avenue mansion, the Cartier brand’s flagship store ever since. And if you were born in the beginning of summer, pearl is the June birthstone.
It is possible to tell where a pearl originated from its appearance. Akoyas are usually round and white — the classic pearl, if you will. South Sea pearls are normally larger and vary in color; orangey yellow ones are not uncommon. Tahitian pearls are mostly black but can also be gray or brown, and between the Akoya and the South Sea varieties in size. Freshwater pearls, or Orientals, run the gamut in terms of color and size, but in shape, they tend to resemble Rice Krispies. Another important distinction is a round pearl versus a baroque pearl. A round pearl is self-explanatory, but there are two types of baroque pearls: symmetrical and asymmetrical. In general, the symmetrical variation commands a higher valuation. Within a strand of pearls, uniformity is prized — the more the individual pearls resemble one another, the more valuable the strand.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the earliest recorded mention of a pearl was in 2206 BC by a Chinese historian. Centuries later, Christopher Columbus made it a point to visit pearl fisheries during his 15th-century exploration of the Caribbean. Since the late-19th century, the Japanese have been at the forefront of cultivating pearls, when jeweler Kokichi Mikimoto successfully cultured the world’s first pearl in 1893.
On 1stDibs, find vintage and antique pearl necklaces, pearl earrings and other accessories.
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.”
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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.
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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.